As the new school year begins, the commencement of the Los Angeles County Teen Court Program is underway, and students are gearing up for their roles at these sessions. PESA actively assists Teen Court Clubs with jury preparation and training workshops for students who are interested in actively participating as a juror, bailiff, or clerk.
One of PESA's partner schools, Ulysses S. Grant High School, successfully held its first juror training workshop on September 12th with over 15 students. PESA Community Representative Elizabeth Sosa, conducted the juror training workshop, and provided attendees with an invaluable opportunity to learn about civic responsibilities. In this training, students learned what to expect at a session, how to inquire information from the minor, the deliberation process, and rehabilitative conditions of diversion. This hands-on experience empowers students with a deeper understanding of the law and equips them with lifelong advocacy skills.
Mrs. Johnson, an English Teacher and Grant’s Teen Court Advisor, reflects on PESA's juror training workshop: “Juror training is an excellent way to prepare students for the real case because students learn about proper questioning techniques and how to interact professionally with the judicial officer, the minor and their family.”
The juror training also cultivated critical thinking, impartial judgment, and the ability to evaluate evidence objectively—skills that not only apply to juror members but are essential for academic and personal growth. As Angellyn, a participant in the workshop, attests, “I found juror training enlightening because it not only enhances our understanding of the Teen Court program, but it contributes to a fair and just operation of the Court.”
Nensi, the Club's student president, also agrees that “This workshop was beneficial for our members because it provides them with a practical understanding of real case proceedings, students learned how to formulate questions and received guidance on their approach, and overall boosted attendance for our first Teen Court case.”
Juror training workshops are a testament to PESA's commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching experience for students involved in the Teen Court program. In the long-run, PESA is fostering a generation of leaders who will actively participate in our civic responsibility.
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