Contact: Juan Carlos Montenegro
Phone: (323)697-6812
1/3/2012
“Will the girls from Sacred Heart High School please approach the bench,” said Superior Court Judge Mary Lou Villar. As the students nervously approached the bench, Judge Villar, a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, welcomed them and introduced her entire courtroom staff. On December 6th, Sacred Heart High School Barrister’s Club visited the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
“I attended your school and now I am here…anything is possible,” stated Judge Villar. As Judge Villar encouraged them to pursue careers in the field of law, the students were able to get a first hand look into one the largest and most efficient judicial systems in the world.
Club moderator, Dorothy Ceccon, plans the annual field trip for the Barrister’s club with the help of her friend Judge Shelly Torrealba. Guided by Leonard J. Torrealba (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office), the Sacred Heart High School Comets were given an indept look at court room proceedings.
The Barristers Club also took part in a mock trial in Judge Torrealba’s court room. Judge Torrealba and Mr. Leonard J. Torrealba educated the students on courtroom protocol throughout each phase of the mock trial. Barrister members were also able to witness a live cross examination by famous Judge Lance Ito, better know as the presiding judge in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
Club members were thrilled to have such a great experience at the Justice Center. From meeting the judges, the law clerks, the bailiff, the translators, and the district attorneys to learning the basic layout of a courtroom and a trial’s structured process, this was one of the best field trips for these young ladies.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Juan Carlos Montenegro at (323)225-2209 extension 15 or email jcmontenegro@shhsla.org
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