Citizens' Law Academy helps public learn the legal system

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Story Published: Nov 18, 2008 at 5:12 PM MST

Story Updated: Dec 18, 2008 at 3:02 PM MST

By Nate Eaton

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IDAHO FALLS - Tuesday night a crowd of people gathered at the Bonneville County courthouse to meet with a judge, some attorneys, and other legal experts.

Every week in the fall, about 30 people from all over Eastern Idaho gather for a real life class to learn about the law.

The Citizens' Law Academy is put on every year by the Idaho State Bar. Attorneys, judges, politicians, and professors teach the classes and cover everything you need to know about the judicial system.

"We have had judges who represent every court that has jurisdiction over us except the Supreme Court of the United States of America," says committee member Rich Andrus.

Students in the class come from all walks of life and are given rare one-on-one time with some of the countries top legal minds.

"The people that attend this course probably have more concentrated association with these judges than some lawyers have over the period of years," says Andrus.

"There's excellent interaction between the students and those who teach," says committee member Kent Marlor.

The 16-week course will end in December then organizers will begin preparing for next fall. As for this years students, they're glad they got to participate in this special course.

"So I guess you'd recommend this class to people next year?" asked reporter Nate Eaton.

"Absolutely. I've missed four of the classes and I'm hoping I can make those up next year," says class member Tami Sherwood.

If you are interested in being a part of the citizens' law academy, spots are limited because organizers try to keep the class somewhat small to keep it personal.

You can contact the Seventh District Bar Association for more details.

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