Earlier this month, the Hayes, Runkle and Ruffin Ridley Schools held mock trials along with their after-school partner Discovering Justice, a civic education non-profit that works with students to introduce them to the workings of the legal system. Mock trials are a wonderful way to help students explore the ideals of justice, and encourage them to engage in our democracy.

Hayes and Runkle held their trials at the Moakley Courthouse, while FRR held theirs at the Brookline District Court.

This year's case concerns students’ First Amendment rights and peaceful assembly. The student attorneys did an outstanding job pleading their cases.

Pictured above: The Florida Ruffin Ridley School's Mock Trial Team (media credit: Attorney Daniel Less from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office)

FRR middle schoolers have been participating in Discovering Justice's mock trials since 2019. This year's team consisted of 15 students who participated in two different trials.

The FRR mock trial team would like to thank the team of attorney mentors from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, who have volunteered to coach the team for the past seven semesters. They would also like to express their gratitude to the FRR PTO who has generously supported the program, making it free to all participants.