Students experience the courtroom, courtesy of Law Day
Law Day, a high school student event, is coordinated by the East Central Ohio ESC and the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, General Trial Division, and sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Bar Association. The event will take place Monday, Feb. 28.
High school students will have an opportunity to witness and observe felony criminal sentencing hearings in the Tuscarawas County courtrooms of Judge Edward Emmett O’Farrell and Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos. Typically, high school government teachers are contacted by the Educational Service Center and a schedule is set. Since courtroom space is limited, participating schools are limited to the number of students and teachers attending. The courtrooms can typically accommodate approximately 90 guests. Schools are anxious to participate, so the judges have agreed to allow for three Law Day events each school year.
Elizabeth Stephenson strongly believes that it is important for students to see the judicial process in action. The intent of Law Day is to include all types of students, including at risk, college bound, and honors. Schools are advised that all students, particularly at risk students, have a chance to attend Law Day to witness the consequences of poor choices.
Judge O’Farrell’s courtroom seats approximately 55 people. Students should arrive at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse by noon and will depart at approximately 1:30 p.m. The following schools will attend Judge O’Farrell’s courtroom: Strasburg-Franklin, Garaway, and STAR Alternative School.
Judge Thomakos’ courtroom seats approximately 35 people. Students should arrive at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse by 11:30 a.m. and will depart at approximately 12:45 p.m. The following schools will attend Judge Thomakos’ courtroom: Tuscarawas Central Catholic and Indian Valley.
While in the courtroom, students will be briefed on the court and the criminal process. The students will then witness two sentencing hearings and/or criminal case hearings, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Once the defendant has left the courtroom, the participating court officials, attorneys, court liaisons, and judges, will debrief the students on the proceedings and take their questions.
High school students will have an opportunity to witness and observe felony criminal sentencing hearings in the Tuscarawas County courtrooms of Judge Edward Emmett O’Farrell and Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos. Typically, high school government teachers are contacted by the Educational Service Center and a schedule is set. Since courtroom space is limited, participating schools are limited to the number of students and teachers attending. The courtrooms can typically accommodate approximately 90 guests. Schools are anxious to participate, so the judges have agreed to allow for three Law Day events each school year.
Elizabeth Stephenson strongly believes that it is important for students to see the judicial process in action. The intent of Law Day is to include all types of students, including at risk, college bound, and honors. Schools are advised that all students, particularly at risk students, have a chance to attend Law Day to witness the consequences of poor choices.
Judge O’Farrell’s courtroom seats approximately 55 people. Students should arrive at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse by noon and will depart at approximately 1:30 p.m. The following schools will attend Judge O’Farrell’s courtroom: Strasburg-Franklin, Garaway, and STAR Alternative School.
Judge Thomakos’ courtroom seats approximately 35 people. Students should arrive at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse by 11:30 a.m. and will depart at approximately 12:45 p.m. The following schools will attend Judge Thomakos’ courtroom: Tuscarawas Central Catholic and Indian Valley.
While in the courtroom, students will be briefed on the court and the criminal process. The students will then witness two sentencing hearings and/or criminal case hearings, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Once the defendant has left the courtroom, the participating court officials, attorneys, court liaisons, and judges, will debrief the students on the proceedings and take their questions.
Published: February 21, 2011
