Law Student for a Day with Sawgrass Springs Middle School at FIU. {SSMS}
The Sawgrass Springs Middle School Debate Team had the opportunity to step into the shoes of law students during the “Law Student for a Day” program at Florida International University in Miami.
On September 13, the SSMS debate team students gained firsthand insight into legal studies and toured the FIU Law building, including the university’s expansive college library. According to Linda Pierre, the school’s debate coach and instructor, students capped off the experience by attending an in-depth presentation on the legal system.
Pierre tells Coral Springs Talk that the presentation covered foundational legal concepts such as Mens Rea (the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing) and Actus Reus (the physical act of committing a crime). The middle schoolers then engaged in discussions and participated in mock scenarios in which they assumed the roles of lawyers, debating and presenting arguments as if they were in a real courtroom.
“This program, organized in collaboration with Florida International Law School in Miami, has been a fantastic opportunity for our debate team to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills,” Pierre told Coral Springs Talk.
SSMS organized the “Law Student for a Day” program to help students broaden their perspectives on potential legal career paths and emphasize the importance of legal education and community engagement for young minds.
According to Pierre, the plan is to continue fostering similar opportunities for the SSMS debate team. They also encourage other schools to explore partnerships that can inspire and educate students about the possibilities within higher education and beyond.
She says the program has already been a massive hit for her students and hopes to share the experience with others.
“The growth and enthusiasm of our team have been truly inspiring.”
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