HARTFORD, Conn. — A Hartford high school transformed into a courtroom on Wednesday for a unique lesson in law.
What students experienced at Classical Magnet School on Nov. 13 was more than just a learning moment; it was an active case being heard by the Connecticut Appellate Court in real-time.
“I’ve never seen a live trial before,” Khiara Hill, a junior, said.
She's one of 125 students getting a front row seat at the legal process in action.
“I’m hoping to better understand how our world works and how the law affects everyday life, and it's something I feel that people my age, as we're becoming adults, need to know about,” Hill said.
The juniors and seniors listened in on a real case working its way through the Connecticut legal system: the state of Connecticut vs. Nicolas Marciano.
At the center of the case is the question of unlawful seizure by police, a topic that resonates with many of the students in the room.
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"I think it's an important topic for everyone to know so that they know their rights and are able to handle a situation properly,” Gabriella Bois, a senior, said.
“I think's important to explore, especially with police brutality in America, especially in Hartford because we are a diverse community,” Jada Bradley, another senior, added.
The unique learning moment is part of Connecticut’s "on circuit" program, where the state Supreme Court and Appellate Court visit high schools, colleges and law schools to show students how the justice system operates.
Classical Magnet became the first Hartford school to host the court.
“I was always the kid who was excited to do jury duty when I get older, so I think this is a really cool experience, especially for an actual appellate courthouse, having it here,” Bradley said.
Teens also got to ask questions to attorneys after the hearing, an opportunity the students won’t soon forget.
“I’m really grateful. I know this is something not every kid in the state is being offered, but I think it's a very important opportunity for people to have," Hill said.
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Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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