WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Most people experience our country’s court system through jury duty or as a plaintiff or defendant in a court case. But a select group of students in Dr. Kathy Morrison’s American Democracy and Citizenship (PLS 101) class at Missouri State University-West Plains have the opportunity to see the process from behind the bench, thanks to a service learning project with 37th Judicial Circuit Court Judge David Evans.
Each spring since 2008, students have competed for one of the program’s eight spots, Morrison said. “Students selected attend law days observing actual court cases and are active participants in the court. They learn how important a circuit judge is in dealing with people who come before his/her court, how frightened people are by the process, and how necessary attorneys are to the process. They are often surprised at how fair and impartial the process is, but also that the human value of each individual in court is respected and not lost sight of. It’s one of the few opportunities ordinary citizens have to view the legal process from the judge’s side of the bench,” she explained.
To be considered for the project, students submit information about their activities, education and work experience, as well as a short essay about why they want to participate. From that information, the eight are chosen to attend five law day sessions during the semester to observe court cases and discuss what they have learned about the process with Evans.
“Law days are hectic court business days where a large number of both criminal and civil cases are on the docket for a lot of different reasons,” Evans explained. “(The students) observe court and, most importantly, we talk before and after, not only about the judicial system, but how specific cases involving important issues are being worked on across the country. I like to challenge students to think about issues and arguments from different points of view and with a full understanding of the facts before making up their own minds, like judges and jurors must do in deciding cases.”
Because of the limited exposure most people have with our judicial system, Evans said its procedures can seem foreign or even scary, but they’re actually very people oriented.
“Courts are designed to help people,” Evans said. “Our job in civil cases is to help people solve often difficult legal issues, sometimes complicated disagreements and sometimes very personal ones, than cannot otherwise be fairly resolved. In criminal court, we work with people often involving difficult issues such as abuses within the home, drug abuse, lack of education and training, poverty and, with criminal convictions, imposing appropriate punishments and case dispositions to fit the specific charge and circumstance.
“Regardless of the type of case, it is my job to treat people in every case with respect and fairness regardless of the decisions made,” he continued. “I hope litigants leave court believing they have been treated fairly regardless of the decision for or against, and I hope students leave here with that same impression. I hope students leave understanding that judges mainly are problem solvers,” he said.
Several of the students who participated in the project this spring seem to be receiving that message. “There has been lots of misconceptions of how court proceedings and rulings happen, but after following proceedings in court, I am grateful that I can depend on the judicial system to offer justice,” said Emily Strout, a Kenyan native who now lives in Houston, Missouri. “This project has altered my view of the court system a lot. I now trust the courts, I trust the judges, and I respect the judicial system. These systems have been put in place to dispense justice.”
“One of the biggest things (I have learned) is that people who work in the court system are just ordinary people,” added Maci Barnes, West Plains. “For me, the most surprising aspect of this project was how much I enjoyed doing it. I knew that it would interest me because I’ve always been interested in law, but it was actually a lot of fun to go and see how everything works. Getting to talk to Judge Evans was also an amazing experience.”
For Gabe Godi, Salem, who plans to pursue a career in law enforcement, the project gave him the opportunity to see “the other side – where I’ll be sending the people accused of crimes.” Through the project, he added, he’s learned “the court system is very complex in ways I never thought it would be. It most definitely has altered my idea of everyday court. The amazing part of government is order, and the court system provides that order.”
Justin Davis, West Plains, said the experience has opened his eyes to many things about the judicial process. “I didn’t know much about how court worked. I originally thought court was very quiet and there weren’t many people in the court room. Since I’ve been going, I’ve noticed that court can be noisy, and the court room is pretty full.” Although he wasn’t originally considering a career in law or the judicial system, “after this project, I am considering changing my degree.”
The students’ last law day was April 17. They will now complete an essay detailing what they’ve learned from the experience for Morrison and send “thank-you” notes to Evans for his time and guidance to earn 50 public service points and a certificate of completion signed by Evans. Morrison pointed out that some students who participated in the service learning opportunity in the past have won internships and job opportunities in the law enforcement and judicial fields.
Both Morrison and Evans believe the project has been a great cooperative effort that has provided benefits to all involved, including some good recommendations from the students for improving the judicial system, which Evans has implemented over the years. “Judge Evans has been wonderful in taking our students into his courtroom and teaching them about the judicial process,” Morrison said.
“Working with students is something I personally enjoy,” Evans added. “Every day I see young people facing serious felony charges. Most of those defendants have drug and alcohol problems, and most have very limited career opportunities due to lack of education and training. This program is one way that I can help people build a better life for themselves. I only wish we could all do more.”
Drew Bennett, chancellor at Missouri State-West Plains, praised Morrison and Evans for their cooperative effort on the project. “I appreciate the working relationship Dr. Morrison and Judge Evans have developed to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our students, many of whom are considering careers in law and law enforcement. These real-world experiences give our students greater insight into an important piece of our governmental processes,” he said.