Mock Trial Room Houses Copiague’s Criminal Justice Students

Pictured: The Advanced Criminal Justice class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School hones their skills in the school’s new mock trial room.

Photo courtesy of Copiague School District

The members of the Advanced Criminal Justice class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School now have the chance to participate and witness the justice system in action. Last year, the school unveiled a new mock trial room where the students can participate in a simulated trial and moot court competitions.

Taught by Stephanie Rafuse, students learn about the law and criminal justice system but also can work on their public speaking, debating skills and evaluate the effectiveness of the current criminal justice system. Students work on research projects and form oral arguments, which they can then present in moot court and mock trial competitions.

This month, the class will take a field trip to the federal court and witness a naturalization ceremony and get a tour of the facilities by a federal judge. The students also have plans to visit the Town of Babylon’s new courthouse this winter.