Broken windows, spray paint on walls, smashed computers and student grades being illegally changed were at issue in a mock trial performed on Thursday evening December 8, 2005 at Franklin Superior Court in St. Albans.   Honorable Judge Geoffrey Crawford presided over the mock trial performed by 7^th and 8^th graders of Georgia Middle School as parents, siblings, fellow students and members of the public looked on.

The trial was the conclusion of an elective class offered to 7^th and 8^th grade students at Georgia Middle School. The class was co-taught by 8 ^th Grade Teacher Eric Hadd and volunteer instructor Jacqui Hood of the Franklin Grand Isle County Bar Association. Students prepared for attorney and witness roles for about 7 weeks before entering the courtroom on Thursday night.

The defendant Casey Clevenger, played by 8^th grader Madelaine Grimmer, was charged with vandalism and computer crimes. Student prosecution attorneys presented evidence including paint stained gloves, a flashlight belonging to the defendant and a map of the scene of the crime along with witness testimony. Students filling the role of prosecutors were Amanda Bouchard, Lindsey Morin, Brittany Wieland, Christopher Messer and Emily Vallee.

Student attorneys representing the defendant were Michelle Weaver, Lindsay Jodoin, Zachary Hall, Renee Lavigne and Paige Cook. Witness testimony presented by the defense was designed to create doubt as to who was responsible for the crimes in the case.

Leah Smyth, Torrey Webster, Sadie Fitzgerald, Katherine Bouchard, Alyssa Bechard, Nyokalynn Fuller and Jennifer Beams performed witness roles. David Benoit served as the court officer for the event.

The verdict delivered by Judge Crawford was guilty of the charge of vandalism, but not guilty on the charge of computer crimes.

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