Baldwin High School students are understanding the role and operations of the courts

Baldwin High School’s Law Academy and Senior Experience program participated in the “Justice for All: Courts and the Community Initiative,” organized by the federal courts for the Second Circuit. The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the courts’ role and operations while fostering closer ties between the courts and the community.

During their visit last month to the Central Islip courthouse, students had the opportunity to explore the second largest courthouse in the nation, housing various court offices and services. They engaged in a question-and-answer session with federal judge Joseph Bianco, interacted with a U.S. Marshal’s Service representative, and even took part in a mini-mock trial activity in a courtroom.

Gabriella Franza, assistant director for instructional programs at the Baldwin school district, expressed enthusiasm about the students’ eagerness to learn and their embodiment of the initiative’s mission, highlighting the significance of witnessing the growth of understanding and civic responsibility among the students.

“We are so excited that our students were able to visit the Central Islip courthouse, which not only showcased their eagerness to learn but also exemplified the mission to bring courts closer to the community,” Franza wrote in a news release. “I am proud to be witnessing the seeds of understanding and civic responsibility that our students have planted.”

“Justice for All,” established in 2014 by then-Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann, invites students and educators to federal courthouses across the Second Circuit. Beyond courthouse visits, the initiative offers various civic education activities, including teacher professional development, summer programs, naturalization ceremonies, and celebrations of Constitution and Law Day.

Franza emphasized that through their participation in the initiative, Baldwin High School students not only gained insights into the legal system’s intricacies but also became advocates for civic awareness.

“As they explored the corridors of justice and engaged with the ‘Justice for All’ initiative, our students have not only gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the legal system but have become ambassadors of civic awareness,” she added.