ON BREAK:

Some want to be police officers. Others, judges and lawyers.

Regardless of their career preference, however, 30 high school students from around Orange County are getting first-hand experience in the legal world during this week’s 2008 Summer Youth Education Conference put on by the District Attorney’s Office in Santa Ana.

“This program is a great way for young people in our community to learn about the criminal justice system,” Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas said. “Working with local teens is extremely important in helping these kids choose a positive path.”

“A lot of kids are not exposed to the criminal justice field,” Outreach Assistant Annette Perez said. “This opens up a window for them and gives them a first-hand experience.”

A former intern at the District Attorney’s Office was responsible for the program’s creation seven years ago, Outreach Coordinator Jose Morfin said. The intern learned so much that he wanted his experience to be shared.

Morfin said the program takes a linear approach to introducing students to the system. Students follow the process of a simulated court case, starting with the first responder and ending with two mock trials — one relating to a case of drug possession and the other to shoplifting.

Along the way, they’ll also have the chance to meet and learn from police, attorneys, judges, the coroner’s office and the FBI.

“It’s a very successful program,” Morfin said. “We have plenty of students who come back and volunteer. The kids get access to a lot of places they haven’t had access to.”

Student David Rabosky was on hand for the conference’s first day Monday. A junior-to-be at Newport’s Sage Hill School, Rabosky looks forward to getting a better grasp of the legal system. Though he still has plenty of time to make up his mind, a career in law is certainly a possibility for the 16-year-old.

“It’s an eye-opener,” he said. “I just went with it.”

KIDS TALK BACK

What do you find interesting about law?

“Multiple people have told me I’d be suited for court situations. I’m able to find faults in what people say.”

David Rabosky

16, Newport Coast

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“My father. My dad’s an undercover cop.”

Danielle Gonzalez

17, Mission Viejo

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“The excitement. It’s a different story every day.”

Leah Severino

17, Mission Viejo

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“Regardless of the situation, you’re able to make your point.”

Krish Patel

16, Buena Park

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“It plays such a big role in society. It affects everyone.”

Daniel Wang

15, Irvine