Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Arapahoe County prosecutors offer two-day crime and law school to Aurora students – Legal Perspective
AURORA | It was murder, they wrote — or talked about.
Not just murder, but theft, assault, drug sales, gangs and a whole range of what prosecutors and courts handle was part of a two-day workshop for Aurora high school students.
About 160 students got a close-up look at how prosecutors build criminal cases this week as part of a new program designed to demystify the justice system and help young people understand the consequences of crime, according to program creators.
The two-day student academy, launched this semester through a partnership between the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Arapahoe County and Aurora Public Schools, brought teenagers together with prosecutors who walked them through the realities of criminal investigations and courtroom decisions.
Students from multiple Aurora high schools attended presentations covering topics ranging from domestic violence and human trafficking to cybercrime, gangs and drug offenses.
Prosecutors also discussed misdemeanors and traffic violations, using real-world examples to show how everyday choices can lead to serious legal consequences, judicial district spokesperson Eric Ross said in a statement.
District Attorney Amy Padden said the program is meant to educate, not intimidate.
“This outreach effort is all about education, not fear,” Padden said. “We want students to understand how the justice system functions, how decisions are made, and how their choices today can shape their futures.”
During the sessions, prosecutors showed case-related photos and videos and held question-and-answer discussions with students, giving them a chance to ask about real cases and the decision-making process behind criminal charges.
Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Mauro said the idea for the academy grew out of conversations among the office’s leadership about how to better engage younger members of the community.
“Historically, town halls and law-related educational programs have focused primarily on adult audiences,” Mauro said. “We wanted to think outside the box and develop a class specifically designed for young people.”
Mauro said the DA’s office believes the academy may be the first structured curriculum created by a prosecutor’s office in Colorado specifically aimed at teaching high school students how the criminal justice system operates.
Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley said the interactive format was key to the program’s approach.
“This wasn’t just a series of lectures,” Brackley said in a statement. “Students had the opportunity to engage with prosecutors, ask tough questions, and examine real-world examples. Our goal is to make the system less mysterious and more understandable, while also helping students recognize situations that could put them or others at risk.”
Students also heard from Arapahoe County Commissioner Rhonda Fields, who represents part of Aurora.
Fields, a former state legislator, spoke about her personal experience with the justice system following the 2005 killing of her son, Javad Marshall-Fields, and his fiance, Vivian Wolfe, and how the tragedy influenced her path into public service and advocacy.
Organizers said the academy aims to help students understand victims’ rights, recognize warning signs of criminal activity and learn how the legal system responds to crime.
Ross said the DA’s office plans to expand the program to more school districts across Aurora and Arapahoe County beginning this fall.