DEFY holds mock trial

  • Published
  • By Jon Fishman
  • 95th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight Drug Demand Reduction
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Drug Education for Youth program conducted a mock drug trial at the Edwards Judge Advocates Court House to demonstrate the legal consequences of drug abuse and misuse Nov. 15. 

Each of the members got an opportunity to participate by assuming the roles of the lawyers, witnesses, judge and jury. 

At the end of the morning, they deliberated on the charges. Once the trial was complete and the verdict was read, the accused party was found guilty on all counts by the mock jury. 

Maj Seth Deam, Air Force Flight Test Center lawyer put together the scenario and facilitated the exercise and afterward he answered questions about the legal process. The morning was a valuable learning process for both the DEFY youth and mentors, he said. 

"Saturday's mock court trial is just one of the many activities we have scheduled to help the youth build positive social skills and behaviors," said Mr. Jon Fishman, DEFY Program Coordinator and Drug Demand Reduction Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. 

"This type of exercise provides the youth with a hands-on interactive learning experience that we hope they will remember well into the future," he said. 

December 13, the DEFY members, along with members of the Civil Air Patrol, will be holiday caroling at the Base Exchange, in support of the Marine's Toys for Tots program. 

"DEFY is a great program that focuses on building youngsters' self-image and setting goals," said Carolyn Graves, Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. "It stresses interpersonal relationships and emphasizes leadership and teamwork. It also raises awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, as well as the dangerous effects of peer pressure." 

For more information about the DEFY program and its volunteer opportunities, call 277-1354.