Law Merit Badge

Join us for a real-life experience at the Webster Court House or the Perinton Court House

for the Law Merit Badge presided by the Hon. Mark Pedersen

When: Saturday, November 7, OR Saturday, November 14

Where: Webster Town Court House (Nov. 7) or Perinton Town Court House (Nov.14)

Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm (bring a brown bag lunch)

Fee: $25

For all the requirements,Scouts should be prepared to discuss the subjects in the requirements.

The following five requirements, Scouts should accomplish BEFORE coming to the Merit Badge Day. However, for requirement number 6, we will conduct a short mock trial during the class, so Scouts can either meet part (a) before Merit Badge Day, or participate in the mock trial at Merit Badge Day.

Requirements:

• 4 - Ask five people (not more than one from your immediate family) about the role of law enforcement officers in our society. Discuss their answers with them. Report your findings to your counselor.
• 6 - Do ONE of the following:
  • (a) Attend a session of a civil or criminal court. Write 250 words or more on what you saw 

OR

• (b) At merit badge day, plan and conduct a mock trial with your group. After the trial is over, discuss it with the group.

Resources: Law Merit Badge Mock Trial (video)

How Does a Mock Trial Work? (video)

• 8 - Explain the requirements for becoming a lawyer in your state. Describe how judges are selected in your state.

Rescource: How To Become a Lawyer (video)

• 9 - Make a list of 15 jobs that deal with some aspects of law or legal processes. Tell which you prefer. Why?

Resource: List of Legal Careers (website)

• 10 - Tell where people can go to obtain the help of a lawyer if they are unable to pay for one. Tell what you can do if you can afford a lawyer but do not know of any in your area.

Resources:Legal Help Program If You Cannot Afford an Attorney (website)

How To Find An Attorney (website)

How Do I Find a Lawyer (video)

Questions regarding the Merit Badge Day should be directed to Hon. Mark Pederson at Mark_pedersen@nywd.uscourts.gov