Mr. Turner
McPherson 8th graders learn about the judicial branch at the Fullerton Courts.

On Thursday, October 10, and Tuesday, October 15, 8th grades went to the Fullerton Justice Center. The Fullerton Justice Center is a California court that deals with cases from infractions and misdemeanors to felonies. Students learned about the judicial system and how the court system worked by visiting different courts while they were in session.

“We got to see a dude [who was arrested] for stealing some Pringles and a pack of gum. He didn’t just go to jail for that because when he was getting arrested he got in a fight with the police officer,” said 8th grader Savanah Barragan.

Students also go to meet and talk to a couple of judges, which was an amazing experience. The judges explained parts of the legal system and took questions from the students.

In another court, a sheriff’s deputy spoke with the students about her job and showed different weapons that people had tried to sneak past the metal detectors at the court.

In the end, students participated in a mock trial where several students were able to play different roles. including lawyers. Ethan Bonnell and Garrett Kerr played the part of the judge.