MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S “LEGAL LIVES” PROGRAM

TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010

10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.

Innovative Program Introduces Elementary Students to Criminal Justice System

Atlanta- “Project Legal Lives,” Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard’s innovative educational program that introduces the criminal justice system into City of Atlanta and Fulton County Elementary schools, culminates in a sure-to-be dramatic mock-trial competition Tuesday, May 11th beginning at 10 a.m. in the Fulton County Courthouse. Students assume the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendants, witnesses, victims, and jurors in the competition that simulates the trial of an armed-robbery case. District Attorney staff-members judge the competition and award trophies for the best overall performance and a variety of other achievements. The competition will run until approximately noon. Then, on June 10th, a group of students representing the participating “Legal Lives” schools will travel to Washington, D.C., for four days to tour the heart of the nation’s criminal justice system. “We are so proud of the students involved in this year’s ‘Legal Lives’ program as they have all performed so admirably throughout the course,” says Mr. Howard. “This trip to Washington for our top performers is certainly well-deserved and is always so meaningful to the children.”

“Legal Lives”—a 10-week course that teaches children about the law, the legal system, and the fundamental principles and values upon which this system is based—seeks to prevent juvenile delinquency by instilling in students a basic respect for the law and through the development of critical and analytical skills. “Legal Lives” also provides role models for students by placing assistant district attorneys in the classroom to teach the course, one of the most appealing aspects of the program for many educators.

“Legal Lives” was created in 1990 by the Brooklyn (Kings County) District Attorney’s Office in New York City in response to an increase in drug and bias-related crimes. A version of this program was first implemented in 1993 by then-Solicitor General Paul Howard at Atlanta’s Dean Rusk Elementary School and has now grown to twelve schools (Frederick Wilson Benteen, Mary McLeod Bethune, William M. Finch, Joseph Humphries, M. Agnes Jones, Peyton Forest, Seaborn Lee, Daniel H. Stanton, F.L. Stanton, State Bridge Crossing, Stonewall Tell, and Venetian Hills) under Mr. Howard’s administration as District Attorney. Nationally, “Legal Lives” is replicated by District Attorneys’ offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Indianapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, and several other cities.

*Media interested in covering the event may access the courthouse through 185 Central Avenue for security clearance. A signed Rule 22 is attached along with a copy of the program and courtroom assignments.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov