Richland County has continued its tradition of hosting a student mock trial, which began in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the county courthouse. The event is held annually in celebration of Law Day and the Rule of Law, with the exception of 2020.
The mock trial centers around the fictional character Jack Robinson, known from the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk". The students try him for causing an Ogre's untimely death. Fifth-grade students from across Richland County participate in this criminal jury trial, playing all roles including jurors who deliberate and return a verdict. This hands-on experience provides an informative and engaging overview of the daily workings of our judicial system.
This year, approximately 160 students from ten classes participated. These included classes from Richland 44 (2), Wyndmere, Lidgerwood, Hankinson, St. John’s, and Wahpeton (4).
Mentors for the trial included Cindy Keller, an Electronic Court Recorder/Transcriber; Jessica Rydell, Assistant Richland County State’s Attorney; Megan Kummer, State’s Attorney; and Brad Cruff, District Judge.