“You may approach the bench,” 16th Judicial Circuit Judge Kathryn Karayannis tells Boy Scouts from the Three Fires Council.

Volunteers included Circuit Judge Robert Villa and Circuit Judge Kathryn Karayannis, as well as private attorneys and staff from the Law Library, Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Court Administration, Kane County Bar Association and Prairie State Legal Services. All aided local Scouts in meeting the badge requirements.

Director of the Law Library Halle Cox said the 19-year event has become a special tradition in Kane County.

“We are immensely grateful to our dedicated, professional volunteers who make this day-long event a success year after year,” she said.

Highlights of Law Merit Badge Day included an introduction to law by Circuit Judge Robert Villa, a presentation on attorney requirements by Kane County Bar Association President Alice Sackett and the development of the jury system by private attorney Kirsten Casas.

From left to right, Kane County Attorney Ed Milas helps Scout Jack Martin of Chicago and Scout Eric Andersen of Arlington Heights prepare for their roles in the mock trial.

Prairie State Legal Services staff attorney Margaret Weirich gave the Boy Scouts an overview of law-related professions and consumer laws while Assistant State’s Attorneys’ Katy Karayannis and Tyler Cox along with private attorney Lindsay Sanchez discussed civil versus criminal law.

Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Wolf gave a demonstration of his canine unit, and Circuit Judge Kathryn Karayannis presided over a mock trial with the assistance of private attorneys Ed Milas, Lark Cowart, Meghan Early, Christine Pasko Falls, Karen Zajicek, Steve Andersson and Kane County staff attorney Antwan Hampton.

Bailiff Mike Reynolds and court reporter Mary Jo D’Avola also volunteered their time to show the Boy Scouts the day-to-day activities of a courtroom.

“At the completion of the day-long program, 20 Scouts received their law merit badges and walked away with a unique understanding of our legal system,” Cox said.

For information concerning future Boy Scout Law Merit Badge days, please check with the Three Fires Council.

From left to right, Attorney Karen Zajicek, Scout Logan Keen of Geneva, Attorney Christine Pasko Falls, Scout Nickolas Heller of Northbrook and Jacob Taglia of Villa Park.

Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Wolf shows Boy Scouts from the Three Fires Council how he works with his partner from the K-9 Unit.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: 16th Judicial Circuit Judge Robert Villa kicks off the day by welcoming Boy Scouts from the Three Fires Council to the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center and to the workings of the legal system.

SOURCE: Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center news release