Applications to major law schools across the country may be plummeting, but at Laurence School, an independent elementary in Valley Glen, more aspiring legal eagles tested their courtroom prowess this semester, than ever before. For the first time, all forty-plus sixth graders participated in the school’s Award-winning Kids' Court mock trial program, prompting the school to stage two editions of its latest case: Laurence vs. Captain E.J. Smith. In each, 11 and 12-year-olds brought Smith to court for alleged second-degree murder for running the luxury ship into an iceberg and killing thousands of people. Jurors were randomly selected by lottery from a pool of second through fifth grade students who submitted jury questionnaires. Prior to being sworn in, each potential juror was questioned in court by the judge as well as the prosecuting and defense attorneys. The prosecution and defense spent weeks rehearsing their arguments, with coaching from real trial attorneys. However, specific testimony was influenced by the live participation of fellow students, who are courtroom observers and encouraged to ask questions. Given that, the jury in Smith’s first case was hung, while the second jury found him guilty. “The different verdicts demonstrated to students the importance of jury selection and the impact of individual attorneys' arguments,” says Lauren Wolke, Laurence’s head of school and a former trial lawyer who created the program more than two decades ago. Laurence was among the first elementary schools, and remains among a select group, that offer mock trial programs. The goal is to teach kids about the legal system, encourage critical thinking skills and offer the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills.
