CHARLESTON - Several Kanawha County high school students from had the opportunity to prosecute and defend an alleged murderer in Kanawha County Court.
The April 25 case was part of the Steptoe and Johnson's Legal Explorer's Club Mock Trial, a simulated real-life trial held before Kanawha Circuit Court Judge James Stucky.
The students spent several months studying trial components and a first-degree murder case. They were then divided into two teams, representing the prosecution and the defense.
Witnesses were comprised of volunteers, attorneys and paralegals. Family and friends of the students were also part of the crowd and jury.
The students then presented the murder trial, with opening and closing arguments, examinations and cross-examinations.
Legal Explorers is a program facilitated through the Boy Scouts of America and offers students an opportunity to learn about law, law school, legal professions, as well as take place in activities, such as field trips and the mock trial.
In addition to the mock trial, the students have also met with West Virginia College of Law Assistant Dean Janet Armistead to learn about the requirements for enrolling in the College of Law. They also toured the South Central Regional Jail in South Charleston.
