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East Islip High School sophomores Delaney Demasi, Ava Michele and Olivia Stepanenko recently showcased their legal talents in “The EDNY Justice Institute: Crime, the Constitution and the Courts.” This program, hosted by the Eastern District of New York Chapter of the Federal Bar Association at the federal courthouse in Central Islip and Touro Law Center, provided a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning. The educational endeavor, part of the “Justice for All: Courts and the Community initiative, aims to connect legal education with the community.

During the program, students were provided with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the justice system. They attended classes conducted by a distinguished array of professionals, including FBI agents, deputy U.S. marshals, a U.S. Secret Service agent, federal prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers. These sessions offered insights into the roles and responsibilities of each participant within the court system, enriching the students’ understanding of legal proceedings.

Guided by seasoned lawyers and Touro Law student Vanessa Constantino, the sophomores were tasked with preparing a mock trial case. This practical experience allowed them to develop critical skills in legal argumentation and communication. Their efforts culminated in an impressive victory as they achieved an undefeated record in a mock trial tournament against teams from across Long Island. Their triumph in the intense final round against Massapequa, presided over by judges Joseph Bianco and Joanna Seybert, showcased their exceptional prowess and dedication to the art of mock trial advocacy. 

“The EDNY Justice Institute was an unforgettable journey, and we’re truly grateful to Judge Bianco and the organizers for giving us this opportunity,” the East Islip students said. “Winning the tournament felt great and shows how much we learned. We feel really confident to compete in the New York State tournament this year.”

Date Added: 9/15/2023