State's Attorney and Associates Participate in Howard County Public School System's Simulated Congressional Hearings

May 11, 2009

Howard County State’s Attorney Dario J. Broccolino, along with prosecutors and other staff, will participate as judges in the Howard County Public School System’s annual elementary school social studies program-- We The People Simulated Congressional Hearings. The hearings are the capstone for the fifth grade social studies curriculum in which students study American historical, political and constitutional issues. During the mock hearings, students testify, as expert witnesses, to demonstrate their understanding of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Students are judged by a panel comprised of public officials, community representatives, constitutional scholars, parents, and state and local curriculum experts who sit as a congressional committee holding public hearings within each participating school.

The State’s Attorney will be joined by Deputy State’s Attorney Mary V. Murphy, Assistant State’s Attorneys Cindy Johnson and Natasha Byus serving on panels at 18 county elementary schools between May 14 and June 11, 2009. “The Simulated Congressional Hearing is an innovative and impressive educational program that is a testament to the dedicated Howard County Public School System teachers, administrators and staff, along with involved, interested parents and volunteers who make Howard County one of the leading school systems that participate in the program,” says State’s Attorney Broccolino. He adds, “Each time I step into a school to serve as a judge I am amazed at the knowledge and self-confidence that these fifth-graders demonstrate.”

This is the fourth year that the State’s Attorney’s Office has participated in the program.