Mar. 30, 2013

Western Justice teams up with 9th Circuit to help kids mediate

Western Justice Center and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held its annual Western Justice Center Peer Mediation Invitational on Mar 20-21 at the Pasadena federal courthouse. Over one hundred elementary, middle and high school students from 25 different Los Angeles County schools attended the event, where they received additional instruction and coaching on how to effectively conduct peer mediations. Senior 9th Circuit Judge and Western Justice board member Dorothy W. Nelson welcomed the students with an opening speech. One of the highlights of the event was an improvisational performance by a high school acting troupe called Encompass from the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts. The performers comically demonstrated best and worst practices in peer mediation. The event also included mock mediations with federal judges, attorneys and professional mediators. "Its really an important event because we are celebrating these kids who have developed skills on how to resolve disputes peacefully that will carry them through life," said retired Judge Judith C. Chirlin. - Connie Lopez