A recent trial in the Lynden Municipal Court building had some interesting characters. But that\u2019s all they were, characters, as the Lynden High School AP Government class performed a trio of mock trials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lynden Mayor Scott Korthuis dropped off the keys to the courtroom to the Lynden students who then held three different trials with the 30-plus students across one day. Students actively engaged in delivering opening statements, persuading in closing arguments, writing direct examinations, engaging in cross examinations, playing charismatic witness roles and objecting to both form and substance of questions. It was a mock trial in full production, says Jordan VanderVeen, LHS teacher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a great experience,\u201d says Kase Namminga, Lynden senior. \u201cWe applied all the knowledge we\u2019ve gained in this class so far this year.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Sarah Smith, Lynden senior, she says it was a great way to cap her senior year, having an \u201cevent where we thought deeply about law and justice.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Olivia Holmes, Lynden senior, says she learned a lot about court by being part of mock trial and added that working with her group they put in a lot of work to perfect their arguments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also enjoyed the experience. \u201cIt was fun going to the courthouse and acting,\u201d says Darby Langstraat, Lynden senior. \u201cEveryone did a really good job doing their parts. It was fun seeing everyone working together. I\u2019m glad we were able to perform in a real courtroom. It was inspiring.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Declan Hurley, Lynden senior, called the trial \u201cawesome\u201d and says he learned a lot more than he thought he would and had fun doing it. Jules Slayton, Lynden senior, agreed, saying, \u201cThe mock trials were really fun and unique experiences that I\u2019ve never had before.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"