A fifth grade class from Kindred, North Dakota took part in the “My Day in Court” program in Cass County on April 9. The students experienced a simulated criminal court case involving the fictional theft of their school-issued iPads.
The educational event began with Deputy Keith Anderson from the Sheriff’s Office presenting a report about the alleged theft. Katherine Naumann, Assistant State’s Attorney, authorized charges and Judge Constance Cleveland issued an arrest warrant for the case.
During the mock trial, Nick Samuelson, Assistant State’s Attorney, presented evidence while Leah Viste served as defense counsel for the defendant—a Cass County Sheriff’s Department intern. Judge Cleveland presided over proceedings as students listened to arguments and then acted as jurors to decide on a verdict.
The interactive session aimed to give students hands-on experience with how criminal cases move through local courts. Representatives from the Cass County Sheriff’s office, State’s Attorneys’ office, Public Defender’s office and East Central Judicial District all participated to guide students through each step of the process.
Cass County offers “My Day in Court” for any area schools interested in this type of immersive learning activity. According to organizers, these sessions are typically held two or three times each school year.
