Each year, Judge Curtis Maschman and Clerk Magistrate LaRita Weber, contribute the morning of their Arbor Day holiday to host three groups of fifth grade students from area schools.  Foundation staff were privileged to be able to attend these activities on April 29.

This year, the Pawnee County host team wrote a scenario that led to the fifth graders becoming witnesses to a crime in progress.  The crime was staged by HTRS High School students and involved the passing of prescription drugs from one student to another.  The supplier of the pills was overheard saying, "Go ahead and take them...they won't hurt you.  I got them out of my mother's cabinet this morning."  Subsequently, the one who ingested the pills became ill.  Shortly afterward, Maschman informed the fifth graders that what they had just seen had been staged in preparation for them to participate in a mock trial.

Judge Maschman prepares HTRS students for a mock trial

Sheriff Jayme Reed and County Prosecutor Jennifer Stehlik Ladman discussed with the job shadowers evidence that might be presented in the case.  They also discussed some possible defense strategies.

At the conclusion of the trial, Maschman and Weber demonstrated some of the newer courthouse technologies and contrasted them with the historic record books that have been in existence since the 1800s.  The event was culminated by everyone enjoying Weber's famous "star" cookies that she has baked and decorated for each of the nine years she has served as a Law Day Job Shadowing coordinator.  

The Bar Foundation thanks all of those who serve as Law Day Job Shadowing coordinators and hosts.  Watch for more stories from additional sites in the next issue of Foundation Facts.