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Westchester High first in Los Angeles School District to Present “This is Not Cool” Mock Trials 

By: Billie Jordan
Contributing Writer

Dr. Rosie Milligan of Milligan Books Publishing, Inc., and Defense Attorney, Clara Hunter King of Watchdogs for Justice recently presented “This is Not Cool” mock trial-by-jury to Westchester High School. Their unusual presentation was a creative and teen inclusive effort to reduce the high percentage of teenage entry into the juvenile justice system. 
     Classes staggered into the Social Hall at Westchester High School wondering what to expect. Would it be yet another lecture, a cool but boring reprieve from class activities? Would this be an opportunity to tune out, socialize and skip learning for a full class period? What they got, however, was something surprisingly different from the usual. 
      An enactment of trial-by-jury began to unfold. A theft by shoplifting case, playfully titled the “hook-up,” was presented before the jury and court. When the group of Jurors left the room to deliberate, the remaining students participated in a Q and A session led by the librarian, MS Lorinda Holmes. The scene was reminiscent of a fiery talk show. 
     Watchdogs for Justice had struck-a-cord with the students of Westchester High, many of which purported to have had tough experiences and family & friends who’ve encountered the criminal justice system. The students responded with passionate and curious responses. In many cases demonstrating the lack of understanding for what constitutes criminal activity, punishable by law. 
     “Maybe the defendant is from South Central where he has never seen integrity,” said a Westchester student. Another student said, “In a hook-up, if someone offers you free merchandise, you’re not going to turn it down.” 
Many students were surprised that accepting a “hook-up” could land them in jail. The members of Watchdogs for Justice say that educating teenagers in “prison prevention,” has become necessary today. 
     The group representing Watchdogs for Justice at Westchester warned students of cases where kids leave their homes on a regular day with no intentions of involving themselves in criminal activity, but often don’t come home for months or even years, because they didn’t know how to avoid trouble and resist criminal peer pressure. 
     “One time of hanging with the wrong people can cost you either your life or your future,” said retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Sergeant, Rita Hall. Attorney Joe C. Hopkins informed students that statistics showed that one out of three of their numbers would be routed to spend time in jail. 
     Prior to setting up the mock trials Watchdogs for Justice realized that they would need to show, not just tell. They knew they’d need to do something that would pique teenage interest and also, get them involved, while significantly addressing the issue of juvenile arrest. The response from students and faculty proved that they succeeded. 
     “It’s important that our young people are informed. They need to be clear on what behaviors are criminal, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to avoid the criminal situations that can land them in jail or prison,” said Criminal Defense Attorney and founder of Watchdogs for Justice, Clara Hunter King. 
     Watchdogs for Justice will begin conducting mock trials in organizations and schools around the country. “I consider Mock Trials for teenagers as important as the campaigns teaching children not to speak to strangers and the dangers of child predators. What children don’t know about the legal system can hurt them,” said Milligan. 
     This is Not Cool’s mock trial cast for Westchester High included a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff sergeant, lawyers, a publisher, a journalist and students picked from the audience to act as jurors, witnesses and defendants. 
In addition to possibly saving futures, judicial officials report that these enactments help students develop useful knowledge about the law, questioning techniques, critical thinking, and oral advocacy skills. 
To bring “This Is Not Cool” Workshops to your organization or school contact: Attorney Clara Hunter King at 678-412-2299 or email watchdogsforjustice@gmail.com. Visit the website: www.watchdogsforjustice.org