All rise! In a special educational adventure, Norwin Senior High School’s Business and Personal Law 1 recently journeyed to the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg. The excursion provided students with an immersive, yet practical, experience in the legal process. It was an opportunity for the bright legal minds of Norwin to connect their classroom studies to very real legal proceedings, enriching their understanding of the judicial system.
The visit to the courthouse marks a significant step in the club’s efforts toward bringing practical learning involvement to its members. Organized by the business law advisor Mr. Douglas Aftanas, the trip included observing a myriad of courtroom experiences, a guided tour of the facility, and various interactions with seasoned legal professionals who have extensive experience in the field. The event didn’t just offer a small glimpse into the overall daily workings of the law but also encouraged students to both evaluate and consider their careers in the legal field moving forward and the overall impact it can have on society.
As the students enter the courthouse, they must go through metal detectors in order to have a safe and fair experience at the courthouse. As they enter the main lobby, they are to be extremely silent, since it is a professional and legal environment. As they enter the courtroom before even the judges or lawyers enter, they are to power off their phones for no distractions. If students happen to not do this, and their phone goes off, they could be dismissed from the courtroom. After a few hours, the students are then dismissed to go to lunch to end off their day right.
“The field trip experience is one of great learning, understanding, and a true eye-opening experience,” Mr. Aftanas said. “My main goal is to expose my students to the practical understanding and application of the ‘legal landscape’ of our United States Legal System.”
Beyond simply observing the legislative process, the students also engaged in interactive learning activities. These included speaking with legal experts and judges who have personally dealt with hundreds of legal cases, tough decisions, and a multitude of unique experiences. Their questions helped further their understanding of the legal system and by speaking with experts, aiding their understanding of courtroom decorum.
“The field trip was definitely eye-opening,” freshmen Business Law I student Roman Ola said. “I think that the environment is a little scary in a way with how serious the justice system can be, but I definitely enjoyed it.”
The visit culminated with another interactive learning session with a focus on the sheer importance of upholding justice. This interaction was particularly meaningful as it provided students with a deep reverence for the justice system, which many believe is responsible for upholding the legalistic standard of all American citizens.
“I found the experience to be amazing,” senior Law student Drew Brown said. “I anticipate, this summer, attending college and going to school with a focus both on business and law. I am actively pursuing an internship at State Farm and get a first-hand glimpse at the legal process and how difficult it can be to navigate which only made me appreciate the visit more.”
As the day concluded, the students left with a significantly deeper understanding and appreciation of the legal system and its role in modern society. The experience, while not only educational, was also eye-opening, shedding light on the realities and challenges of the legal profession while also paving the way for what many deem to be a very lucrative career.
The Norwin Senior High School Business and Personal Law 1 visit to the Westmoreland County Courthouse showcases the club’s commitment to giving students real-world experiences that prosper practical day-to-day and classroom learning. As many students reflect on the time, they carry with them a newfound knowledge of the justice system, the impact of their careers, and the vital role they will potentially play.
