DHS teacher Chris Billingsley writes in…

Around 70 Decatur High School students participated in the Emory Mock Trial competition Saturday from 9:00 until 2:00. Students acted as jurors in several criminal trials. Not only did students get to learn about the legal system, they worked with some of the top judges and lawyers from around the country and Emory’s top second year law students.

Students earned a small stipend for their efforts and Emory Law School will make a generous donation to the DEF in honor of the four Decatur High mothers who lost their lives to cancer during the school year.

Special thanks to Decatur High booster, Judge Lindsay Jones and DHS teacher Mr. Beau Dominguez for making this experience happen. Extra special thanks to Mr. Thomas and Ms. Maddox, parents of 9th grade students, for being chaperons. Judge Jones may be able to provide you with more information of the mock trial competition. Enjoy the pics. They will come in batches.

I was especially impressed with the number of Muslim students participating. I am hopeful that by participating in these types of experiences, Islamic students will develop a greater appreciation for the U.S. legal system.

After the jump…it looks like some students even found time for a little lunchtime dancing… Read the rest of this entry »