Baton Rouge Bar Foundation Contact: Ann Scarle, Executive Director Baton Rouge Bar Foundation P.O. Box 2241 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 E-mail: ann@brba.org This program was a winner of the 2001 Law Day Activity Awards Law Week: “Celebrate Your Freedom—Protecting the Best Interests of Our Children” Activity Summary: On May 1, over 1400 students participated in our Law Day celebration. Students witnessed the investiture of Judge Todd Hernandez, and the mock naturalization ceremony of LSU Quarterback, Rohan Davey. Essay and poster contest winners received their awards. Following mock trials, volunteers and students were treated to lunch. Students received good bags containing donated products. During lunch students participated in a mock vote and in the “Fatal Vision” program. On May 8, a reception was held to honor public interest attorneys. Plaques honoring Pro Bono attorney were unveiled. The kick-off for the “Thirst for Justice” Pro Bono outreach project was held at the May 3, 2001 bar luncheon. Activity Narrative: “Thanks for another GREAT Law Day. I’ve been several times, and this year’s was the best!” said David Faerber, Glen Oaks High School. Mr. Faerber, along with over 1400 students and teachers from 43 area schools participated in our Law Day celebration. Traditionally, a naturalization ceremony is an integral part of Law Day. This year, due to a conflict with a Federal judicial conference, a ceremony could not be held. The Law Day Committee coordinated a mock naturalization ceremony for Rohan Davey, LSU Football Quarterback, who recently became an American citizen. After Mr. Davey repeated the Oath of Citizenship, he spoke of his early years in Jamaica and how proud he is to be a citizen of the United States. He received a standing ovation. The keynote speaker, Mr. Jon Fels inspired the students by telling of his lifelong desire to become an American citizen. He recounted how in 1958, he held Germany’s record in Javelin, but was disqualified from the 1960 Olympics because of his outspokenness against the communist doctrines. In 1962, after 17 attempts, he escaped over the Berlin Wall. Arriving in the United States penniless, he began working as a dishwasher in a New York hotel. Mr. Fels now owns a hotel and numerous businesses. In 1978, he achieved his lifelong desire to become an American citizen. To stimulate the students’ interest in the judicial system, the investiture of newly elected District Court Judge Todd Hernandez was held. The students witnessed the administration of the Oath of Office and the vesting of the robe and presentation of his commission. Mayor Bobby Simpson gave the Law Day Proclamation. The Law Day essay and poster contest winners received their awards during the opening ceremony. Posters were displayed in the 19th Judicial District Courthouse. The students proceeded to District Court and City Court for the “mini mock trials.” The trials were conducted by volunteer judges, attorneys, police and probation personnel. The fact scenario used in the courtrooms centers around Whitney Tears, a talented 15-year old singer. Student volunteers paired with panel members and acted out the trial. A jury of students rendered a verdict. Family law attorneys were on hand to answer questions and explain “the best interest of the child.” Prior to the mock trials, two moderators' meetings were held to review the moderator’s role and how to conduct the session as a mock trial. Each moderator was given a guideline for moderators. Following the mock trials, students and volunteers were treated to lunch at the Centroplex Plaza, where they participated in a mock vote using actual voting booths provided by the Clerk of Court’s office. Students also enjoyed participating in City Court’s “Fatal Vision” program. The Dow Chemical Company sponsored the lunch, which was prepared by McDonalds. Coca-Cola donated the soft drinks. Each student received a “goody bag” filled with donations from local businesses. In the weeks preceding the celebration, the Law Day committee presented The State vs. Jack Robinson mock trial at two local elementary schools for their third, fourth and fifth grade classes. In both “trials” the student jury unanimously found Jack not guilty! The Law Week Celebration continued with a reception held on May 8, to honor public interest lawyers. To show our appreciation for their hard work, and dedication to the community, all attorneys who practice in the public interest sector were invited to attend. During the reception, the Pro Bono “Wall of Fame” was unveiled. Plaques were displayed in honor of attorneys who have donated 100, 200 and 300 volunteer hours to the Pro Bono Project. At the May 3 bar luncheon, the kick-off for “Thirst for Justice” was held in conjunction with Law Week. “Thirst for Justice” is a community outreach program that offers free legal advice to the community, helping them overcome transportation, communication, and financial barriers. During the May 11 Naturalization Ceremony at Federal Court, winners of the “Judicial Independence is for You” essay contest received their awards. Youth Education Committee members designed and judged the contest. Due to the creative and enthusiastic efforts of our Law Day Committee members and Federal Court Judges; May 1 is a day that will long be remembered. The continued success of Law Week has become a Baton Rouge tradition because of our volunteer’s efforts and our community’s commitment. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization