COMMACK MIDDLE SCHOOL

CMS American justice and mock trial students received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip on Tuesday.

The students visited an actual fifth-floor courtroom where criminal trials are usually held. And they heard firsthand from court staff, including district court judge Eric Sachs and court officers.

The students had the chance to sit in the actual spots where the judge, jury, attorneys, defendant and court reporters sit during a trial. They also had the chance to enter the holding cell adjacent to the courtroom where defendants may be held.

Later, the eighth graders watched actual arraignments in progress.

The students learned about the different types of court at the complex — Supreme Court, District Court and Family Court. They also learned about the pathways to the different careers.

Judge Sachs encouraged the students to follow their dreams.