By David Fleet
Editor
Brandon Twp.- No actors–the judge, attorneys and defendants were all real–only the courts venue was changed.
On Monday about 200 Brandon High School students packed the high school auditorium for a session of the 52-2 District court with District Court Judge Dana Fortinberry presiding. The three hour session included five real cases from the court ranging from drunk driving to minor in possession to traffic violations.
‘We try to pick the appropriate cases for the kids,? said Fortinberry. Crimes the students may be faced with in the future. The goal is to provide students the tools necessary to avoid criminal activities and better understand the consequences–if I get one student to avoid court I’ve succeeded.?
Fortinberry said selection of cases and defendants are not intended to embarrasses the suspect or students, rather to set an example. Careful scrutiny is given to both defendants and their parents which must accompany the suspect to the court.
So far the results of the in school court has been positive, said Fortinberry. ‘Parents and students approach me and convey there support for the program.?
The in school court session had been conducted in the Clarkston High School prior coming to Brandon High School. Monday’s 52-2 session at Brandon High School was the first time for the district, said Tom Miller, Brandon School District superintendent.
‘We try to could give our kids a true to life experiences with the court in school. It’s a real life situation. The kids realize they could face in everyday life as an adult.?
Earlier this year Miller visited the Clarkston School District and a school court at the high school prior to Fortinberry coming to Brandon.
‘Many of our students read about the court process in the classroom but don’t experience it or watch how our judicial systems works.?
Miller said he’d consider another school court sometime next year.
‘The students were really engrossed in the process, especially when they saw someone only two years older then they were facing jail time.?