FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Bob Wesley
July 19, 2006

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S SUMMER LAW CAMP WRAPS UP WITH MOCK TRIALS

(ORLANDO) – Six weeks of hard work comes to an end for nearly 100 Orange County middle school students who have been participating in the Summer Law Camp program sponsored by Orange/Osceola Public Defender Bob Wesley.

Since June 5, students attending the Orange County After School All Stars summer programs at Stonewall Jackson, Lee, Carver and Memorial Middle Schools, as well as students attending the Callahan Neighborhood Center’s summer programs, have been preparing for a mock trial.

The mock trials will take place at the Orange County Courthouse (435 N. Orange Ave.) in courtroom 19B at the following times:

• Wednesday, July 19 - 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Stonewall Jackson Middle School
• Wednesday, July 19 - 1:30 - 3 p.m. - Lee Middle School
• Thursday, July 20 - 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Carver Middle School
• Thursday, July 20 - 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Memorial Middle School
• Friday, July 21- 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Callahan Neighborhood Center

“This program is a great opportunity to introduce students to legal system concepts,” explained Orange/Osceola Public Defender Bob Wesley. “The kids learn that television doesn’t necessarily portray court cases accurately. It’s fun to see them get into the roles, but it’s also gratifying to know they’re getting a civics lesson through hands-on experience.”

The sixth through eighth graders have been taking on various courtroom roles as they prepare to stage “State v. Maggie Sellers,” an exaggerated version of a recent 9th Circuit theft case. Attorneys and legal interns from the Public Defender’s Office have been assisting the students in their preparation.

Over the course of the summer camp, students have learned basic legal principles as well as criminal courtroom terminology and procedures. The mock trials provide the students the opportunity to use their new knowledge as they portray the judge, defendant, attorneys, witnesses and jurors during these proceedings.

Following each mock trial, a reception will be held in the Public Defender’s building.