Students Complete Justice System Class

Students who completed a program on the importance of the county’s criminal justice system will be recognized at a ceremony Friday.

Ventura Superior Court’s field study in criminal case processing program is hosting a ceremony for students’ family members and friends at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 22 at the Hall of Justice.

Teachers from area high schools select students to participate based on academic performance and citizenship qualities, said Margie Borjon-Miller, who organizes the program.

Seven students participated in the course this term, she said, and each was required to devote a minimum of 28 hours outside of class learning about the criminal justice system.

They spent time with police officers, prosecutors and public defenders, Borjon-Miller said, receiving a broad, inside look at how the justice system works.

“Our objective in the program was to demystify the justice system from the inside,” she said.

“A lot of what they read or see about the justice system is very limited. It doesn’t really provide the true picture.”

Presiding Judge Charles W. Campbell Jr. and Judge Colleen Toy White will direct the ceremony, where students will receive a certificate of completion. The students also will get an opportunity to discuss their experience in the program.