by Judge R. Brent Elliott
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Recently, Jason Kanoy, Associate Circuit Judge of Caldwell County, has retried the case of one of our most dastardly villains – the Big Bad Wolf — just as he has done every year for the last three years. First grade students in Caldwell County are invited to the circuit courtroom in Kingston to participate and witness our jury system in operation.
Judge Kanoy presides over the trial where students are selected to serve as jurors and consider the charge of attempted huffing and puffing and assault on a pig. Circuit Clerk Carrie Miller performs her clerkly duties and processes the charges.
Caldwell County Prosecuting Attorney Brady Kopek does a masterful job of presenting the prosecution’s case. He provides testimony from the Little Pig, played by County Jail Administrator Leanne Jorns (decked out in charming pig regalia).
Local attorney Melinda Troeger defends the Big Bad Wolf, portrayed by Deputy Sheriff Dennis Lund (complete with a fierce wolf’s costume). The Wolf claimed he simply had a cold and went to the Pig’s house for medicine. He sneezed and accidently knocked the house down.
Upon completion of the testimony, the 12 student jurors vote on the fate of the Wolf. For the record, the Big Bad Wolf was acquitted this year and set free to once again roam about our woodlands!
It is, in my humble opinion, a wonderful blend of judicial education and fun. I will try to give you a “heads-up” next year so you can observe this infamous trial from the gallery.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: I recently attended a human trafficking awareness program and was shaken by some of the statistical information. Kansas City and St. Louis rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in the U.S. as major destinations for human trafficking. These midwestern cities rank higher than either Los Angeles or New York.
The average age of a human trafficking victim is 12-14 years old. Our interstate transportation system provides easy access to these metropolitan areas from our rural communities. Kudos to our law enforcement, school, and community officials who are working to fight these problems. They need your help. Be aware and be wary!
Editor’s note: Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott presents a series of articles intended to provide the public with a better understanding of the judicial system and changes in the law.