TAYLOR — The 23rd District Court will host its inaugural Law Day on April 29.
Taylor School District students will be invited to the 23rd District Court to learn about the role of the law in the United States and its importance to society. The Police Department, Michigan State Police and several other state and federal law enforcement agencies will participate in the event.
The event will be held at the courthouse and be open to all third-graders.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to Taylor School District students,” said Judge Victoria Shackelford, who has been planning this event since taking the bench in November. “It’s a great way to teach the children in our community the importance of the rule of law and how it has shaped our democracy. It also creates a positive interaction with law enforcement and the judicial system, which will encourage a lifetime of good citizenship.”
During the event, displays and booths will be set up from agencies such as the Police Department, Fire Department, State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, FBI, and Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Each display will give students the opportunity to see first-hand what these law professionals do and ask any questions that they may have. Students also will be given a tour of the 23rd District Court.
“These won’t just be poster board displays,” Shackelford said. “We really want the kids to have a hands-on experience where they can learn about how the legal system works and make it something for them to remember as they grow up and start thinking about their careers.”
Taylor School District Supt. Griff Mills said he is excited to begin this yearly tradition with students, saying that it’s “a great way to bring our community together.”
“It’s always great for our students to be able to get involved in our community and see the inner-workings of the judicial system and law enforcement” Mills said. “We know that by meeting and interacting with the court and officers from these departments, kids will get a better understanding of what they do, why they do it and see that these people are truly heroes in our community.”
Shackelford hopes to continue Law Day into the future and have it become a yearly field trip for Taylor third-grade students.
“Law Day offers Taylor schools a local, low-cost, educational experience that benefits the community as a whole.” she said. “We know it’s something the students will really enjoy and we’re hoping that it becomes one of those field trips where parents, school staff and students look forward to it every year.”