J.U.S.T. L.A.W. Program Fostering Dialogue Between Youth and the Justice System For Its Second Year

Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced that the City will continue its second year of J.U.S.T. L.A.W., an initiative designed to educate city students about the criminal justice system and provide those who administer the law with a glimpse of the youths’ perception of them.

“Last year, we had more than 18 schools and seven visiting judges participate and we received over 450 essays,” said Mayor Warren. “We are trying to change youths’ perceptions of the legal system by providing positive exposures to judges, lawyers and other court officials, while stressing the importance of learning about how the judicial system works.”

Participating students will write a 250 word essay on the topic, “What Justice Means to Me…” Essays will be judged by a committee, with 12 being selected—mirroring the jury selection process—to take part in a recognition ceremony at the Hall of Justice in spring 2020, where they will read their winning essays to a panel of judges, court staff, service providers and their family members. There will also be opportunities for mentorship about the types of careers that are currently available in the legal field by members of the Rochester Black Bar Association.

School administrators, students or parents who would like more information on the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program should contact Liliana Ruiz in the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at (585) 428-6588.

Take a look at last year’s J.U.S.T. L.A.W. success below: