120 kids take part in Harry Potter mock trial

VIERA — Oh, Hagrid!

If only you hadn't accidentally let slip the location of the Sorcerer's Stone to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's apprentice, Professor Quirrell.

If only you hadn't let slip the secret to calming Fluffy, the three-headed guard dog for said Sorcerer's Stone.

If only ... well, let's just stop right there.

Because what happens next was grounds for a lawsuit.

In the case of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry v. Rubeus Hagrid, Hagrid, a gamekeeper for Hogwarts, stands accused of negligence. After his, er, little mishaps, the boy wizard Harry Potter retrieved the Sorcerer's Stone and bravely defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. In doing so, he ended up in the hospital for three days. So Hogwarts called foul.

On Friday, 120 students from Viera Charter School participated in this trial based on literature — a mock trial — at the Harry T. Moore Justice Center. This case was based on "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the first of the wildly popular seven-book series.

Ashley Hardee recently taught a segment on civics education for the seventh-graders at VCS. But it wasn't enough. The kids wanted more. "They were interested in becoming future lawyers and judges," said the senior trial court staff attorney for the 18th Judicial Court, so they made this mock trial happen.

Judges Michelle Baker and David Silverman presided, each with a group of 60 kids.

"I'm very happy to be here. I think it's a great opportunity," said a grinning Baker, who's involved with justice teaching at Merritt Island High. "I love kids, love teaching. I'm very excited and a little nervous, I can't wait to see what they have to present."

During roll call, one of the VCS teachers asked, "Who's Dumbledore?" Several kids groaned and shouted out answers: He's the headmaster! He's a wizard! I dunno!

The teacher continued with the roll call, dramatically saying, "Whatevvvver."

As the civil trial took place, Baker gently corrected students and offered suggestions. "Validy?" A student asked your honor. "Validity," Baker replied with a nod.

In courtroom 2F, Silverman had a twinkle in his eye. A self-described Harry Potter fan, he did his homework. He had read the book series by J.K. Rowling. He watched the film series with Daniel Radcliffe. He was just as excited about the mock trial, so he donned a Champagne-colored, patterned bowtie and matching vest for the proceedings. (Only he and the FLORIDA TODAY reporter represented. One student did bring a wand, however.)

"What is your true opinion of Hagrid?" counsel asked a student who pretended to be Draco Malfoy, a witness for the prosecution. Malfoy replied: "He's an oaf." While on the stand, he gave a shoutout to his house, Slytherin. In Rowling's series, Malfoy is Harry's rival.

Other witnesses included Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Harry and a Hogwarts poltergeist. The students learned judicial terms like cross examination, redirect and proceed.

Then, the accused took the stand. The prosecution asked "Hagrid" whether he had a drinking problem. Hagrid, er, the student who portrayed him, bowed his head, showing remorse that Harry had been injured. He also felt bad about blabbing the whereabouts of the Sorcerer's Stone.

As the jury deliberated, Silverman coached both counsels about closing arguments. When he uttered Lord Voldemort, there was an audible gasp and quick silence among the students. (He's called He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named for a reason!)

In the end, the jury found Hagrid not guilty. After the jury foreman read the verdict, "Hagrid" pumped his fist to his heart and breathed out, "phewwww."

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The students weren't shy about asking Silverman non-mock trial questions: Have you ever sentenced someone to life? Why did you become a judge? Why do people choose to do bad things?

He answered each in a storytelling, Robin-Williams-as-Mrs.-Doubtfire sort of manner. Then he addressed his favorite question. "Helping people," he said, "is the best part of my job."

Contact Sangalang at 321-242-3630

or jsangalang@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @byjensangalang