High school students from Kauaʻi had the unique opportunity to step inside the legal world thanks to the Kauaʻi Law and Justice Academy. This immersive three-day program, as reported by the Hawaii State Judiciary, saw sixteen students from various local schools including Kapaʻa High School and Kauaʻi High School gather at Puʻuhonua Kaulike to deepen their understanding of the justice system.
The Academy, which ran from October 7 to 9, sought to not only bolster the students' analytical and advocacy skills but also to kindle a passion for civic engagement. It was orchestrated by a coalition of organizations such as the PACE Commission and the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, ensuring that the youngsters had access to an array of top-notch resources. Troy Andrade, a professor from the Richardson Law School, emphasized, "What made the Kauaʻi Academy special was the way students really dove into the material and experiences to take advantage of the extraordinary resources available to them in their own backyard," according to a statement made by the Hawaii State Judiciary.
A highlight of the academy was the mock trial exercise where students thoroughly practiced courtroom procedures and honed their legal argumentation in front of real judges. District Family Court Judge Gregory Meyers noted the swift camaraderie and skill progression among the students as they prepared their cases. "It was inspiring to see how quickly these high school students from different schools and various backgrounds joined together to form a legal advocacy team," Meyers told the Hawaii State Judiciary.
However, the training extended beyond just the courtroom drama. Participants were also introduced to various career paths in the legal and public service sectors, meeting with a slew of judges and attorneys over the course of the program. Justice Lisa Ginoza highlighted the impact this kind of program could have, stating, "The Law and Justice Academies give students across our islands a meaningful opportunity to see themselves as an important part of civic life and potential future leaders," in a reporting by the Hawaii State Judiciary.
The Academy's commitment to place-based education was evident too as students engaged with cultural sites around the island, like the Kauaʻi Museum and the Makauwahi Cave. These excursions aimed to connect the dots between law, culture, and community.
