| For Immediate Release
August 3, 2007 |
Contact: Jose Morfin Office: 714-347-8415 |
OCDA HOSTS LOCAL STUDENTS DURING
7TH ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH EDUCATION CONFERENCE FOR BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIEW OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM
SANTA ANA – Local Orange County high school students will have the opportunity next week to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a prosecutor, defense attorney, police detective and judge during the 7th Annual Summer Youth Education Conference. This weeklong program will begin on Monday, August 6, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. and will include 35-40 hours of hands-on activities, cumulating in a mock trial and graduation ceremony on Friday, August 10, 2007.
“This program is a great way for young people in our community to learn about the criminal justice system,” said District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “Working with local teens, especially in underrepresented communities, is extremely important in helping these kids choose a positive path. Some of these students may serve our community and become the next generation of prosecutors, police officers, and judges.”
Students will have an opportunity to visit numerous government agencies and network with criminal justice professionals. The participants will visit the Santa Ana Police Department, the Federal Courthouse, a judge’s chamber, the Orange County Sheriff’s Training Facility, and the Coroner’s office. Educational workshops will be presented by a police investigator, prosecutor, public defender, community agencies and other criminal justice professionals.
Applications for the program are accepted yearly and students who exhibit an interest in learning about the legal and criminal justice system are selected to participate. Anyone interested in applying for the 2008 conference can visit the Orange County District Attorney website at www.orangecountyda.com and select “Summer Youth Education Conference” under Education and Resources.” The program is open to high school students between the ages of 16 and 18-years-old.
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