South Atlanta Law, Douglass and Carver Technology Students Celebrate Law Month with a Mock Trial

In observence of Law Month, Atlanta City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong and the Atlanta Municipal Court hosted more than a dozen students from South Atlanta High School of Law and Social Justice, Frederick Douglass High School and Carver School of Technology during a day of education about the judicial system.

Law Month, a national observance during the month of May, is designed to educate the public about the court and justice system in the United States.

The mock trial was sponsored by T.A.T.O.O, (Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles) – a nonprofit organization that strives to create opportunities for under-served youth. The objective of the mock trial was to expose students to the role of the judicial systems in today’s society.  The mock trial involved a stand your ground criminal case, using information the students learned from the recent death of teen Trayvon Martin.

Special guest during the trial was the Honorable Crystal A. Gaines, Chief Judge of the Atlanta Municipal Court.

Christian Smith, Chief of Staff for the office of Councilmember Natalyn Archibong presided.

“This mock trial enabled the student to gain a better grasp of the judicial system beyond what is often shown in a sound bite on television,” said Councilmember Archibong, a graduate of the Atlanta Public Schools who also spoke to the students about the American legal system and careers in law. “I would like to thank the municipal court for opening their doors to these students which allowed them to learn such a great lesson. Undoubtedly, from the day’s trial, we have some great aspiring legal minds on the horizon.”

At the desk is defense attorney Jasmine Thomas, 11th grade. In the next row are defense attorneys Avis Rippy and Taereco Wilborn, 11th graders. In the following row are defense witnesses Tyessia Roundtree, 9th grade (defendant’s fiancée), Kornelius Taylor, 11th grade (neighbor) and the defendant Oscar Jordan, 11th grade. All participated in a recent mock trial sponsored by T.A.T.O.O, (Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles) – a nonprofit organization that strives to create opportunities for under-served youth.

Defense Attorneys and their witnesses discuss the mock trial testimony. Standing is witness Tyessia Roundtree, 9th grade (defendant’s fiancée). Seated at the desk is defense attorney Jasmine Thomas, 11th grade. Immediately behind her is defense attorney Taereco Wilborn, 11th grade, defense attorney Avis Rippy, 11th grade, and the defendant Oscar Jordan (green shirt) 11th grade.