New Castle Career Center Criminal Justice Students Participate in Mock Trial
The New Castle Career Center's Criminal Justice program recently hosted a two-day mock trial featuring a seven-person jury. This mock trial is a crucial part of the dual-credit program, allowing students to learn the intricate functions of the judicial system and court proceedings and acquire essential skills needed to maintain law and order.
Instructor Don Showalter leads the Criminal Justice program, which includes various aspects of the Criminal Justice System, Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security. Students can opt for either a one or two-year program, gaining knowledge through courses like Law and Public Safety, Law Enforcement Fundamentals, and Corrections and Cultural Awareness. Additionally, the program offers an opportunity for students to earn their Basic Emergency Telecommunicator Certification.
Mock Trial Prepares Students for Careers in Criminal Justice
Georgetown University Law Center produced the mock trial, "New Columbia vs. Chris Archer.” The simulated trial centered around a college student facing first-degree murder and criminal hazing accusations after a prospective fraternity/sorority member tragically fell to their death with a blood alcohol level of 0.10.
Every student participated in various roles throughout the trial. “Every student in the morning and afternoon classes had a role in the trial. We had a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, witnesses, and a jury,” said Showalter. “The students performed every job.”
Because there are twenty students in the morning Criminal Justice program class,some students assumed additional witness roles to ensure everyone had a role in the trial. With only twelve students, the afternoon class required some students to take on multiple witness roles.
Defendant Found Guilty in Mock Trial
The trial spanned two days for both classes and in each case, the fraternity president was found guilty of murder and hazing. The evidence presented during the trial revealed that the fraternity president had pushed the victim off a clock tower and had coerced the victim into consuming alcohol against their will.
Within the Criminal Justice program, all students will participate in simulated trials. To ensure diversity in their experiences, Showalter will modify the trials so that students enrolled in the two-year program will not repeat the same trial.
Additionally, Showalter intends to organize a visit to the Justice Center during the academic year, enabling students to observe a real trial firsthand. Justice Center judges are collaborating to identify a trial suitable for the students’ learning objectives.
Visit nccareercenter.org for more information about the Criminal Justice program and other programs available through the New Castle Career Center.