Anne Arundel County District Court makes the courtroom a classroom for local students

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Students from Northeast, Severna Park and Southern high schools are visiting Anne Arundel County District Court today to participate in the Schools in the Court program. Anne Arundel County District Court Judge Shaem C.P. Spencer has opened the courtroom to the students as part of a three-hour program which teaches students about the legal system while warning them about the consequences of making the wrong choices.

“Our goal is to teach the students how bad choices may lead to life-changing consequences,” said Judge Spencer. “The students will sit in on court cases with defendants not much older than they are and see first-hand the results of poor decisions.”

Following the court cases, the students will discuss what they witnessed during the proceedings with Judge Spencer and attorneys from the state's attorney's and public defender’s offices. Additionally, the students will hear directly from people who have been adversely affected by poor choices such as drug abuse, drunk driving, speeding, and texting while driving. Students will also meet members of the Maryland State Police K-9 squad.

This event is one of four Schools in the Court programs the District Court of Maryland in Anne Arundel County will hold this school year. The final Schools in the Court program will take place April 5.

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