A lesson in law and order Friday at Lake City High School also shed light on the issue of sexual violence.

Teacher Mallory Cook partnered with the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, and had her Street Law students enact a mock trial dealing with a rape charge involving a teen victim and a teen suspect.

The crime was alleged to have occurred during a party, where the young people were drinking.

Students participated in the mock trial, filling in the courtroom roles of attorneys, witnesses, the defendant and victim. Volunteers, who are professionals in the local legal system, also helped.

"The goal is to have students think critically and creatively with a hands-on approach toward law and the courtroom process. Students will learn that they have a responsibility to our community and each other to become an active citizen by participating in this process," Cook said. "Students will leave my classroom with the idea that their rights matter and that everyone is entitled to their Constitutional rights."

Students also need to learn, Cook said, that they need to take action for themselves and their friends, if physical, emotional and verbal abuse, or sexual assault is occurring.

"They need to step in when a situation begins to get out of hand, such as not leaving their friends alone when they become incapacitated, drunk or passed out," Cook said. "Students must learn to go to a trusted adult to report information on sexual assault and violence to set things right."

Young people also need to understand that while an individual is impaired due to drug or substance use, he or she cannot consent to sexual activity, Cook said.

In her closing argument, in the role of prosecutor, student Lindsay Dekeyser stated: "Just because a girl kisses someone, doesn't mean they want to have sex. They can still say no."

Dekeyser said participating in the mock trial was important to her because: "Rape is a big issue, yet nobody talks about it." Learning the legal process was also important to her, she said, because she wants to be a lawyer for the state some day.

The teen charged with rape in the mock trial was found not guilty.

Camie Wereley, teen education and outreach coordinator for the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, said the outcome is representative of how things usually go in court with cases like this.

Last year NIVPC had 94 reported rapes, and not one went to trial.

"We need to start holding these perpetrators accountable rather than blaming the victim for their behavior," Wereley said. "Like other crimes, it is a minority of perpetrators committing the majority of sexual assaults. This mock trial can help shed light on why so many perpetrators are not being held accountable."

Wereley said teens are at a high risk of sexual assault. The mock trial scenario, scripted by Wereley and others at the violence prevention center, is typical, she said, of a "he said-she said, alcohol-fueled situation."

The goal of the mock trial is awareness and education, Wereley said.

"No one gets ready to go out to a party and thinks, 'Oh, I hope I get raped tonight,'" she said. "Teens especially are not thinking ahead about the potential consequences of alcohol and perpetrators."

Cook said the months of preparation for the trial pay off for the students as they watch the legal process unfold.

"They become very emotional and engaged fighting for justice; no matter which side they are on," Cook said.