Judges, public defenders, private defense attorneys, police officers, detectives, and probation officers are invited to visit the classroom and present their perspectives and discuss their roles within the criminal justice system. A field trip to a local courthouse allows students to observe court proceedings such as arraignments, motions, trials, and sentencing. While at the courthouse, students meet and interact with judges, lawyers, and court personnel. Students are exposed to the real consequences of criminal involvement by visiting the juveniles' living and eating quarters. Staff talk to the students regarding the rules and purpose of juvenile incarceration.
Students also hear inmates talk about their experience with the juvenile justice system.
At the end of the 30-week course of study, Project L.E.A.D. students conduct a mock trial in cases involving either selling drugs on campus or possession of guns on campus. Many of the mock trials are held in actual courtrooms throughout the county. Students are assigned rolls and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of students. Teachers and parents attend, and students receive their completion certificates at this time. This summary is provided by the Office of Prevention, Texas Youth Commission.