Kane County Law Library hosts 15th Annual Boy Scout Law Merit Badge Day

“One who leads, serves.”

Legal professionals demonstrated this firsthand on Saturday, March 15 when they gathered to volunteer their time and talents offering area boy scouts a realistic journey through the legal process. At the end of the day, thirty scouts earned their law merit badges during Kane County Law Library’s 15th Annual Boy Scout Law Merit Badge Day.

Partnering with the Three Fires Council, Halle Cox, Director of the Law Library and her staff, assembled a team of professional volunteers from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Office of the State Appellate Defender, Judiciary, Court Administration, Prairie State Legal Services, Kane County Bar Association and private attorneys. These representatives shared their legal knowledge with the scouts, showcasing the unique aspects of the legal system.

In the morning session, scouts fulfilled their law merit badge requirements by participating in a variety of activities including presentations on the history of the law, development of the jury system, civil vs. criminal law, attorney requirements, law-related professions and how police dogs work with officers in locating explosives. Deputy Matthew Goncher and his police dog Dok from the K9 unit demonstrated their tactical maneuvers to the scouts.

During the afternoon session, local attorneys and judges volunteered to conduct a mock trial with the scouts in an actual courtroom setting. The scouts actively participated as jurors as well as co-legal counsel to both the prosecution and defense.

Cox says of the day, “The Kane County Law Library and their amazing legal volunteers have the opportunity to positively impact the public’s perception of our legal system. This event is a unique opportunity for boy scouts to see our legal system at work.”