Fifth-graders worked alongside Prelaw Society students at Laie Elementary School learning the basics of the legal system on March 12. Prelaw volunteers noted how their mock class taught students essential lessons about the judicial system, critical thinking, and how there are always two sides of a story.
The students led with the question– “What are your rights?” Connor Hansen, a junior from Idaho majoring in business, said the students were learning the power of critical thinking.
“I think the critical thinking they were able to have today will help them, no matter what career they choose or what they want to do with their lives. They learned how to think and see both sides of any situation, and that is valuable.”
Hansen said the elementary students were blown away after learning a burglar still had rights and privileges, even if they committed a crime.
“I felt that it was really important for them to see how amazing it is to live in the United States, where everyone has equal protection in the law, and everyone has access to the courts.”
Mrs. Sandi Aluli, a fifth grade teacher at Laie Elementary, said she hoped the students would become interested in how the law works, how local government works and how they can see both sides of a story.
“I went over the case before the [BYU–Hawaii students] got there, and they were really excited to talk about it. I loved hearing the excitement in them.”
Zabrina Bateh, a senior from Washington majoring in international studies and vice president of membership in the Prelaw Society, said, “I think it’s really important for [the students] to know this information, so that they know their actions have legal consequences or that they can at least be prosecuted by law. It shows them the real side of things.”
Aspired career
Both Hansen and Bateh said they aspire to work in the law field after graduation. Hansen shared, “I’m interested in going into corporate law. I am a business major, and I love the idea of helping with economic development, helping communities and life expectancy grow. I feel the greatest way to make a humanitarian difference is actually through economic development.”
Bateh said, “I like law because it helps you think critically. I am thinking of going into law. I graduate this semester, and I hope in a year or two after I take a ‘chill pill,’ I will go to law school.”
Aluli commented, “I’m so grateful for the connection that the [BYUH] students were able to have with the students, to come in here and share their learning. I feel like it helps our students who are thinking ahead of what they might want to do in the future.”
Opportunities and invitation
If students have any interest in law at all, Hansen suggested they come to a Prelaw Society event in the future. “It’s a good way to learn more and see what lawyers actually do. If it’s something you would be interested in or a good fit for you, then the events are awesome for that.
“We have the opportunity to go to legal forms and listen to people who are already established in the field in corporate law, family law or civil law.”
Hansen noted, “All these different experts come in to teach about what they do and how we can get involved and turn it into a career, and find where we fit best in the law. [They also] guide us to what career path would give us the most joy in our lives. The career exploration has been awesome.”
Bateh commented, “I’d like people to know that law is for everybody in some way, even if you don’t want to go to law school. The Prelaw Society offers opportunities with people who have different degrees but still went into law or the other way around. Even if you’re interested in business, some people come to forums that are in business.”