DoDEA Elementary Students Declare Santa 'Not Guilty'
by Michael ODay, Department of Defense Education Activity Americas
December 23, 2024

Thanks to the critical thinking and decision-making skills developed by students at Department of Defense Activity (DoDEA) Americas C.C. Pinckney Elementary School on U.S. Army Fort Jackson, South Carolina ... Christmas deliveries will continue.

On December 2, 2024 ... a jury of fifth and sixth graders from Pinckney declared Santa Claus not guilty of stealing Christmas in an engaging mock trial. This hands-on learning experience was made possible through a partnership between Pinckney and the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) at Fort Jackson.

The trial, designed to introduce students to the judicial process, had Santa on trial for the crime of Christmas theft. Students were immersed in the legal system, taking on the roles of jurors, prosecutors, and defenders, with guidance from military JAG professionals. They analyzed evidence, listened to testimonies, and made reasoned decisions based on the facts presented.

“This experience gave our students a unique opportunity to explore the legal process in an educational and entertaining way,” said Thomas Hill, a fifth-grade teacher at Pinckney. “They learned about the roles within a court system, developed critical thinking skills, and applied reasoning to real-life situations. I believe these mock trials should be a continued part of their education.”

Capt. Matthew A. McCoy from OSJA explained the impact of the event: “Students observed opening and closing arguments, as well as direct and cross-examinations, gaining a deeper understanding of how the judicial system works. They were encouraged to use evidence and reasoning in their decision-making, which reflected what they had been learning in class.”

The trial featured an array of colorful witnesses, including a Criminal Investigation Division agent, a DNA expert, the Grinch, Mrs. Claus, Cindy Lou-Who, and Santa Claus himself. These characters presented both sides of the case, allowing students to apply their classroom lessons in analyzing claims with evidence.

Beyond the legal education, the students gained valuable life lessons they might not typically encounter in a traditional classroom setting. Jury foreman Riley Fought, a fifth grader, shared his takeaways: “I learned that you should be respectful to the judge, and you don’t want to get in trouble in real life. Analyzing evidence can be fun, but it’s also important to take your time and make the right decision. This experience showed me how valuable these skills will be as I grow up.”

This mock trial is just one example of the incredible opportunities DoDEA students have to collaborate with military professionals in the classroom. Through these experiences, they gain invaluable skills that will serve them well as they navigate both their education and their future careers.

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DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts, located on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

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