CCHS students learn about the law

On Friday, Culpeper County High School students were reminded that more rights — and responsibilities — come with the freedom of graduating and turning 18.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Close, the county’s chief prosecutor, joined a handful of legal professionals at CCHS to recognize Law Day, a 50-year-old nationwide observance of the role of law. This year’s theme was why the rule of law is important.

“We have laws to make sure we can deter people from doing things they might want to do,” assistant commonwealth’s attorney Dale Durrer explained.

As an example, Close shared his experiences in Haiti, where he witnessed justice being dispensed without the due process afforded in the United States.

Close and Durrer also explained how the court system is organized in Virginia, the difference between civil and criminal law, and the process of becoming a lawyer. Durrer said it’s not easy, calling the bar exam and its two-month wait for results “the most miserable experience of my life.”

Culpeper County High School government and sociology teacher Brad Miller helped the legal professionals organize Friday’s forums.

“I know several students in my class were very interested in the law profession,” Miller said.

But he also acknowledged another motive: Some students have already faced serious legal trouble. Miller hoped everyone would receive the firsthand message of awareness and legal responsibility.

“Your world drastically changes when you turn 18,” Durrer said. “You’ll be allowed to make choices that you hadn’t been allowed to make.”

“One of your biggest rights is your right to remain silent,” Culpeper attorney Sam Walker told another group of students in the band room. “Probably 80 to 90 percent of cases are proven against the defendant by the statements they made.”

Walker reminded students that the right to remain silent doesn’t mean they can disregard elements of the law such as providing a driver’s license when pulled over by a police officer. Being polite and respectful, he added, will go a long way at all levels of the legal system.

After each presentation, the lawyers received questions from the students. Most questions centered on traffic stops. Students also asked about the laws surrounding giving statements to police, when a lie detector can be used and how the answers they give may impact their case or someone else.

All the attorneys said that each particular case must be judged on its own merits.

“I think it was very informative,” senior Andrea Stackpole said after listening to Walker speak. “(Now) I’ll know what my rights are.”

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .