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Students get their arguments ready.

Students ready for mock trial.

Gables High students act as judges on the bench.

Student makes her point at the mock trial.

Andria Hanley, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, and Mayor Jim Cason.

Julio Garcia, academy leader for Health Sciences, Public Service and Law at Coral Gables Senior High School, recently gave his students a day in court.

Twenty-five students from his program participated in the inaugural Justice Day on Friday, Nov. 2, at the Coral Gables Courthouse, 3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Under the leadership of Judge Don Cohn, the students conducted a mock trial, which allowed them to see first-hand what it is like to work in our legal system.

Greeted by Mayor Jim Cason and City Attorney Craig Leen, students became the judges, prosecutors and defendants in the courtroom. Each student received a certificate from Mayor Cason.

Prior to Justice Day, an essay competition was held, and the winner, Jean Carballosa, will spend a day with Judge Cohn and go to lunch with City Attorney Leen.

The three honorable mentions in the essay contest were Andres Marrero, Daniel Gonzalez and Dalgis Morejon. All four students will be recognized during an upcoming City Commission meeting.

As for the mock trial, the defendant in the murder case was found guilty.  Both sides did a terrific job presenting their respective points of view.  Unlike most cases, the day ended with everyone enjoying pizza donated by the recently opened Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd., thanks to General Manager Carlos Valladares.

Plans are already under way for the annual Law Day in May 2013.