By Jade Morrow, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Local high school students honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday by focusing on equality inside the courtroom.
Our news partners at FOX23 went to the Tulsa County Courthouse to see a mock trial competition designed to teach students how the justice system works through hands-on experience.
Hundreds of students from schools across Oklahoma traded their desks for the courtroom, stepping into the roles of attorneys, witnesses and jurors as part of the mock trial program.
The competition allows students to experience the legal process firsthand while learning professionalism and ethics, according to Amber Peckio, president of the Oklahoma Bar Association.
“How those characteristics are in play during trial practice, being professional toward the judge, the jury and co-counsel, and how being an advocate for your client still doesn’t give you a reason to ignore professional ethics,” Peckio said.
Tulsa County District Judge Daman Cantrell said the mock trials offer more than lessons about the legal system.
“It’s really a good activity for any student who wants to be more confident in public speaking, critical thinking, thinking on their feet and becoming part of a team,” Cantrell said.
Tulsa judges score students on questioning, storytelling and the effectiveness of their arguments.
Mock trials have been held at the Tulsa County Courthouse for more than a decade. The event traditionally falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor King’s legacy, as well as Tulsa County Judge Carlos Chappelle, the first Black presiding judge in the county’s history.
“Martin Luther King was an advocate for justice, equality and the rule of law,” said Tulsa attorney Ken Underwood. “It is so meaningful that we’re able to come together in this courtroom to advance the principles and ideals that Martin Luther King stood for. Judge Carlos Chappelle was the embodiment of those same principles.”
For students, the experience is about more than awards.
“I’d say my friends in mock trial are my number one thing,” said Owasso High School senior Ty Elias. “Mentoring the younger students is what I’ll miss the most.”
Judge Cantrell said the experience leaves a lasting impression.
“I hope 25 years later they remember standing in a courtroom in front of a real judge as a high school sophomore,” he said.
Judges said Monday’s mock trial served as a training session ahead of official competitions. The Oklahoma Bar Association Mock Trial Tournament begins next Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
School districts interested in forming a mock trial team can contact the Oklahoma Bar Foundation at 405-416-7070.
