I teach in the Social Studies Department at LCHS. I had the opportunity to take my Street Law classes to the Kootenai County Courthouse for a field trip recently. During the field trip my students got a tour of the courthouse, observed a trial, and worked with the Honorable Judge Lansing Haynes, Judicial Staff Attorneys Buck Pennington, Casey Riedner, Katie Bilodeau, and Jillian Potts, as well as Bailiffs Todd Hartman and Adam Reames.

Students witnessed a real-life application of the law. Judge Haynes educated students on courtroom procedures and people’s rights, and then had the students think critically on typical cases that he presides over. I was grateful for his willingness to work with this group of students.

It is imperative that our teens gain knowledge of legal terms and courtroom processes. This field trip assisted my students in preparing for their own Mock Trial in April which covers a range of topics such as teen dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, phone harassment, battery, and disturbing the peace. Their Mock Trial allows them to synthesize and demonstrate their knowledge of the courtroom process creatively and critically so you can see why this educational field trip was so valuable for them.

Our schools need funding for field trips that make their educational experience relevant. Thankfully, the Social Studies department was able to use a small portion of its budget to support this field trip. Thanks to all those who make a difference for our future.

MALLORY COOK

Dalton Gardens