Business Law Class Winds Up in Court
Students Take Field Trip to District/County Courtrooms
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOn October 22, the Wahoo High School Business Law class went on a field trip to the Saunders County District and County Courts.
“The goal of the field trip was to allow students to observe in person what they have been studying in the classroom,” said WHS Business Law Instructor Barb Shanahan.
In District Court the students witnessed a variety of cases, including divorce cases, probation hearings, burglary sentencing, possession of an illegal drug sentencing, name change, and property suits. While there, students had an opportunity to approach the bench and ask Judge Mary Gilbride and her court reporter, Angie Eickler, questions about the court system.
In County Court the students observed cases involving DUI’s, misdemeanors, disturbing the peace, domestic assault, warrants, and change of plea.
The most interesting case of the day took place in district court. A person was appearing for sentencing for possession of an illegal drug - methamphetamine. The defendant had hoped to extend his probation, but instead was sentenced to 20-60 months in the Nebraska State Penitentiary. It was a relief to the students to see this person, who had 62 prior convictions, handcuffed and taken into custody.
“It is one thing to read about the courtroom scene, read the law terms and cases, and another to actually sit in the beautiful, massive courtroom and watch our government in action,” Shanahan added.