Pictured above: NSU students who observed a second-degree murder trial are, front row from left, Brooke Collins, Harper Collie, Jay Delgado, Madison Chaplin, Hannah Gore, Hailey Wolff, president of Demons of Due Process; Gracie Hale and Kaleigh Carver. Carver, in addition to begin a full-time students, is also an undergraduate law clerk of the 11th Judicial District Court. On the second row are Autumn Dawson, Samuel Mercantel, Cody Williams, Marcus Jenkins and Judge Craig Marcotte. On the back row are Nia Richards and Aniyah Smith.
NATCHITOCHES – Students from Northwestern State University in the Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies minor and on the Demons of Due Process Mock Trial Team observed a second-degree murder trial in the 11th Judicial District Court in Sabine Parish Sept. 29. The students visited with the Presiding Ad Hoc Judge Craig Marcotte District Judge Verity Gentry, First Assistant District Attorney Anna Garcie and other court officials.
Marcotte is a judge of the Second Circuit Court of Appeal and Supernumerary Judge of the 11th Judicial District Court.
“Observing and analyzing a trial brings home the importance of principles that can seem very theoretical or philosophical,” said Dr. Rebecca Riall, coordinator of Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies at NSU. “This experience helps pre-law students understand the context of procedural rules and help mock trial team students understand trial strategies. We are grateful to Judge Marcotte and Judge Gentry for allowing our students to observe as well as the district attorney’s office, court reporter, clerk of court, sheriff’s office, and others whose staff took the time to speak to the students about their roles.”
NSU’s Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies programs are part of the School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs. Information is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-arts-and-sciences/ssap/.