2008 Annual Report - Superior Court of California - County of Los ...

grade children from Laguna Nueva,
Rosewood Park, Macy and Bell Gardens
middle schools observed one of their
classmates ostensibly steal
methamphetamine and realize the legal
and personal consequences of that act.
A climactic scene portrayed a simulated
trial before a real judge, in black robe,
seated beneath the seal of the Los Angeles
Superior Court. To his right was seated a
deputy public defender at counsel table. To
his left, a deputy district attorney. The
bailiff called the courtroom to order and
announced the name of the presiding
hearing officer.
As the scene played out, most of the
student audience remained unaware that
the proceeding was fabricated. Yes, they
were told, that is a real judge, and that is
what happens when a minor goes to court.
As the drama continued to unfold the audience visited a
simulated emergency room and, at the end, came face to face
with unsuccessful attempts at resuscitation after an overdose
and, finally, a funeral.
In the last scene, a youth counselor presented the minor
and his parent. The child actor was thanked for his
participation in the event to the applause of his school
mates. The counselor asked the children to discuss what
they had seen and what they felt as they observed the
scenes. The answers from each group were the same:
“scared,” “sad” and “worried.”
Los Angeles Superior Court Annual Report 15