On Friday, February 9th, 2024, the Cobb County Superior Court proudly hosted the first Courtroom to Classroom event of the new year, welcoming nearly 200 enthusiastic fourth graders from East Side Elementary School. The event aimed to educate students about the intricacies of the legal system through an engaging mock trial experience. 

Under the guidance of Superior Court judges Jason D. Marbutt, Kellie S. Hill, and Henry R. Thompson, alongside State Court judge Jaret Usher, the young participants delved into a scripted mock trial to determine the guilt of "Jaime Joyride" in the alleged theft of bicycles from a local store. Judge Marbutt expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to educate children, noting, "I love having the opportunity to teach kids about our jury system and due process. I was impressed with how seriously the kid jurors took their job!" 

Following the mock trial, the students had the privilege of engaging with representatives from the Cobb Sheriff’s Office’s Community Engagement Unit and meeting K-9 officers Rose and Boomer, along with their handlers, Angela and Deputy Jacob Long, respectively. These officers provided valuable insights into their roles within the community and showcased tools used to ensure public safety, including bicycle and trike patrol units. Judge Henry R. Thompson emphasized the importance of public servants participating in community outreach programs, stating, "I think it is the duty of all public servants to participate in community outreach programs whenever feasible." 

The Cobb County Superior Court looks forward to hosting more mock trials throughout the 2023-24 school year, providing valuable educational experiences for fourth- and fifth-grade groups. This was Judge Jaret Usher's first time presiding over a Courtroom to Classroom mock trial, stating, "It is a joy to participate in this program and to engage with the younger members of our community."

For inquiries about participating in upcoming Courtroom to Classroom events during the 2024-25 school year, please contact Erin Mendez Erin.Mendez@Cobbcounty.org or Lawlibrary@Cobbcounty.org.