Approximately 130 high school students visited the Anne Arundel County District Court on February 16. The visit was part of the Judiciary's Schools in the Court program, which aims to educate young people about the legal and financial repercussions of offenses like drunk driving.
Students from Old Mill and Southern high schools observed court proceedings and listened to individuals who have faced significant life changes due to poor decisions. They also interacted with members of the Maryland State Police K-9 squad and witnessed their demonstrations.
"Students saw defendants who are not much older than they are," said Anne Arundel County District Judge Shaem C.P. Spencer, who oversees the program. "We wanted them to get an understanding of how the court system works, but we especially wanted 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."
This event marked the third out of four scheduled Schools in the Court programs for this academic year by the District Court of Maryland in Anne Arundel County. Judge Spencer expressed a goal for students from every school in Anne Arundel County to participate in this initiative.