The Valwood Mock Trial team and Mr. Beasley's AP U.S. Government seniors attended the Georgia Court of Appeals off-site oral arguments today at the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse in downtown Valdosta. This visit is a rare opportunity for South Georgians to access this essential part of our state's judicial system. The judging panel consisted of Presiding Judge Stephen Dillard, Judge Amanda H. Mercier and Senior Judge C. Andrew Fuller. The panel heard appellant and appellee arguments for three different cases before a completely full courtroom. Students from other area schools were present as well as several dozen local and regional attorneys and judges. Valwood seniors Katie Min and Annasten Creech led the Q&A portion of the day's proceedings by asking procedural and professional questions directly of Judges Dillard, Mercier and Fuller.
Valwood's Mock Trial team and AP GOV seniors are thankful for this excellent display of our federal judicial system as well as the coordination of state and local government, the process of appellate courts and exposure to the functional and historic institutions of Valdosta and Lowndes County. After the hearings, students enjoyed a picnic lunch from Jessie's Eats & Treats on the front lawn of the historic courthouse. Mr. Beasley and the Valiants would also like to thank organizer Haynes Studstill, coordinator Ashley Mock and courthouse host Jessica Ganas for making possible this amazing opportunity for Valwood students.
