Law week 2018 : engaging stuDents anD setting the stage for the future law Week Committee Chairs : Stephanie Generotti – Cole , Scott & Kissane & Dane Heptner – Perenich Caulfield Avril & Noyes , P . A .
This year ’ s Law Week theme , “ Separation of Powers , Framework for Freedom ,” was the focus of our Law Week activities , which were intended to engage local students and enhance their understanding of one of the basic principles of American Democracy .
On September 19 , 1796 , in his farewell address , President George Washington stressed the importance of controlling the potential abuse of governmental power by maintaining the constitutionally established separation of powers among the three branches of our government : “ The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power ; by dividing and distributing it into different depositories , and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others , has been evinced by experiments ancient & modern ; some of them in our country and under our own eyes .” Illustrating the importance of this principle to students in our community is one way to set the stage for the future and ensure that this critical aspect of American Democracy is not lost . And that ’ s what our Law Week activities were designed to do .
This year ’ s activities included courthouse tours , an art competition ,
Students visited the Courthouse and Judge Scionti ’ s courtroom during Law Week .
“… i say , that power must never be trusted without a check .” — John adams , adams – Jefferson Letters
mock trials , and classroom speakers . More than 80 lawyers and judges volunteered to assist in engaging students and reinforcing the importance of our democracy ’ s system of checks and balances , while at the same time allowing students to positively interact with the legal system .
The art competition featured 21 submissions . From artwork depicting Lady Justice with three children , each signifying a branch of the government , to a sculpture of a gavel with the handle breaking into three branches representing the division of power , the entries were truly innovative and inspiring , showing real consideration and understanding of this year ’ s Law Week theme . If you didn ’ t get a chance to see the entries , make sure to check out the winning pieces at the HCBA Law Day Luncheon on May 9 !
At the courthouse , attorneys and judges provided tours and spoke with students , giving them insight into how justice is carried out on a daily basis and providing a unique opportunity to ask questions . In classrooms across Hillsborough County , volunteers spoke to students about the separation of powers and careers in the law . Volunteers also assisted in carrying out mock trials with students , allowing students to experience courtroom roles .
On behalf of the HCBA and the Young Lawyers Division , thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and expertise to make Law Week an incredible experience for over 3,750 Hillsborough County students ! The impact that these positive interactions had with our lawyers and judges cannot be properly quantified — surely many of this year ’ s volunteers have made an impact on students and perhaps inspired future leaders who will help maintain the separation of powers that provides the foundation of our democracy .
Author : Melissa A . Foss - Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Legal Department
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