Utah teens attend 'judge for a day' program, experience justice system

Utah teens attend 'judge for a day' program, experience justice system

(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — As Judge Randall Skanchy took a report from a woman in the 3rd District's drug court Tuesday, he deferred momentarily to the teenager at his side.

"Is there anything else you want to tell Mr. Bennett?" the judge lightly asked the woman.

In a dark suit and tie, East High School junior Sam Bennett sat at the judge's side and listened intently as the woman described steps she has taken to keep her life positive and drug-free. The teenager responded hesitantly with an answer that made the judge smile.

"That's cool," Bennett replied.

Bennett shadowed Skanchy through a number of hearings Tuesday as part of the court's Judge for a Day program, which for the past decade has introduced students to Utah's justice system. Together they oversaw about 175 initial appearances and conducted two sessions of drug court, taking a break to eat lunch and talk at The Robin's Nest restaurant.

"I think it really is difficult to envision what exactly happens in the court. We see what happens on TV, but this is different," said Skanchy, who has hosted a student each year since the program began.

Skanchy hopes that understanding the courts will help Utahns feel more comfortable should they find themselves interacting with the judicial system.

"Whether it's a civil case or it's a criminal case, it's probably the most important thing they have going on in their lives at that time. … The outcome is important to them in a thousand different ways," Skanchy said. "It's important for them to feel like they're safe in court and they have the opportunity to be heard."

In an effort to help Utahns better understand the legal system and the state court's role as a branch of local government, the Committee on Judicial Outreach was established in 2005. A subcommittee works to increase the court's public outreach, including implementing programs like "judge for a day" that specifically serve youth.

Twenty-three Utah high school students will be spending time with Utah judges later this month and into May.


I think it really is difficult to envision what exactly happens in the court. We see what happens on TV, but this is different.

–Judge Randall Skanchy


Bennett was especially impressed by Skanchy's work in drug court, a popular program established almost 20 years ago to help drug offenders overcome addiction and phase into successful and sober lives through frequent testing and court interactions.

One by one, drug court participants updated Skanchy and Bennett on their progress, ranging from currently incarcerated inmates to a group approaching graduation. The judge asked participants about progress with work, family and goals, giving stern words where needed while joking and encouraging with many.

Working with Skanchy showed Bennett a side of the legal system he hadn't expected.

"I think before today I was aware only of the negative aspects of going to court, like being sentenced to prison," Bennett said. "But it helps these people's lives to get them out of the situations that they're in. The judges and the court can be a really good influence. … It's a support system for turning their lives around."

The court's "judge for a day" events coincide with Law Day, a national event established in 1958 and celebrated on May 1 to highlight the rule of law. Students across Utah can apply by submitting a civic involvement resume, a teacher recommendation or an essay about the year's Law Day theme. A few past participants have gone on to work in the justice system.

Bennett first heard about the program from his sister, who attended a few years ago. At 17, he doesn't yet know whether he wants to pursue a career in law, but said he left the courthouse Tuesday with an understanding of the good that the courts do.

"There are good things it can bring to people's lives and positive effects it has on society," Bennett said. "It's not just a punishment. It's a way to help people live the lives they should be living."

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