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WARREN -- The halls of various courtrooms across Trumbull County were filled Wednesday with students from local high schools looking to gain first-hand insights into the county's legal system.
The day, observed by the county's Bar Association, was marked by a series of engagements aimed at giving students a deeper understanding of law and societal significance.
The event culminated with a lunch at DiLucia's on Elm Road, which brought together attorneys, judges, prosecutors and students.
Keynote addresses were delivered by 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp, attorney Tara T. Keating and Magistrate Kara Leonard Stanford.
County Bar Association President Christopher Schiavone was shadowed by Joseph Badger High School student, Kyleigh Lasko. She had the opportunity to interact with Judge James A. Fredericka and various court officials, learning the operations of the probate court.
"Probate court is very important in our society," Lasko said. "They deal with matters that we don't always think about, but should concern us, and should think about early on like making sure our will is done early because you never know when you'll be gone."
Lasko was able to observe marriage licenses being issued to prisoners and also sat in on some of the criminal proceedings in common pleas court.
Attorney Irene Makadris has participated in the day for several years and said there's value in exposing students to real courtroom proceedings, noting the benefits of witnessing trials and interactions between judges and defendants as they're pleading to offenses. She said she took her students to Warren Municipal Court, Trumbull County Common Pleas Court and the Family / Juvenile court, giving them a well-rounded view of the county's legal system.
Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice had Adam Heckman, a student from Howland High School, shadow him. The judge commended Heckman for his academic character and future aspirations. Heckman said he plans on joining the Naval Academy before applying for law school to pursue a career as an attorney.
Rice said he's participated in the program yearly and has received letters from previous attendees, some of whom he said have become magistrates in common pleas court. He added that one currently works as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
"The average people in our society don't commit crimes and are hardworking people, but we don't get to associate those that we are representing and protecting," Rice said. "So, it's refreshing to be around somebody who's wanting to go to school, get ahead."
Heckman sat in on the criminal proceedings of judges Sean O'Brien and Cynthia Rice. He said he admired the professional setting as he took note of the positive relationships he observed between defense attorneys, judges, probation officers and prosecutors to come to a resolution during each case.
Law Day also provided students like Keira Crouch from Bristol High School with clarity regarding their career paths. Crouch, who is slated to attend Bowling Green in the fall, shadowed Assistant Prosecutor Chris Becker and gained insights into his cases.
"I had never heard of Law Day before today, and just the experience of it has been invaluable," she said. "I wish that more kids would go out and participate in this, even if you're not interested in law, this is something that is just so good for you to see and understand."
Becker said he's participated for 25 years, explaining that the establishment of Law Day goes back to 1958 when it was proclaimed by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
"The strength of democracy is rooted in good governance and the rule of law, which are foundational principles for sustainable democracy," he said. "The law creates the rules under which people can trust that individuals, private and public institutions and entities are fair, responsive, accountable and accessible. With good governance and the rule of law in place, individuals trust that their rights will be protected."
Becker said Crouch has a great future, acknowledging her willingness to learn and her appreciation for the history of the courthouse.
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