It wasn’t very practical to bring Trautmann Middle School students to observe the justice system downtown so State District Judge Beckie Palomo brought court to them.
Palomo of the 341st District Court has been conducting the Courts in Schools program for 12 years. The program aims to teach students about the consequences of being involved with drugs and alcohol and learn about the careers associated with the court system.
The students witnessed a court hearing and sentencing on Friday in the gym at Trautmann Middle School.
“This is so that kids can observe … the consequences of drugs and alcohol,” Palomo said.
She added that the program wants to reach students who may be on the wrong path “so they can see the consequences of drugs and alcohol and bad behavior that results in criminal consequences.”
The program also reaches students who are curious about the roles of the judge, prosecutors, defense, deputies, the bailiff and court reporter.
During the proceeding, Palomo also weighed cases for those on probation. “Some are doing well; some are not doing well,” she said before the hearing.
During the court hearing, she sentenced Javier Rueda, 38, to 10 years probation for his role in a drug case involving marijuana. The defendant, who also spoke to the students in an attempt to dissuade them from a life of drugs and alcohol, is in dire need of a liver transplant.
Dozens of students quizzed Palomo and the defendant. They asked the defendant if he regretted his life, if he had children and about his mother. They asked Palomo whether it was hard to become a judge and whether it is difficult to be a judge.
Trautmann Middle School Principal Gilbert Moreno said the students asking such profound questions was a reflection of the amazing teachers who have worked with students to develop their questioning methods. He also said the school was grateful to Honorable Beckie Palomo for the time that she and her staff took out of their regular schedule to meet with students and share personal stories and messages.
The message that Palomo wants to send to students?
“I don’t want to see you in court, in shackles, in an orange jumpsuit,” she said.
Judge Beckie Palomo talks to Trautmann Middle School students
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
