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Page 10A THE BEACON August 2018
Students Get an Inside Look at Law , Politics , and the American Way
High school students have a unique opportunity to experience the law and the legal system on the other side of the bench- the side most don ’ t see where attorneys , judges , and prosecutors work every day . The program is called Leadership in Law , a one-week intensive program created through the collaborative efforts of the offices of Judge Sally McLaughlin and the Prosecutor for Dearborn and Ohio Counties , Lynn Deddens .
For the past eight years , Leadership in Law has been offered to students entering their sophomore , junior , or senior years of high school . The program provides an opportunity for these students to gain invaluable insight into careers in law , law enforcement , and government . They get to be involved in crime scene technology followed by real court experience by participating in a mock trial .
The program began at the start after a crime was suspected . Students experienced firsthand how police officers and prosecutors initiate criminal cases and the filing
Logan Gilb presents strong evidence during mock trial .
of criminal charges . They learned that , if probable cause exists , prosecutors file formal charges only if they believe that a suspect can be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt . The parameters of an initial hearing , as well as the rights of a defendant , were also presented to the students .
Crime scene investigation was the next part of the Leadership in Law program . Students went to a mock crime scene and participated in the identification and collection of evidence . Crime scene technology discussion includes
Law Day participants- Front row Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Watson , Tyler Lambert , Savanna Rummel , Makenna Dixon , Jacqueline Ketcham , Judge Sally McLaughlin , Attorney Leslie Votaw . Back Row Riley Lambert , Assistant Police Chief David Schneider , Craig Platt , Logan Gilb , Bailee Batch , Deryk Tibbs , Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens , Attorney Jared Ewbank
the identification and collection of physical evidence . The students learned how to collect and preserve evidence , photograph crime scenes , and reconstruct the scenes .
Students were assigned a real case and a particular role in that case . This year ’ s case was based upon the 2003 conviction of Roger Dale Holbrook for murdering his ex-wife .
Pre-trial and discovery hearings were held in the courtroom as if the trial was real . Students were assigned to the prosecution or defense and met with the appropriate professionals who guided them through the judicial process .
Judge McLaughlin oversaw the proceedings and shared her wealth of knowledge with the students about aspects of the legal process from the viewpoint of a defense attorney , a prosecutor , and a judge . She also shared information about the JCAP program and its relevance to the court system .
Prosecutor Lynn Deddens discussed her experience as a prosecutor . She guided the prosecutorial team as they prepared for the mock trial .
Students learned what is entailed in reviewing evidence and obtaining probable cause and search warrants . Investigator Shane McHenry , Detective Barry Bridges , and Detective Gena Allen volunteered their time to assist the students in carrying out their duties in the case .
Megan Platt , the current intern for Judge McLaughlin , participated in Leadership in Law when she was a senior in high school . The program played a pivotal part in influencing her decision to become an attorney . Ms . Platt is currently a student at Chase College of Law . She worked firsthand with the students and shared insights about her path
Craig Platt presents evidnece for identification to the witness Makenna Dixon during testimony .
to law school with them .
Leadership in Law proved successful once again as students learned firsthand what they would experience as they move forward in whatever legal capacity they choose to pursue . The program is slated to be offered again next year . Information about applying for this program can be obtained from area high school
Ashby Foster
U . S . Air Force Airman
Airman Ashby Foster
Ashby Foster graduated from basic military training after completing an eightweek program that included training in Air Force core values , military discipline and studies , physical fitness , and basic warfare principles and skills .
Airman Foster also earned four credits toward an associate in applied science degree .
Airman Foster is the daughter of Charity Foster of Lawrenceburg , and David Foster guidance counselors
The future will prove interesting as the community watches to see which paths are chosen by this year ’ s participants in the 2018 Leadership in Law program .
To learn what the verdict of the outcome of the mock trial was , seek out a student who participated in it . Their answers may surprise you .
of Brookville . She is a 2015 graduate of Lawrenceburg High School
Thomas L . Lovins
U . S . Air Force Airman Thomas L . Lovins graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland , San Antonio , Texas .
The airman completed an intensive , eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies , Air Force core values , physical fitness , and basic warfare principles and skills .
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force .
Airman Lovins is the son of Jennifer and step-son of Roy Heringer of Wilmington , Ohio . He is a 2015 graduate of
Lawrenceburg High School .
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