For Immediate Release

Media Advisory:
High School Students Visit Court to Learn about Mistakes and Consequences

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. – April 6, 2015) Prom time is approaching and more than 100 Anne Arundel County teens will prepare by going to court. On Thursday, April 9, high school students in the Schools in the Court program will learn firsthand about the consequences of making bad decisions. The media are invited to attend.

The students will watch actual criminal court proceedings, learn about the legal and financial consequences of being charged with offenses such as drunk driving, and hear from people who have experienced the personal and life-changing effects of poor choices. The students will also get a chance to meet members of the Maryland State Police K-9 squad.

“Students will see defendants who are not much older than they are,” said Anne Arundel County District Judge Shaem C.P. Spencer, who leads the program. “We want them to get an understanding of how the court system works, but we especially want them to understand how making wrong choices about things such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug use and other crimes can deeply and adversely affect their lives.”

Students from Arundel and North County high schools, the Harbor School, and Phoenix Academy will be taking part in the April 9 program. The District Court of Maryland in Anne Arundel County holds the Schools in the Court program twice each school year.

Student transportation for the event is provided by a grant from the Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth and Families.

WHAT:
Anne Arundel County District Court’s Schools in the Court program

WHEN:
Thursday, April 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Courtroom 1, Anne Arundel County District Court, 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis

WHO:
Anne Arundel County District Judge Shaem C.P. Spencer will preside. More than 100 Anne Arundel County students from North County and Arundel high schools, Phoenix Academy, and the Harbour School will attend.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Call the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488 if you want to attend or have questions, including when and where cameras will be allowed.

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