SHARE:  
Contact Us: (800) 894-7201
THE PESA POST
The latest news, views and announcements from
Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action

March 30, 2023
A Day of Law, Constitutional Procedure and Teen Court
PESA partners with Loyola Law School to host middle and high schoolers on campus
Earlier this year, PESA LLS, Loyola Law School’s PESA club reached out to staff in hopes of hosting high school students and educating them about the law. Fremont High School was chosen to participate, given how active PESA staff have been on their campus, from supporting mock trials and Teen Court sessions to providing civic engagement and classroom support. Bethune Middle School students also joined the field trip. LLS students and PESA staff planned a whole day of educational programming and jury training, culminating in an actual Teen Court session hosted on the law school campus.

PESA LLS began the day by delivering a presentation on constitutional rights. The presentation outlined rights that protect you in interactions with law enforcement. They also engaged the youth in meaningful discussions about the criminal process. Additionally, they conducted a law school tour that highlighted Loyola Law’s campus atmosphere and educational opportunities. 

Finally, during the day’s Teen Court session, Fremont students had the opportunity to take on roles as jurors, while Bethune students took on roles as the bailiff and clerk. Honorable Michael D. Carter, Director of the Los Angeles Superior Court Teen Court Program, presided over the session. The case involved a minor charged with petty theft and aiding and abetting. Officers had responded to a robbery call at a smoke and vape shop involving two other individuals.

Given that several of the students were first time jurors, Judge Carter educated the students about the provisions of Teen Court sessions, and engaged them in meaningful questioning of the minor and their parent. Then, the jurors asked the minor follow up questions that guided them to reflect on their actions while ensuring that all the facts of the case were brought to light. Jurors asked about the minor’s home life, relationships, and how to best support them in their future. 

After all the facts were presented, the jury deliberated about the minor’s actions. The focal point of the discussion was whether or not the minor was culpable of the charges. The students, per usual, demonstrated remarkable clarity of thought in their deliberations and decision-making. 

Brian Gilmartin, the President of PESA LLS and a third-year law student shares that, "Friday's Teen Court was a great example of how PESA, Loyola Law Students, and the youth in our community can come together to make the change they want to see in the world."

If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.