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Public Defender’s Office works with Criminal Justice class

The Introduction to Criminal Justice class participated in a “ghost jury” or “mock jury” with members of the Arkansas Public Defenders Office on Nov. 13 as a part of their studies.  Attorneys from the 6^th District of Pulaski County came to the class and conducted a brief mock trial with facts from an upcoming jury trial that is set to start at the end of November.

Members of Arkansas Public Defenders Office began the trial with opening statement's from both the prosecution and defense.  After the opening statements, the class was able to hear the defendants written statement and some written witness statements. After the reading of the statements and an examination of the mock defendant, closing statements were made and the class was instructed on jury rules.

They were then asked to deliberate and come up with a verdict of either guilty or not-guilty. Afterwards they were asked to discuss their reasoning as to why they voted either guilty or not-guilty. This was a great experience for the class and gave them an inside look into the judicial system and how the process works.

UA-PTC thanks members of the Arkansas Public Defenders office for allowing the students to patriciate in this great learning experience!