PRESS RELEASES

3rd Annual Boy Scouts of America Law Merit Badge Day

(5/8/00)

The Circuit Court of Lake County sponsored its third annual Boy Scouts of America Law Merit Badge Day on Saturday, May 6, 2000, at the Lake County Courthouse. Juvenile Associate Judge Joseph R. Waldeck acted as coordinator of the program and the activities scheduled for the day long event that began at 8:45 a.m. "This is a very worthwhile program for these young men to participate and learn about the court system," stated Judge Waldeck.

Robert A. Zastany, Executive Director of the Administrative Office of the 19th Judicial Circuit, and who also serves as a Merit Badge Counselor, addressed the Scouts with a brief overview of the requirements the Scout must accomplish in order to earn the Law Merit Badge. "This event continues to receive support from the Northeast Illinois Council and becomes more popular with the Scouts each year it is held," commented Zastany.

One of the highlights of the day was a private tour of the Lake County Jail given by the correctional staff of Lake County Sheriff Gary Del Re. Staff was also made available to answer several questions posed by the participants regarding booking, investigations, and services provided the offenders while they are housed in the jail.

A visit to the William D. Block Memorial Library was hosted by David Bender, Law Librarian, who spoke to the Merit Badge candidates about the library's collection of books, services provided, and its informational computer resources.

After lunch, the Scouts moved into a courtroom and watched as Associate Judge Thomas R. Smoker presided over a mock trial involving a purse snatching. In addition to Judge Smoker, participants included Debbie Menas as prosecutor, David Bender as the defendant, and Nareen Kim. The Scouts acted as members of the jury and decided, that with the evidence presented, the defendant was not guilty.

The program also included a discussion about law related professions and their responsibilities as they relate to the legal field. Presentations were given by sheriff's deputies, probation officers and a court reporter.

Thirty-five (35) Boy Scouts participated in this year's event and came from the North Star, Aptakisic, Potawatomi and Northwoods Districts. The Districts cover areas as far west as Fox Lake and Wauconda, north to Antioch, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Gurnee, North Chicago, Waukegan and south to Deerfield, Libertyville, and Mundelein.

Upon completion of the day's activities, the Scouts were awarded certificates indicating their participation in the program and were awarded the Law Merit Badge by the Boy Scouts of America.

Anyone interested in future participation in this program should contact the Office of the Chief Judge, Henry C. Tonigan, at 847.360.6380.

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