WARREN — High schoolers swapped desks and notebooks for courtroom benches and legal pads, as students from Warren G. Harding observed the proceedings at Warren Municipal Court. The visit offered students a unique educational opportunity, exposing them to real-world legal processes and the significant consequences faced by those involved.

Senior Maxwell Chambers shared his thoughts, noting the difference between television dramas and real courtrooms.

“I had an idea from watching shows like ‘Judge Judy,’ but it was different in person,” Chambers said. “It was much more organized than I expected.”

Not far behind in enthusiasm were twins Haley and Hannah Brown.

Haley was struck by the pace of the proceedings. “It was kind of cool to see what actually goes on,” she remarked. “I wasn’t really sure at first, but watching it happen helped me understand more.” Hannah added that the visit answered many of her questions about legal procedures, helping to demystify the court process.

The students observed live arraignments, the first step in a criminal case where a judge informs defendants of the charges against them and their rights, and accepts initial pleas.

As part of an educational initiative led by Judge Natasha K. Natale, these students observed live arraignments, the first step in a criminal case where a judge informs defendants of their charges and rights and accepts initial pleas.

“I want young people to see firsthand how the legal system functions. It’s one thing to learn about the judicial branch in class but another to see it unfold in real time,” Natale said.

The event aligned with the students’ curriculum, as they are currently studying the judicial system in their government classes.

They heard from local legal professionals, including Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman, Public Defender’s Office Director Laura Berzonski, and Warren Police detectives Frank Tempesta and Eric Laprocina.

The professionals detailed their roles in the justice system, answered questions and engaged in discussions about real-world legal proceedings.

“The students asked incredibly thoughtful questions,” Natale said. “They wanted to know about crime scene investigations, the grand jury process and even the emotional toll of police work. It was a meaningful exchange that humanized the system for them.”

Wildman, the assistant prosecutor, praised the court for its outreach efforts.

“The students were attentive and asked great questions,” he said. “Judge Natale is doing a great job in bridging the gap between the community and the justice system.”

Natale hopes to continue the initiative and plan future visits.

“This is about making the legal process less intimidating,” she said. “People fear what they don’t understand. If these students walk away with a clearer picture of how the system works, then we’ve made an impact.”