Pictured Back Row, Left to Right:
Honorable Wendy Kinsella, US Bankruptcy Judge; Liza Magley, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, Eric Nordby, Esq. The Porter Law Group, Abigail Douglas, Gage Grinnell, Avery Tompkins, Cody Piersall Front Row, Left to Right: Myah Ouderkirk, Lillian Drees, Madison Hildenbrandt, Kelly Griffith, Bankruptcy Law Clerk, Judy Dacey, CHS teacher.
On Tuesday May 7th, students from Mrs. Dacey's MVCC Business/Personal Law class went to the US District Court Northern District Federal Courthouse in Onondaga County. This opportunity was provided by NDNY Court Outreach as part of Law Day. A panel of esteemed individuals presented to students beginning with the Voices of Democracy Program.The Honorable Wendy Kinsella is a US Bankruptcy judge who presides over bankruptcy court cases and Naturalization ceremonies. She spoke to students about her career path, as well as her journey to becoming a judge. She was one of the Voices of Democracy presenters. She was joined by Liza Magley, Esq., from the Bond Schoeneck & King Law Firm.
The pair brought students into a courtroom where they were provided a itinerary and a hypothetical case to argue about free speech and voting rights in depth.
The class also heard from some other accomplished speakers.
Eric Nordby, Esq., from the Porter Law Group discussed his educational and professional journey that includes work as a defense attorney, and a prosecuting attorney in personal injury law.
Assistant US Attorney Michael Perry ran through a hypothetical money laundering case and engaged students in an interactive discussion about evidence discovery.
Assistant Public Defender Annie LaFex discussed the rights of the accused including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Perry and LaFex teamed up to present about federal crimes involving minors.
Chief Probation Officer Michael Kester discussed Pro Social Government and how probation is trying to keep individuals out of jail while their proceedings are occurring. He explained how probation is considered after an arrest and arraignment based on risk of flight and danger to the community. An individual can be detained or released on conditions or released on their own recognizance. He explained how he is sort of a Social Worker and a Probation officer at once because he is there to serve. He provided examples of how resources are provided for those on probation or supervised release to set them up to be productive in society.
Secret Service/former DEA Agent Anthony Hart, Jr., discussed his educational and professional journey to becoming a Secret Service and DEA Agent. He discussed the history of the Secret Service and how it evolved to protection of the presidency. He spoke about probable cause and obtaining search warrants. He spoke about the opioid epidemic and the "1 Pill Can Kill" campaign.
All speakers spoke passionately about their role in government and the judicial process, and gave our students a tremendous amount of inspiration in exploring careers in government and the law.