St. Mary Seventh Graders Step Into the Courtroom for Real-World Mock Trial Experience

On May 20, seventh-grade students from St. Mary Catholic Community School had the unique opportunity to step into a real courtroom as part of the inaugural Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana Law Program. The event, held at Lake Superior Court, allowed students to apply what they had learned throughout the school year by participating in a mock trial.

Fifty-six students took part in the experience, assuming the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in a simulated vandalism case designed specifically for middle school students. The proceedings were overseen by Judge Julie N. Cantrell of Lake Superior Court, County Division III.

The mock trial served as the culmination of months of preparation. Throughout the school year, volunteer attorneys George Carberry, Julia Barley, and Carol Colomba from the Burke Costanza & Carberry law firm visited St. Mary’s classrooms twice each month to teach students about the legal system and help them prepare their cases. Students learned courtroom procedures, how evidence is examined, and the importance of presenting clear and persuasive arguments.

During the trial, students questioned witnesses, analyzed facts, and built their cases before presenting them in court. Those serving as jurors discussed the evidence, deliberated together, and ultimately reached a verdict.

Beyond learning about the law, the program helped students strengthen their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Seventh-grade teachers Mrs. Brittany LaMere and Mrs. Theresa McLoughlin enjoyed watching their students carefully think through the logistics of the case and develop creative lines of questioning.

Following the trial, Judge Cantrell spoke with the students and answered questions about legal proceedings, jury service, and effective courtroom advocacy. Her insights provided students with a deeper understanding of the justice system and the vital role attorneys play in presenting a case.

The experience gave St. Mary students a memorable and educational glimpse into the legal profession while building confidence and practical skills that will benefit them well into the future.

St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point serves students from Junior Pre-Kindergarten (for three-year-olds) through Grade 8. Students at every grade level enjoy engaging projects and hands-on experiences designed to make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun. To learn more about St. Mary’s School, visit school.stmarycp.org or call (219) 663-0676 to schedule a tour.