By Matt Ponzar, Esq. (Pepper)

The Claude Pepper Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta had a strong finish as they raced through the 2002-03 school year in an effort to serve the local Harrisburg community. On April 28, 2003, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin and the Claude Pepper Chapter of Widener School of Law held the trial of Commonwealth v. Bean with Steele Elementary School fifth, sixth, and seventh graders. The trial took place in the historic Supreme Court Chamber located in the Harrisburg Capitol Complex. Commonwealth v. Bean is based on the nursery rhyme of Jack and the Beanstalk and was adapted by LEAP-kids.org in cooperation with the VOICE (Violence prevention Outcomes In Civic Education) curriculum promoted by the public service center of Phi Alpha Delta and the Constitutional Rights Foundation-Chicago. Jackie Bean was accused of trespassing and stealing Henrietta, a hen that lays golden eggs from Mr. Biggs, the local giant that traded Jackie for some magic beans.

Before the trial, Pepper’s teaching team, consisting of Justice Matt Ponzar, Clerk Chris Jancula, Treasurer Jim Johnson, Heather James, and Ande Gonzales, divided Ms. Dawn Frye’s students into groups consisting of the prosecution, defense, witnesses, and jury—not to mention a defendant and bailiff. The elementary students were given facts about the case and worked hard to get into their roles and develop their case. "The kids caught on faster than I expected," said Chris Jancula. After preparing for the trial, Steele students were excited to take part in their roles. Opening statements were made and the trial was off to a great start. Justice Eakin guided the trial along while teaching the kids some fine points of law and courtroom etiquette. After witnesses and evidence were presented, the jury deliberated only 10 minutes on the fate of Jackie Bean. Unfortunately, Jackie was found guilty of trespassing and theft.

Justice Eakin was lenient with sentencing requiring only that Jackie clean the hen house and that he perform other public service. "I really enjoyed working with the kids," said Justice Eakin. "This is what it is all about," he said. After the trial, the Pepper Chapter presented Justice Eakin with a gavel plaque in thanks for his time and participation. Steele students were so impressed by the experience that many of them asked Justice Eakin for his autograph and the autographs of the law students! Two Steele students even expressed interest in becoming attorneys.

On another note, Pepper was re-activated in May 2002. Pepper’s goal this year was to get their name out in the community by volunteering as much of their time as possible helping others. They succeeded by initiating projects and participating in many activities in cooperation with other organizations like the Pennsylvania Bar Association, LEAP-kids, and the American Cancer Society.

On a personal note, it has been a privilege serving as Justice of Pepper Chapter. We have accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time, positively impacted our local community and developed many friendships along the way. I would like to thank Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin, David Trevaskis of the Pennsylvania Bar and LEAP-kids, and our faculty advisor, Dean Elizabeth Simcox for their help and support. Finally, I would like to thank Chris Jancula, Justice-elect, for his service to the fraternity as 2002-03 Clerk, and Jim Johnson, Vice-Justice elect, for his service to the fraternity as 2002-03 Treasurer. I am sure that Pepper will continue to prosper under their leadership and the help of the rest of the incoming Executive Board. Participating in Phi Alpha Delta has helped me discover that much can be gained by serving others.