Students from Worcester County’s high school Mock Trial teams, along with Criminal Justice and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness students from Worcester Technical High School, participated in Worcester County’s first Schools in Court program on Thursday, October 16, at the Worcester County District Court in Ocean City.
While the Schools in Court initiative has been held in other Maryland jurisdictions, this marked its debut locally. The program was led by District Court Judge Cathi V. Coates and made possible through a donation from the Humphreys Foundation. Approximately 60 students attended to gain firsthand insight into the judicial process and the real-life impact of decision-making.
“The goal of our program is to provide students with a deeper understanding of how the court system operates and to illustrate how poor choices can have lasting legal and personal consequences. Through hands-on experiences such as simulated traffic stops, observing an actual criminal court proceeding, and hearing real-life stories of young people from our own community whose lives were changed by poor decisions, participants gained valuable insight into the impact of their actions. The students were engaged, inquisitive, and thoughtful throughout the program, which contributed greatly to its overall success,” said Judge Coates.
Students engaged directly with a range of professionals within the justice system, including police officers, a K-9 unit member, a private defense attorney, a state’s attorney, bailiffs, judges, and a District Court commissioner. These interactions offered students a deeper understanding of the many roles and responsibilities that uphold the court system.
Judge Melvin J. Jews, Administrative Judge for District 2, emphasized the opportunities available within the legal field, reminding students, “All of these jobs are available to you if you make good choices.”
Interactive demonstrations added a powerful experiential component. Students took part in simulated scenarios such as traffic stops, vehicle searches, booking procedures, and initial hearings—illustrating how everyday decisions can result in serious legal consequences.
The Schools in Court program aims to educate students on the importance of responsible choices, effective communication, and potential career pathways within the justice system. By highlighting real cases and real consequences within their own community, the program delivered a meaningful and memorable lesson on accountability and the judicial process.
