Massapequa Students Go to Court

In rooms replicating Nassau County courtrooms, more than 60 Massapequa High School law students, dressed in their professional best, argued cases before real judges during the school’s annual Law Day. This real-world simulation of trial law, similar to that of law school, is one of the largest, most inclusive high school law programs on Long Island and a longstanding tradition in the Massapequa School District.

Before audiences of aspiring lawyers, Massapequa’s top law students argued a criminal law case on cyber-stalking and identity theft, an environmental law case on the Bethpage plume and water pollution, and a public advocacy case on student loans. They also presented civil law cases on sexual harassment and on contracts dealing with child stars.

“Law Day brings the practice of law to life as our top law students argue cases at the highest of standards before real judges,” said Daniel Bachman, Massapequa High School social studies teacher, Mock Trial advisor and coordinator of Law Day. “Students from the law program are genuinely excited to watch and learn from the best practices of law students and alumni.”

Students were judged on poise, knowledge of the law, creativity, and zealous yet courteous advocacy by Hon. William O’Brien, Nassau County Court judge, Hon. Paul Meli, 4th District Court judge, and Massapequa alumni who are practicing attorneys or are currently studying law at Cornell, Hofstra, Binghamton and Seton Hall.

Winners of Law Day advanced to argue cases in front of the Massapequa Park Village Court, also part of the law program’s tradition.

Submitted by Massapequa Schools