Superior Court Judge Imelda Pate meets with Lenoir County Early College High School students during a recent visit by the Civic Literacy class to the Lenoir County Courthouse.

By Dr. Travis Towne
Lenoir County Early College High School

Sophomores in the Civic Literacy class at Lenoir County Early College High School were witnesses when they went to the Lenoir County Courthouse – witnesses to the workings of the county sheriff’s office, the clerk of court’s office and district and superior courts.

The students, led by teacher Dr. Travis Towne during the Oct. 11 visit, met with Sheriff Jackie Rogers and other representatives of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office. Major Tim Dilday and Captain Larry Greene took students throughout the courthouse and spent time explaining the various aspects of the legal system. 

Students had a chance to talk with District Court Judge Annette Turik, Superior Court Judge Imelda Pate and Superior Court Clerk Mary Alphin and learn about the various jurisdictions for which each court is responsible.

 “It was interesting to learn that judges travel from county to county to hear different cases,” student Brinley Sutton said.

Students also were able to view one of the current jail pods that was not being utilized and learned that, by making iPads available and allowing inmates to have reading materials and to keep in touch with family members, the Sheriff’s Office has tried to help create an environment of safety and security, while also providing a balance of positive treatment of incarcerated individuals.

The changes impressed the students.

“They recently introduced tablets so that the prisoners could contact their family,” Jenna Van said.

“I got a new perspective about how the prisoners are treated and a more accurate understanding of how trials work,” Brena Page said.

Students gained additional insight into the judicial system by hosting District Judge Christopher Rogerson on Oct. 16. Judge Rogerson discussed various aspects of the legal system that focused on teens and encouraged students to think about the legal consequences of their actions, especially as it relates to future career goals. 

Students also had the opportunity to participate in case study in which, as either a prosecutor or defense attorney, they had to identify areas they would focus on in support of their clients.

 “We all know people go to court, go to jail and get convicted, though personally I’ve never been inside a courthouse, so seeing it in person and the cells people were housed in helps cement that this stuff is real and does happen to people,” sophomore Valentina Bassett said

Dr. Towne said courthouse officials made this learning experience possible.

“The Early College High School students, teachers, and staff would like to publicly thank Major Chris Owens and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office for helping organize this amazing opportunity for students to visit the Lenoir County Courthouse,” he said. “Additionally, they would like to thank Sara Dowd from the North Carolina Bar Foundation for helping to schedule the visit from Judge Rogerson.”

District Court Judge Christopher Rogerson urged Lenoir County Early College High School students to consider the legal consequences of their actions when he discussed various aspects of the judicial system during a visit to the school last week.