On Monday, March 3, members of the Lynch Middle School JUST LAW Club visited the Montgomery County Courthouse to gain firsthand experience with the legal system. The field trip provided students with an opportunity to learn about courtroom procedures, professional court roles, and the overall function of the judicial system.
Students began the day by going through courthouse security procedures before entering a large courtroom, where they met legal professionals who explained their roles in the criminal justice process. The visit included presentations from:
Hon. Kris Singh – Fourth Judicial District Administrative Judge, Montgomery County Surrogate
Hon. Michael Dayian – Montgomery County Family Court Judge
Lt. Stan – New York State Court Officer Lieutenant
Christina Pearson – Montgomery County District Attorney
Jeffery Smith – Montgomery County Sheriff
David Lapinel – Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office
As part of the experience, students participated in a mock trial titled The Case of the Missing Lunch, allowing them to engage in courtroom proceedings. The activity provided insight into legal arguments, courtroom decorum, and the responsibilities of various roles within the judicial process.
Following the mock trial, students toured the courthouse, visiting the record-keeping office, police custody holding areas, jury deliberation rooms, and the family courtroom. At the conclusion of the visit, Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffery Smith presented each student with a challenge coin, recognizing their participation and commitment to upholding the values emphasized through the JUST LAW Club.
“This experience gave students a real-world look at the legal system while reinforcing critical thinking and public speaking skills. Opportunities like this help prepare students for future careers and encourage civic responsibility,” said Principal Bryan Wood.
The district extends its appreciation to the professionals who made this visit possible, including:
Pina Melillo, Principal Secretary to Hon. Kris Singh, A.J.S.C.
Justina Cintrón Perino, Esq., Principal Court Attorney to Hon. Kris Singh, A.J.S.C.
Hon. Kris Singh – Fourth Judicial District Administrative Judge, Montgomery County Surrogate
This field trip is part of the JUST LAW Club’s ongoing efforts to provide students with real-world learning experiences related to the legal field.