| For Immediate Release March 18th, 2002 |
Contact: | Rocio Gonzalez (714) 943-0238 |
District Attorney Sponsors Mock Trial
SANTA ANA – The District Attorney’s Office will hold a “Mock Trial” to provide the community with a first hand look at a criminal case in the courtroom.
Criminal justice professionals, including a judge, a bailiff and two attorneys, will role-play a trial before members of the Hispanic community who were invited by various community organizations. Taking participants through each stage of a trial, the event is designed to promote a greater understanding of the American judicial system. It represents one of the many efforts by the District Attorney’s Office to improve communication among residents, criminal justice professionals, and government leaders.
Under the leadership of District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, a Community Education Services program was established to help Orange County residents better understand the criminal justice system. The program formed advisory commissions with leaders of the Hispanic and Vietnamese communities to address any concerns people may have about the legal system. A total of 76 members sit on the commissions and meet quarterly. It was the Hispanic Advisory Commission that provided the input and direction into organizing a mock trial to help community members learn about the judicial system in an interesting and enjoyable way.
The mock trial will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday in Dept. C-1 of the Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana.