Tulsa 8th Graders Take Part In Mock Trial At Federal Courthouse

A group of Tulsa eighth graders were in federal court Thursday. 

Students from KIPP Tulsa College Prepatory were not there because of a crime, but in a case that could factor into their educational future. A courtroom at the Tulsa federal courthouse was transformed into a classroom so that the students, who had been prepping for three weeks could learn court procedures and about the legal system. 

Thursday, the students became the plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys and witnesses in a civil case about racial profiling. 

Several local attorneys hosted the mock trial and helped get the students ready for their day in court.

" I think the biggest thing that the students say about this is that they had no idea how much was involved in being a lawyer..how excited they've been to learn about the practice of law. Not necessarily the TV version but what its been like to defend another person and determine whether or not theyve been justified right or wrong," said Andrew McRae, school leader at KIPP Tulsa College Preparatory. 

The eighth graders had to argue their case in front of a jury of seventh graders also from KIPP Tulsa College Prepatory.