Third Branch eNews

Young people from four states learned how juvenile court proceedings work during mock hearings held July 2 at the Sheboygan County Courthouse.

The participants were members of Sea Cadets, a national youth development program that uses team-based training and practical experiences to build leadership, confidence, and professional skills. The program incorporates military customs and training, but participants are not required to pursue military service. This year’s cadets came from Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, and Minnesota.

During the courthouse visit, cadets participated in several mock juvenile hearings in Sheboygan County Circuit Court Branch 3. They took on the roles of an accused youth and witnesses in a case involving allegations of substantial battery, while court and juvenile justice professionals served in their regular capacities.

Judge Angela W. Sutkiewicz presided over the hearings. Other participants included defense attorney Casey Hoff, Assistant District Attorney Katherine Hood, Sheboygan County Health and Human Services social worker Melanie Reineking, Clerk of Circuit Court Chris Koenig, and a Sheboygan County bailiff.

The exercise gave cadets an opportunity to see how judges, attorneys, court staff, social workers, and law enforcement contribute to juvenile proceedings. The professionals also discussed their responsibilities, answered questions, and led the cadets on a tour of the courthouse.

The mock hearings were part of Law Enforcement and Government Services, or LEGS, a 10-day advanced training program that introduces Sea Cadets to law enforcement and the American justice system. The training combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises covering criminal justice fundamentals, constitutional and juvenile law, ethics, professional communication, and investigative procedures.

The program also includes visits to a county sheriff’s office, a medical examiner’s facility, and the Waukesha County Technical College Law Enforcement Academy. The Sheboygan County courthouse visit provides the program’s primary look at how cases move through the judicial system.