Zephyr Cove Elementary School 2nd graders learn about legal system with mock trial

STATELINE, Nev. - The second-grade classes from Zephyr Cove Elementary School were able to get a first-hand experience of how the justice system works. Judge Michael Johnson of the Tahoe Township Justice Court greeted the enthusiastic students of teachers Marissa Besson and Brittney Boulet and provided an eye-opening and educational experience.

The young students had the unique opportunity to step into the world of law and justice, getting a firsthand understanding of the legal system by actively engaging them in a mock trial. Each student was assigned various roles, including that of a judge, clerk, bailiff, defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, and jury member. Both teachers were charged with the pretend crime of assigning too much homework, and the student jurors rendered guilty verdicts.

The students were also given a tour of the jail beneath the courtroom by Douglas County Sheriff Captain David Stanley. The students were assured they were too young to be sent to the jail, then shown some of its facilities and provided an explanation as to some of its operations.