WWBA September 2017 Newsletter

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WWBA 2017 Law Day an Unforgettable Experience
Tereza Shkurtaj and
AngieLee Medina 1
As the kids rushed through
the large double doors of the
United States District Courthouse
with silly grins on their faces, we
knew it was going to be an
eventful and unforgettable experience.
Excitement filled the hallways
as the students were asked
to undergo protocol. They went
through the magnetometers enduring
court security and giving
up their cellphones, as many
adults do every day. This was
done so that they would feel the
sense of responsibility and maturity
that comes along with visiting
a government building.
They were then asked to find their
seats in the central jury room,
where they would be greeted by
speakers of various positions of
authority.
The room was full of diverse
faces with discussions between
students, teachers, parents, and
government officials. Yet, the
moment that the Honorable Lisa
M. Smith took the floor, there
was absolute quiet. She clearly
introduced herself to the children
of P.S. 23 and the rest of her
guests, which this year included
Rye Neck’s very own Westchester
County Champion Mock Trial
Team and children of Court
employees. It was refreshing to
see the equal respect that came
from both the younger and older
students as Judge Smith spoke
about her position as a Magistrate
Judge for the Southern District
of New York.
Deborah Scalise, an ethics
lawyer and one of Law Day’s
hosts, also greeted everyone with
a speech on the importance of
law in the real world. Her explanations,
as well as those of her
colleagues, were beautifully delivered
for the understanding of
elementary and high school students.
Both judges and lawyers,
including Deputy County Executive
Kevin Plunkett, Assistant U.S.
Robin D. Carton, Deputy County
Executive Kevin Plunkett, Deborah
A. Scalise, Hon. Lisa M. Smith
Attorney Miriam Rocha, WWBA
Past-President Susan Edwards
Colson and WPBA President
Nicholas M. Ward-Willis, spoke
about their duty to practice and
interpret law to protect their clients,
while the Westchester
County Police Officers, the Court
Security Officers and others that
joined us later in the day explained
the significance of enforcing
and abiding by the law.
This year, the students were
also treated to a Mock Trial presentation
presided over by Judge
Smith. The students from the Rye
Neck Mock Trial team re-presented
their case; some portrayed
the lawyers and others
acted as witnesses. The trial was
about a wrongfully prosecuted
young man who sued the county
because he was later found to
be innocent. The other students
hung on every word because
they acted as the Jury and even
rendered a verdict in favor of
the plaintiff!
By the end of each presentation,
students excitedly anticipated
the Westchester County
Police Officers and their equipment
and the police dog. While
explaining the importance of
public safety, and the serious
bravery needed to become an
officer of the law, the officers kept
it fun and educational. Students
met officers from the bomb
squad, saw a trained explosive
locator dog and his partner in
action, and were even allowed
A court security officer speaks to
the students
to look inside the emergency
vehicles and learn about the
functions of equipment. While
in 2016, Law Day’s primary focus
was on the importance of
Miranda Warnings, this year it
showcased the value of the 14th
Amendment. Goody bags were
handed out to children which
included mini Constitutions,
colorful Law Day Pencils and a
packet full of terms and puzzles.
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Members of the Westchester
County Police Department with
students from P.S. 23
Students attending Law Day
learned about their protections
under the 5th and 14th Amendments
and how the government
and the people in the legal field
make sure those rights are guaranteed
and preserved.
Finally, the kids were given
pizza and time to digest everything
they had just heard and
seen. As they ate, the students
continued on page 8 ➥
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association News