WASHINGTON — Students in D.C. acted as lawyers and judges on Saturday at the 2024 Youth Law Fair.
It's the 25th anniversary of the free program that teaches students how our legal system works.
About 150 students were invited to the D.C. Superior Court for this hands-on approach.
Sixteen-year-old Miles Johnson-Dean acted as a Judge and felt powerful the moment he put on the black robe.
“It’s good to know how it goes down in the courtroom and learn not only how there is justice but how it is being delivered and how it can even be incorporated into it. Being a part of a mock trial is really important to me,” Johnson-Dean said.
This experience is a part of the Melvin R. Wright Youth Law Fair. At the free event, students work with licensed attorneys and mentors to get an expanded view of our legal system.
This year’s theme: “The Ride You Can’t Afford to Take.” Students examine cases related to carjacking due to the rise of incidents in the area.
“Our goal is basically to get kids involved in our system in a positive way – not by being arrested, but by being a part of helping the community grow," said Melvin R. Wright, Former judge and co-creator of the law fair. "One of the ways to stop crime is to educate people on what’s available to them."
The goal is to get a 360 view of the inner workings of the courtroom, question a case in a mock trial and potentially open the door to higher education in the legal world.
“I have a lot more knowledge towards it and if I find a career path towards it I’ll take it all the way and see if I can make a change in my community when I grow up,” Johnson-Dean said.
In this courtroom, knowledge is power and Saturday's experience can impact a young person’s future for years to come.