The Rombout Junior High School students selected by their teacher William Castaldi attended the "Day in Court" program conducted by Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess.
One of the cases that morning involved a sentencing related to an incident where an innocent bystander was shot, according to the release.
The defendant in the case even spoke to the students about learning to control their impulses to avoid a similar outcome, according to the club's release.
Next, participants will write essays on the experience to read at next month's meeting.
“This impactful initiative teaches young people about the obligations and rights of U.S. citizenship,” said President Denise Doring VanBuren.
The local club has 50 members.
For more information, email sdexchangeclub@gmail.com.
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