The witch is dead, but it wasn't murder
The jury is in, and it sides with Dorothy.
The jurors were not exactly her peers, however. Sixth-graders in Valley Glen argued the case of the County of Oz vs. Dorothy Gale, in which the Kansas farm girl was tried for the water-melting murder of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Dorothy was found not guilty of premeditated murder.
Above, the murder is reenacted: (From left) Alexis McCarthy as Dorothy, defense lawyer Ryan Kopelowicz; Oz weather woman Lola Rain Mintis Hankerson; defense lawyer Jordan Rowe, and Scarecrow Aiyana White.
Below, Prosecutor Travis Goddard questions Judge Graham Mekjian.
The jury, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judge and witnesses were all elementary school students participating in the Laurence School’s Kids Court program. For six months they studied the legal system, including meeting with judges at Van Nuys Superior Court.
Laurence, a private elementary school, hasn’t missed a court date since its mock trial program, recognized by the National Bar Assn., started in 1991.
“Students not only learn about our judicial system, they also get an opportunity to perfect their critical-thinking and debate skills,” says Lauren Wolke, the school’s assistant head and a lawyer who created the program 19 years ago.
-- Mary MacVean
Photos courtesy of the Laurence School
