FULTON COUNTY DA’s OFFICE HOSTS ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL CONTEST

Atlanta Elementary Schools Compete for Trophies in the Case of State of Georgia v. James Sturgess

Elementary students from eight Atlanta Public Schools showed off their legal prowess when they participated in the Fulton County DA’s Annual Mock Trial in the case of State v. James Sturgess. For ten weeks, 5th grade students from participating schools were working hard and studying the case in order to put their skills to the test in four mock trials held at the Fulton County Courthouse.

Since the program was introduced in 1996, Fulton prosecutors and staff have volunteered their time bi-weekly to introduce the youngsters to the law, legal ethics and the principles of good citizenship. The course culminated in this week’s mock trial and awards ceremony. Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. welcomed the students as they arrived and took group pictures with everyone before wishing them well on their performance.

Participating elementary schools included:

F. W. Benteen M. Agnes Jones

M. M. Bethune Peyton Forest

W. M. Finch D. H. Stanton

Joseph Humphries Venetian Hills

At the end of the event, trophies were presented by D. A. Howard. Undefeated M. Agnes Jones Elementary School took home the top trophy, “The D.A.’s Cup”. Runner-up in the mock trial was M. M. Bethune Elementary School. They were awarded the “Worthy Adversary Trophy”.

Contact: Shelia Edwards, (office) 404-730-4867, (cell) 404-392-8867shelia.edwards@fultoncountyga.gov