Over the past two weeks, our youngest daughter has been sifting and rummaging through reams of paper, making notes, wandering the house, gesturing, muttering, running back to her papers, scribbling furiously and generally zoning out when not talking earnestly to her cat.

 

What in the world is going on?

 

Well, I found out last week. She's trying out at her school for a Mock Trial Competition put on by the South Carolina Bar.

 

The facts of the case are many, sad, compelling and complex. The case involves the death of a young teenage boy after illegally purchasing steroid-like 'nutraceuticals' from a local pharmacy.(When I looked her case materials over, I immediately realized I could readily and easily argue either side of the case!)

 

She's gotten into it all in a big way, has begun to appreciate the art of advocacy, the necessity of caring, passionate lawyers, the range and scope of our rules and procedures and the enormous responsibilities that lie upon all officers of the court. 

 

I am very proud of her and of all her classmates at Ashley Hall and all those who are participating from all over the state.  I'm thankful for her teacher Mary Webb, a recovering lawyer herself, for exposing them to our honorable profession. 

 

Talk about Real Life, Hands On Learning.  Simply put, a great way to learn to take a stand.

Go get 'em young ladies and gentlemen!! You rock!!

 

- EVFG

 

(Tomorrow, I believe I'll take a shot at 'TV Lawyers'-Here's a preview: "Arrgh!!")