All rise! Court was in session for fourth graders from the Binghamton City School District who visited United States District Court this week. The field trip was part of the Open Doors to Federal Court program which is designed to engage students in the role of the federal judicial system.
Classes had the opportunity to visit a courtroom at the Binghamton Courthouse where they spoke with various people who work within the justice system. US Magistrate Judge Hon. Miroslav Lovric welcomed students to the courtroom and discussed the role of federal court. New York State Trooper Vargeson then introduced students to K9 Rowe and shared his experience as a K9 handler and the type of work he and Rowe do. Students then met Assistant US Attorney Kristen Grabowski and defense attorney Justin Lange, each of whom explained their jobs prosecuting and defending individuals charged with crimes.
The main event of the visit, however, was the Trial of the Big Bad Wolf. With their teachers in the roles of the wolf and the Three Little Pigs, students served as the jury for the case. Grabowski and Lange took turns questioning and cross examining the pigs and the wolf. Students had to listen to their arguments and ultimately decide if the prosecution had met its “burden of proof” “beyond a reasonable doubt” - two terms that students learned about during their visit.
On this day, the defendant wolf was found not guilty by the jury!