TORRINGTON – Goshen County’s third-grade students got an up-close view of the justice system during “Constitution Day,” held at the Goshen County Courthouse on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

“We have two events, ‘Constitution Day’ where we invite the third graders [and ‘Liberty Day’ for the fifth graders,” Deputy Goshen County and Prosecuting Attorney Colby Sturgeon told the Telegram. “It’s my understanding that it complies with their curriculum. They’re learning in the classroom all about the amendments of the Constitution.”

The students then get to come to the courthouse and see how things actually work.

During the event, the students got to watch a mock trial where the defendant was requesting a bond be set. The trial involved a woman stealing change out of a parked car. 

The students got to watch the defendant and her attorney plead their case for a bond, the prosecuting attorney make his arguments and District Judge Edward Buchanan make his ruling. 

After the mock trial finished up, Buchanan answered questions and had court reporter Chase Frazier explain his job. The students asked many questions including what everyone’s jobs were, what cops do and how a person becomes a judge.

“Hopefully, [this event] lets the kids see how the things they are learning actually apply,” Sturgeon said. “When you talk about the Constitution, that’s what the entire criminal justice system really is.”

When preparing for these events, Sturgeon said they always try to pick a crime that is relevant to children. It’s an opportunity to teach them about real consequences. For example, if they were to do what the defendant did, they could end up in the exact same position. 

Sturgeon also said he thinks it allows the kids to see different fields that they could potentially go into when they grow up. There are many different positions within the court system, and these types of events introduce them to the kids.