Students in the forensic science class learn about the legal system and law enforcement as Judge Holmes and a local constable spoke to them on Sep. 29 and 30.

The guest speakers shared their experiences in and outside of the courtroom, explaining what training is required, what tools they use and how the legal system works. 

“The main thing I learned from Judge Holmes is that the rules, the laws in the legal system and the history of it,” junior Tuscany Morthole said. “The constable shared what equipment she used and what training was required for her position.”

Both speakers highlighted the responsibilities of their positions, with Judge Holmes describing how she got elected to her role and the cases she has handled both as a judge and as an attorney. The constable explained her daily duties.

“Having them talk about their jobs made me realize it is not like TV or the movies,” Morthole said. “It changed how I see their jobs in law enforcement and the legal system.”

Forensics teacher Carol Seng said the guest lectures add depth to the lessons taking place in the class. Currently, students are working on a crime scene lab, learning to document evidence with photographs and diagrams.  

“This connects to what we are currently learning since it gives me knowledge about the legal system,” Morthole said. “Which will help me when we get to that part of our crime scene lab, which I find exciting.”

Seng said next class students will begin their crime scene sketching, mapping out rough but detailed drawings of the evidence and fixed features of their mock investigation.