Sixty-three Girl Scouts learned about the justice system Oct. 15 when they participated in the second “Girl Scout Day: Up Close at the Duval County Courthouse.”
A merit badge and pizza were included.
The program was developed by Duval County Judge Gary Flower and began in June when another group of Girl Scouts was the guest of the court.
“We want organizations to have an up-close look at the courthouse and the different aspects of the law,” Flower said.
For the visitors, it was an opportunity to learn about the law and their personal potential.
“Part of being a Girl Scout is civic engagement and understanding that girls can have an active role in making the world a better place, but it also lets the girls know that there are female judges and lawyers and clerks,” said Triciarae Stancato, chief development officer for Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.
The day at the courthouse began when the scouts watched Flower qualify a pool of jurors. That was followed by presentations about trials, mediation, the origin and functions of the law and the rights and responsibilities that are part of being a citizen.
The roles of the branches of government were presented, along with how people who can’t afford to hire an attorney can secure legal counsel.
The role of law enforcement was explained by Lt. Lakesha Burton from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, executive director of the Police Athletic League and Duval County Judge Lester Bass explained trials.
The program continued with a discussion of the careers in the law.
The panelists were Duval County Judge Kelly Eckley, Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts Rose Devoe, family law attorney Heather Quick, Florida Association for Women Lawyers President Jennifer Shoaf Richardson and Jamie Karpman, president of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association.
“It gave the girls an opportunity to see women in leadership roles in the legal profession,” said Karpman, who was a presenter at the program in June.
Stancato said one of the highlights of the day was the mock trial. Advised by assistant state attorneys, Girl Scouts played the roles of judge, jury, prosecution, defense and witnesses.
They also had lunch at the courthouse.
The day helped the scouts qualify for two badges: “Inside Government” and “Finding Common Ground.”
“Those are related to becoming an active citizen and advocacy to reach others,” Stancato said.
With more than 10,000 girls enrolled in the 16-county Gateway Council, Stancato expects there will be more days at the courthouse for Girl Scouts.
“We thought it would be small, but Judge Flower took it to the next level. This partnership has been helpful,” she said.
Flower said the plan is to use the programs created for the Girl Scouts as a model for programs that can be adapted to the specific needs of other groups.
“We can design an up-close look at the court and legal system from the inside. It’s educational and it’s fun to have a civics day,” he said.
Organizations interested in scheduling a day at the courthouse may contact Flower at (904) 255-1354.
There might be pizza.