The Case of the Litterbug
On December 16, twenty-five fourth graders from New City School in St. Louis arrived at the courthouse to continue a tradition that dates back more than 20 years. Without knowing anything more than court etiquette, the students prepared to be jurors, witnesses, and attorneys. They were here to try a (fictional) case against one of their fellow students who was observed littering in the community garden.
The Preparation
The day began with orientation in the Jury Assembly Room. The jurors learned about their duties during and after the trial. The attorneys prepared their witnesses with a little help from adult mentors. The prosecution was ably assisted by Assistant United States Attorney Nauman Wadalawala, while the defense attorney teamed up with New City School parent volunteer (AKA – “Dad”). When the attorneys were prepared, the group headed to the courtroom.
The (Mock) Trial
The case was presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Shirley Mensah. After the jury was sworn in, they carefully listened to opening statements by both sides and then the evidence against the defendant. Once closing arguments concluded, the jury went into deliberation and found out just how difficult it is to reach a unanimous consensus. At the end of the day, the defense won an acquittal!
Chat with Judge Mensah
After the case ended, the students had the opportunity to chat with Judge Mensah. They were especially curious about what happens when a jury cannot agree, but their questions touched on topics ranging from how she became a judge to how she emerges from the wall. Of course, no visit to the Thomas F. Eagleton federal courthouse is complete without a trip to the 28th floor to get a bird’s eye view of St. Louis AND to the first floor for a scavenger hunt in the Judicial Learning Center.
