Representatives of the San Bernardino District Attorney’s office spoke to students about the Constitution’s Fifth and Sixth Amendments in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
The event provided an opportunity for students to learn about the basis of the Constitution, explaining the civil responsibilities that students have and the importance for them to understand how the law would affect them. For example, how Miranda rights make sure citizens’ 5th and 6th amendments are enforced. District Deputy Attorney Rachel Hall, District Deputy Attorney Tyler Beach, and Supervising District Deputy Attorney Norma Alejo, representatives from the office, were invited by social science teacher Brett Landis. He emphasized the importance of relating student lives to the constitution and the judicial branch of government.
“The state of California has the expectation that students are going to learn about the constitution. The thought was to have a common activity during constitution week that would help fulfill the mandate of the state,” Landis said.
Another attendee, senior Lida Ren, who takes AP Government, said that having the guest speakers explain their roles were helpful, especially for those who hope to major in political science or social justice. Ren also thought it was interesting to hear from the prosecutors and take cases that defend the public safety.
While I don’t necessarily think them talking about the Constitution was too much of use, because I was learning this in my history class, I did, however, find them talking about their jobs quite useful, and I really liked it,” Ren said.
Attendee junior Chen Ling, who takes AP U.S. History, thought the presentation was informative about the Constitution and how it affects students. They also went into how the law affected minors specifically and what changes when minors reach adulthood. For example, the court would try to assist a minor who committed a crime to rehabilitate instead of giving them the full punishment as they would with adults. There are also exceptions, like if a minor murdered someone they could be tried as an adult and receive full punishment.
“They provided resources on things like what you can do if you cannot afford a defendant or a jury. They also went over the Miranda rights, which are useful to know [if you are] ever in a situation where you’re dealing with a cop,” Ling said.
