The annaul Law Day program of the Carbon County Bar Association was held on Wednesday at the courthouse in Jim Thorpe.

The annual program has students from the counties' six high schools - Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Panther Valley, Weatherly, and the Carbon County Vocational Technical Institute, attending the session which runs from 9 a.m. to about noon. Marian High School in Schuylkill County usually sends students to the program but was unable to this year.The program, traditionally held on May 1, is an opportunity for those attending to learn first-hand how the judicial system works and celebrate and enjoy their freedom.The program begins with the students viewing the jury orientation video that is viewed by all prospective jurors when called for duty in the county.Following that the students heard remarks by the county's three sitting judges, President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II, Judge Steven R. Serfass, and Judge Joseph J. Matika.Mock trialA highlight of the program is a mock trial put on by the students. This year the Palmerton High School Mock Trial Team conducted the trial.Some of the students from each of the high schools attending are picked to serve as the jury. After listening to the opening statements of the attorneys, testimony from witnesses, closing arguments, charge of the jury, the panel goes to the deliberation room and reaches a verdict.District Judges Edward M. Lewis, of Jim Thorpe, and Casimir J. Kosciolek, of Lansford, presided over the mock trial.Participating in the trial were Palmerton students Laurel Seemiller, Brittany Frohnheiser, Jordan Cressman, Maison Allen, Devon Santos, Seth Andress, Gabe Scott, Andrew Nosti, Tyler Snyder, Jacklyn Wood, Kaitlynn Stevens, and Abbyrose Emes. Jennifer Danzeison, was the team supervisor.The bar association's Young Lawyers Division were in charge of the program and its planning.Barry C. Shabbick, is the bar association chancellor, with Cynthia Dyrda-Hatton, first vice chancellor, Gregory L. Mousseau, second vice chancellor, Kim R. Roberti, treasurer, Seth Miller, secretary, and Sheri A. Ryan, coodinator.