PUYALLUP, Wash. — More than 200 Washington teens will learn how the state’s judicial system works at this year’s Washington State University Extension’s 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia, scheduled Feb. 12-14.
Teens will assume the roles of attorneys, jury members and court reporters and will take part in mock criminal trials.
Secretary of State Sam Reed will address the teen delegates at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12. They will then break into sessions where they’ll review cases, court schedules and begin to prepare their arguments.
Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens will speak to the group at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Following her remarks the teen lawyers will make their opening remarks in their mock trial and the prosecution will present its case followed later by the defense.
On Monday, a legislative breakfast will give the delegates time with their legislators. Later, juries will deliberate and verdicts will be announced. Attorney General Rob McKenna also will address the group at 11:30 a.m.
All events will be held at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia with the exception of Sunday’s trials which will take place at the Thurston County Courthouse.
The 4-H Know Your Government Conference is a hands-on educational opportunity for youth ages 14-18. 4-H is the largest youth serving organization in Washington State and nationwide. More than 70,000 youth participate in programs statewide in areas including leadership, service learning, science, the arts and technology.
– 30 –