Every day, we hear news and reports of Supreme Court cases. From gay marriage, to ObamaCare, sometimes even past cases such as Brown vs. Board of Education. The judiciary branch in our nation today is crucial, and lawyers and judges in cases can alter the course of history. Some future lawyers are already being trained right here at Newark Academy at Middle School Law Day.

Each year, a group of interested kids come together once a cycle and learn famous court cases and the workings of the court with the help of Ms. Sparacino, a 6^th grade Humanities teacher and the advisor to this group. Eventually, the group receives a “fake” court case from the Law Day organization and spends time preparing their roles, whether it is opening statements from prosecution lawyers or questions from the cross-examiners. Then, during a common period, a real judge, bailiffs, and lawyers from Livingston come to help act out the case with the students in the Law Day group. Ms. Sparacino says, “Every year the judges and lawyers from Livingston are impressed. Usually, students in this program just read off the paper. But students from Newark Academy not only read the paper but also add off of it to make it more realistic.”

This year, there are some returning Newark Academy “lawyers” and many new faces at Newark Academy Middle School Law Day. Among the returning ones is David Braunstein, an 8^th grader and in his 3^rd year at Law Day. He shared his opinion of Law Day with me. “I joined Law Day because I like figuring things out and public speaking. I really liked how we actually got to act out the case and figuring out how it worked.” Sam Burggraf, a 6^th grader at Newark Academy and a first-timer at Law Day also shared her opinion with me. “Law Day really represents the great amount of extracurricular opportunity at Newark Academy. I’m really looking forward to being a plaintiff in this future case.”  Sam Burggraf also advises, “Law Day can also teach us how the judicial branch works.”

Personally, the experience is completely exhilarating. Not only are the students in the group willing to learn, but they are also talented writers and great people to work with. It is not a surprise that each member is excited to work with each other to create a great Law Day.

Law Day is a one of a kind club and experience at Newark Academy. Not only does one learn about famous law cases and how to present as a lawyer, he/she learns actually gets to “perform” in front of the 6^th grade. Sam Burggraf remarks that Law Day “provides great insight on law cases.” Ms. Sparacino shares her prior experience with Law Day and her excitement for this year. “The students always amaze me with their enthusiasm and knowledge, and I’m very excited. It’s a great experience for the 6^th graders. 6^th graders hopefully may not ever see the inside of the courtroom.”