Upward Bound Students Participate in Mock Trial
More than 100 Upward Bound students observed or participated in a mock trial held July 20 in the Law School's Moot Court Room. Four high school students in the program, who have also been interning at the Law School this summer, tried a criminal case in front of Judge Viola Taliaferro, JD'77. In addition to the student attorneys, seven high school students served as parties, witnesses, or court staff in the case, and 10 students served as jurors. The other students in the program observed the proceedings.
The School of Law mentored the student attorneys over the summer.
Professor Amy G. Applegate arranged the mentoring program and
was assisted by Professors Earl Singleton,
Alex Tanford, and
Lisa Farnsworth as well as Clinic Coordinator Ginnie Phero.
"The IUPUI Upward Bound program asked us to provide a meaningful opportunity this summer for their students to learn about the legal profession," Applegate said. "They were specifically interested in students observing the legal process and developing their critical-thinking abilities."
Natalie Williams, a senior at Warren Central High School who will attend IU for undergraduate studies this fall, said she gained valuable skills working for the defense. "I've learned critical thinking, definitely," she said. "You have to be very careful not to overlook any facts."
The mock trial was adapted from materials provided by teacher Robert Courtney from the Jackson Creek Middle School Accelerated Learning Program, and Judge Taliaferro was invited to preside at the trial. "Young people really have only observed trials on television. This is one opportunity for them to play these important roles and to get a glimpse of what actually happens in a courtroom," said Taliaferro. "I applaud them for a remarkable task well-done."