Students experience the courts
Students in the Monsignor Farrell Institute for Law and Public Policy were given the opportunity to explore the courts and meet public officials on Nov. 6.
Students in Institute for Law & Public Policy meet with some of Staten Island's top legal officials.
Roe v. Wade. The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson. Mapp v. Ohio. All these cases have been and are still spoken about. As time goes on, incidents are bound to happen. As a result, those who work in the courtroom are needed to help make sure justice is served with order.
On Nov. 6, Farrell students had the ability to go to the Richmond County Surrogate's Court and even meet a public official.
"It was a fine experience. I feel like I've learned a lot going to the different courthouses and meeting different attorneys that specializes in different categories," Sebastian Georges, '26, said. "I feel like we should have more experiences like that, and personally I would love to see a criminal trial next trip."
Students in the Monsignor Farrell Institute for Law and Public Policy sit with Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, '75.
The trip began at the Richmond County Surrogate's Court, where the students met with the Alumni Coordinator of The Institute for Law and Public Policy, Charles DeStefano, '79, to start of the trip.
Chief Clerk Ronald Cerrachio '79 and Judge Matt Titone '79 met with the students to discuss their journey into the law field. After all, everyone has a different route.
After seeing a session in the Surrogate's Court, a question-and-answer opportunity was opened during lunch with all the court workers, including Supervising Court Attorney -Referee Eva-Marie Cusack, Esq and Court Attorney Referee Angela Conti.
"I enjoyed hearing about the various types of law each civil servant worked in and what they do day-to-day," Matthew Carr, '26, said.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, '75, addresses students as part of the Institute for Law and Public Policy's trip on Nov. 6.
After a quick stop at the Richmond County Supreme Court, the Farrell men met Michael McMahon, '75. With a marvelous view from the District Attorney’s office, McMahon spoke to the students about his background and what he does in the community.
At the end of the informational visit, every student was given a challenge token from the office and was made aware of possible internships over the summer for high school students.
Students speak with Ron Cerrachio, '79, Chief Clerk of the Richmond County Surrogate's Court.
The highlight of this trip was that it was planned, not by a teacher or adult, but rather by a student, John Colletti, '25, who organized the trip in hopes of sharing his summer discoveries with his fellow brothers.
Months of planning resulted in the successful trip that was, and is, still spoken about.
"I had the opportunity to cross paths with a couple of high-ranking officials of the court at my summer internship," Coletti said. "As a result, I wanted to share my experience with my Farrell brothers in hopes of them receiving similar opportunities I was granted."
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.