Lizzie Eades has taken her Intro to Public Service Careers students to mock trials at the courthouse for four years. And this year took an unexpected turn in one student’s case. 

On Nov. 5-6, Eades’s classes visited the 28th Judicial District Court and District Judge Jacob Peterson to give them the opportunity to present cases at mock trials. 

Students took turns standing at the podium and presenting their cases to the judge. Peterson helped students along with anything they got stumped on.

Junior Jonathan Ortigoza’ Austin began with the opening statement with his partner Janee Mikesell who was defending a possible Instagram hacker in the case.

“I was thinking a lot. I did not know exactly if that was cross-examination,” Austin said. “I also did not know about the no-named text until like two minutes before I said it.”  

Judge Peterson ended the case with Austin’s evidence and had the students reflect in the back room while the others asked questions and collected their thoughts.

“I have seen this case four or five times and Jonathan’s cross-examination was really unexpected,” Petterson said. “He did a good job thinking on his feet.” 

Students were nervous to present to the judge because they were concerned that their case was too hard to win. 

“It’s nerve-wracking cause I am doing my own case,” freshman Kevion Baham said. “It’s got to be a big deal right?” 

Peterson gave advice to both the prosecution and defense on how to enter evidence properly and anything else the students needed help with.

“Judge Peterson had the right amount of professionalism and personality,” Baham said. “In the right ways he was helping us and having fun with us.” 

Eades gave students advice for testifying in the courtroom to help students not make mistakes. Austin said he appreciated her help.

“She was very helpful and supportive step-by-step during class,” Austin said. “Mrs.Eades helped me plan out my opening statement and everything else I needed to know.”

“The tips were very helpful during our case and the others,” Baham said. “We were more clear when bringing up evidence.” 

Before the students went to the courthouse, corrections officer Trey Palmer came to Central and shared stories and advice for the students in Eades’ W2 class. 

Palmer has been a correctional officer for three years and students were shocked about his no-injury streak.

“He has never been hurt since he has been there, which is impressive considering how long he’s been working there,” Austin said, “You would think someone would have experienced an accident by now, but he hasn’t. I think that’s really cool.” 

Even students who were not interested in criminal justice said they had fun with the experience. 

“The trial made me feel like I can enjoy the class more,” Austin said. “So I never really realized that it was a cool class until that moment.”