Mock trial, real stakes: Warren Central students step into the courtroom
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – A Warren County courtroom looked and sounded a lot like the real thing Thursday night, except the attorneys, witnesses, and legal strategists were all high school students.
Warren Central High School’s Law and Justice class held its annual mock trial inside Judge Brent Potter’s courtroom at the Warren County Justice Center. Students spent months preparing a full criminal case from scratch, complete with opening statements, witness questioning, and closing arguments.
Teacher Daren Bowen, who leads the class, said the goal was to make the experience as realistic as possible.
“We’re taking a mock murder trial… and this is going to be as real as real could be here in the courtroom,” Bowen said.
Two separate class blocks faced off: one acting as the prosecution, the other as the defense. Their arguments were heard by a jury filled with local leaders, including police officers, school administrators, and Superintendent Rob Clayton.
“All these people are sitting on the jury… and this is just a great opportunity for these kids to showcase skills that some of them probably never knew that they even had,” Bowen said.
For the students, the preparation went far beyond textbook learning. Sophomore Neala Young said the class poured months of effort into mastering the case files and building arguments.
“Months and months and months of reading the case files, writing notes, rewriting everything… We put a lot, a lot into this,” Young said.
Some students signed up already dreaming of legal careers. Others discovered new interests through the process.
“I never know what I’m going to be in the future… one day I might want to go into law,” said student Nasir Gilbert.
And for many, the biggest lesson wasn’t just about laws or trial procedures, it was about confidence.
“I anticipate that everybody’s going to have fun… and be able to speak up in public without having any fear,” said Maggie Faustine.
Judge Potter told students the courtroom experience is more than a class project, it might shape their future paths.
“This gives you a glimpse of what goes on in the courtroom… and I encourage you to follow your dreams, whatever they may be,” Potter said.
Though the trial was simulated, the lessons were anything but. Students walked away with real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, tools they say will matter long after high school.
