PVES Students bring fairy tale courtroom drama to life during mock trial at Alamo courthouse

Students from Mr. Harless’ fifth-grade class at Pahranagat Valley Elementary School recently participated in an educational mock trial at the Alamo courthouse that combined learning with creativity and plenty of laughter.

The hands-on activity introduced students to the judicial system while helping them build confidence in public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking skills. Students took on important courtroom roles, including judges, attorneys, bailiffs, witnesses, jurors, court clerks and famous fairy tale characters.

The mock trial centered around the humorous case of B.B. Wolf v. Curly Pig, inspired by the classic Three Little Pigs story. In the fictional civil lawsuit, B.B. Wolf accused Curly Pig of attempting to harm him after he climbed down her chimney and encountered a steaming pot of boiling water.

Throughout the proceedings, students carefully followed courtroom procedures by presenting opening statements, questioning witnesses, raising objections, introducing evidence and delivering closing arguments before the jury reached its final verdict.

One witness testified about the destruction of the pigs’ straw and stick houses, while Curly Pig defended herself by explaining she believed the wolf intended to eat her. Students fully embraced their roles, bringing personality, humor and confidence to the courtroom setting.

Holding the mock trial gave students a memorable opportunity to experience a real courtroom environment while learning how the legal system functions. In attendance for the event were Judge Nola Holton, Lincoln County Public Defender Shain Manuele, Lincoln County District Attorney Franklin Katschke and Deputy Court Clerk Ashlee Perez, who observed and supported the students as they participated in the courtroom exercise.

After hearing the evidence and deliberating, the student jury returned a verdict finding Curly Pig innocent.