Students from all three Jackson County high schools visited the Jackson County Courthouse over the last two weeks, for National County Government Month, allowing them to get a firsthand look at how the courthouse operates.
Students from Industrial and Ganado High Schools took some time to sit in on a real punishment-phase jury trial, watching as Assistant District Attorney Tom Dillard and Defense Attorney Joe Rivera worked in the courtroom. The Honorable Julie Bauknight presided over the trial.
Edna students instead took part in a mock trial, in which they played the roles of jurors, attorneys, the defendant, bailiff – every role except judge. That part went to Assistant District Attorney Stephen Tyler.
Assistant District Attorney Tom Dillard also guided Edna Seniors through a previous case and its evidence, explaining how it was investigated and collected, and how the District Attorney’s Office used plea deals to put away the defendants while also getting important informa-
see STUDENT COURTHOUSE TOUR on page A7
Rules of the trial
Jackson County attorney Tom Dillard discusses how trials work to Edna High School students.
EHS students toured the courthouse and participated in a mock trial on Friday, April 25. The students held a mock trial with attorney Tom Dillard.
tion for the victim’s family.
Students also heard from Officials like County Clerk Katherine Respondek, District Clerk Sharon Mathis, County Judge Jill Sklar, and A.D.A. Tyler. They toured county offices and received a tour of the Jackson County Jail by Jail Administrator Tara Timberlake.
National County Government Month is April of every year.
