Chatham Police/CWN
CHATHAM – From Chatham Police: Thursday, members of Chatham and Harwich police were at Monomoy Middle School as the school welcomed the Honorable Judge Robert Rufo, Superior Court Justice at Barnstable Superior Court, for a visit with students in the 6th grade Mock Trial Enrichment Seminar. Judge Rufo shared information about his career in the justice system starting when he was an attorney through his current role as a Superior Court Justice and discussed the various roles within the court system such as judges, prosecution attorneys, defense attorneys, witnesses, jurors as other court personnel. Judge Rufo discussed the importance of civic engagement such as jury service and explained the importance of jurors being informed about current events.
Judge Rufo’s visit was part of National Judicial Awareness Month, which is actually March, but due his trial schedule and court responsibilities, he visited the school today. During his visit he expressed how impressed he was with students’ understanding of the court system as well as their understanding of The Constitution, Bill of Rights, the difference between Civil cases and Criminal cases and their understanding of the concepts of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt” and “a preponderance of evidence”. Following his discussion he took questions from the students.
Monomoy Middle School offers the Mock Trial Enrichment Seminar to students in 6th grade as an elective class that meets every other school day for 45 minutes. The course is taught by MRMS School Resource Officer Sgt. Bill Massey. Local attorney Matt Bober serves as “coach” for the students as they prepare their cases.
CPD thanks Judge Rufo for taking time from the bench to meet with the students and share his valuable knowledge with our school community.
