Students participate in mock trial at historic Rockwall courthouse

ROCKWALL, TX (May 3, 2021) On April 29th, thirteen 8th grade students from the local homeschool organization, Classical Conversations®, competed in a Mock Trial at the historic Rockwall Courthouse under the guidance of Directors Mindy Hilferty and Shawna Sullivan. The Honorable Judge Brian Williams, Presiding Judge for the Rockwall County Court at Law, presided over the two round competition.

The jurors included: Kevin Fowler, soon-to-be elected Mayor of Rockwall; Kerri New, Attorney and Chief of the Family Violence Division for the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; Lori Grinnan, former Rockwall County Commissioner; and two other members of our community, Rick Spletter and his wife, Kathy Spletter.

This trial is a culmination of the students’ semester-long curriculum, emphasizing public speaking, critical thinking, and an understanding of the legal process. Each team presented one side determined by a coin toss, then proceeded to switch sides in the second round, allowing the opportunity to approach the same case from a different perspective.

Classical Conversations® establishes and supports local communities across the United States and in several other countries. It’s purpose is to lead the home-centered education movement by teaching parents and students the classical tools of learning so that they can discover God’s created order and beauty— and as a result— enable others to do the same.

For more information, visit classicalconversations.com.

Submitted by Shawna Sullivan for publication in Blue Ribbon News. 

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