Mock trial gives students peek at wizardry of law

Fourth-graders from Hickey Elementary School made their case Friday against Harry Potter at the Regional Justice Center.

The students took part in a mock trial in which the beloved wizard was accused of misusing his magic.

Two classes played the roles of judge, jury, attorneys and witnesses in a trial of Potter, accused of turning his enemy Draco Malfoy into a pink puppy. They had guidance from District Judge Tierra Jones.

The mock trial-courtroom immersion program is a cooperative effort of the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Project REAL and Clark County schools, organizers said in a news release.

Project REAL provides classroom materials that meet Clark County School District proficiency standards and help familiarize students with legal terms and the roles and processes of a criminal trial before their courtroom experience, according to the release.

Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-journal @Erik_verduzco Fourth-graders from Hickey Elementary School participate in a mock trial Friday at the Regional Justice Center. The trial put Harry Potter on trial for misuse of magic, and he was found not guilty.

Alejandro Mata, 10, in character as Harry Potter, takes the stand in his defense during a mock trial Friday at the Regional Justice Center.

Valeria Rangel, 10, playing a court judge, participates in a mock trial Friday at the Regional Justice Center.