Hunterdon: Philanthropy:Law Day / Court Night

Law Day / Court Night

Law Day / Court Night

Every year, the Hunterdon County Bar Association takes the opportunity to participate in New Jersey’s “Law Day”. In 2007, Court Night co-chairs, Assistant Prosecutor Steve Lember and attorney Anthony Murgatroyd, created a “Reality Court” format. 200 participants from our community sitting in the 4 courtrooms, observed 4 Judge/Attorney teams present trial vignettes in the civil, criminal, family and surrogate court areas.

"Judge Roger Mahon & Attorney Steven Lember portray a typical court scenario"
This photo is courtesy of the Hunterdon County Democrat and reporter Curtis Leeds

Each of the Judge/Attorney teams developed their own case and presented the scenario using Judicial Staff volunteers. The case was presented and ruled upon in 20 minutes with 10 minutes allowed for questions and answers. The Hunterdon County Mock Trial winners were presented with their awards during the reception.

Highlighted below are comments from Judge Buchsbaum and Judge Reed who participated in the program and 2 Court Night participants.

Peter A. Buchsbaum, J.S.C. :

I just wanted to congratulate you and the HCBA on an excellent and imaginative program.

Robert Reed, J.S.C. :

"I have participated in Law Day programs for 20+ years and this was, to my memory, the best in terms of program format and community participation. I had the pleasure of working with Greg and Chris, and I ruled in favor of each on an alternating basis, to avoid controversy and keep Chris in good stead with the boss.
Thank you."

"Thank you for sharing Law Day with us. My kids and scouts had a great time. It was a plus that they got to see their uncle, who is a Sheriff’s officer.... I forgot all about the possibility of his being there. A great time was had by all!"

Sincere thanks for your Reality Court program on May 1st. I brought my 8th grade daughter, and we both found it very interesting and informative. The question and answer period was a key aspect in helping the kids understand what was happening, as some of the typical language of a courtroom is unfamiliar to them, especially the younger children. We truly appreciate the time you spent to offer this program.