Educationally Speaking -- Gay Geiser-Sandoval

When I wrote the column that follows, I did not realize that running

for judge and writing a column were mutually exclusive. The Pilot says

they are, so this will be my last column, at least until after the March

5 election.

When I was asked to write this column three years ago, I thought it

was important to highlight the needs and accomplishments of our young

people. I know that you did not always agree with my ideas, but that is

great. It means you have been thinking about how to make this world a

better place, which was why I offered my ideas in the first place. I will

miss this time each week to share some thoughts with you. But sometimes

we must stand up for what we think is right, even if it isn’t easy.

That is why I have decided to run against a judge indicted for

possession of child pornography. If I don’t do it, and he is reelected

for six more years, what message do we send our children? So, I want to

thank all of you who took the time to read my words, as well as the Daily

Pilot for printing them. Most of all, I want to thank my friends and

family, who have given me a better perspective for this column and my

life in general. May this community always put its children first!

***

They come with false expectations, having watched “Ally McBeal,” where

lawyers don’t actually spend time preparing for court and working hard.

TV lawyers breeze into court with a briefcase full of air and magically

come up with the winning argument, like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

But the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County, which sponsors

our countywide high school mock trial competition each year, wants more

of our youth. It wants to ensure our teenagers understand the criminal

justice system and our constitutional guarantees by having the students

enact a criminal trial in front of real judges in a real courtroom. There

is no script; only witness statements, similar to a police report. The

students become the witnesses, lawyers and court personnel.

This year’s topic, which focused on terrorist activities, arson and

police profiling, was written before Sept. 11, but took on new meaning in

light of recent events. I come as their volunteer attorney coach, with

the awesome duty of convincing these high school students that they can

understand and put on a trial in the few short weeks we have together. At

the school where I coach, as is true with all of our district schools

that compete, Mock Trial is not a class. There is no credit and the kids

that participate are in every activity you can think of. It is impossible

for the entire team to come together at any one time, so we meet when we

can: evenings and weekends. It’s never often enough.

At this school, the team is open to anyone who wants to join. There is

no cost to the student, and school groups and the police association

supported the team. Our local fire and police officers came to teach us

about fire and police investigations and how to testify in court. A judge

opened up his courtroom after hours so the students could see what a

courtroom looked like before they had to compete in one. Parents helped

drive us to court each week and a sheriff escorted our group throughout

the courthouse the night we brought a knife to cut up our 5-foot long

sandwich. So many lawyers and judges gave up their Tuesday nights in

November to listen to the 47 teams of high school kids learn about life.

Our team didn’t win the county championship. In fact, we lost our

round with Corona del Mar’s team by half a point. But, each one on every

team that stuck it out and overcame their fears was a fantastic winner in

my book. We started out in mid-September with me asking them to stand up

and say their name and something about themselves. That was very hard.

Most kids mumbled only their first names while they looked down and

rocked on their heels. They couldn’t think of what to say, and peppered

their phrases with “ah” and “like’.’ Our first task was to stand up

straight. Then, we had to learn about the court system, criminal

procedure, investigations and evidentiary rules and objections.

Once we got the fact situation in October, there were 18 roles that

needed to be assigned. Usually, I let the kids decide what they want to

be. Some kids find out it is hard work and quit. This year, some

adjustments had to be made to fill some holes. Some kids just had to be

on prosecution because they could never defend someone accused of a

crime, and others had to be on defense because they wondered “How could

you try to send someone to jail?” Their ability to now believe so deeply

in the opposite and logically convince me of their position has been my

favorite reward.

When we first got the case, the students asked me when they would be

told if the mythical defendant is “really” guilty or innocent. I told

them that we’d find out each week in November when that judge makes a

ruling. The outcome has not always been the same. Now, they understand

the beauty of our justice system. It is about people and their passion

for justice. My team, which has its fair share of immigrants, has the

passion to protect our system of justice and our Constitution for the

next generation. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to watch them

blossom. Thank you, team, for taking me on your incredible journey!

. . .

Tomorrow night, join 21 scientists in the Costa Mesa High School

library for Ask the Scientists Night. This is the chance for your son or

daughter to find out all they want to know about each particular branch

of science by visiting and talking with people in that field. It is free,

and the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss it.

* GAY GEISER-SANDOVAL is a Costa Mesa resident whose columns ran

Tuesdays. She may be reached by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .