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tudents traded classroom seats for juror’s seats on May 1 as they participated in another successful annual Law Day at the Lawrence H. Cooke Sullivan County Courthouse.

The program, held in recognition of the national observance of Law Day, saw about 79 students ages 15-19, along with their chaperones, witness an interactive mock trial that gave them a firsthand look into the judicial system and the value of jury service.

Welcomed by Sullivan County Bar Association President Timothy McCausland, students learned about the responsibilities of jurors from Commissioner of Jurors Deanna Ambrust-Cruz. She described the jury selection process, the vital role citizens play in the justice system, and the general qualifications for service. 

McCausland spoke about the importance of civic participation and the role jurors play in ensuring fairness within the legal system. He noted that while jury service can sometimes feel inconvenient, it also gives citizens a meaningful and rewarding experience that allows them to take part in the justice process.

Ambrust-Cruz guided students through the basics of jury service, detailing how residents are selected, the qualifications necessary to serve, and the importance of responding to jury questionnaires. She also warned students about jury duty scams and explained how serving locally in Sullivan County can excuse residents from federal jury service for several years. She additionally explained how jurors are selected through multiple state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Board of Elections, and stressed that every citizen has a responsibility to serve when called upon.

After introducing students to the structure of New York’s court system and the responsibilities judges and jurors carry, Meagan K. Galligan presided over the mock trial in which 21 student jurors heard the fictional civil case of Taylor Thompson v. Jamie Sullivan, involving a motor vehicle crash and accusations of negligence. The randomly selected student jurors participated in a shortened voir dire process prior to hearing opening statements, giving them a realistic glimpse into how juries are selected in actual court proceedings.

Galligan explained the difference between criminal and civil court proceedings, emphasizing that the case before the students was not about guilt or innocence, but rather whether liability had been established. She also discussed the importance of impartiality, reminding students that jurors must decide cases based only on evidence presented in court rather than personal opinions, outside information, or assumptions.

In the mock case, Taylor Thompson, played by Cheryl McCausland, Esq., alleged that Jamie Sullivan, played by Tim McCausland, Esq., recklessly operated a vehicle after a party allegedly involving alcohol and marijuana use, leading to a crash that resulted in severe injuries.

The defense argued that Sullivan was not impaired and insisted that factors outside of his control could have caused the accident. The student jurors were tasked with deciding whether liability had been established and whether either party held responsibility for the crash.

Delivering opening statements were attorneys Marty Rutberg and Andrew Lessig, who also questioned witnesses throughout the mock trial. The students received a firsthand look at courtroom procedures such as cross examination, objections, witness testimony, and jury instructions.

Three key principles remained at the forefront throughout the program: fairness, the rule of law, and impartiality. Galligan told the students that jurors are responsible for determining facts based strictly on evidence presented in court and not on personal biases or speculation.

“This case, like so many in our courts, does not have an easy answer,” Galligan told students during her instructions to the jury. “It reflects real life–it shows you why we need jurors: fair, thoughtful, attentive citizens to help decide.”

Following the mock trial, Rutberg addressed the room and explained some of the broader details left out of the abbreviated case, including additional factors such as seat belt usage, calling more witnesses to the stand, the real-life financial costs often associated with cases like these, and how long actual court proceedings can continue. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions about jury service, courtroom procedure, and careers within the legal profession.