U.S. Ambassador Vilma Martinez Participates in the Justice Goes to School Program

November 6, 2012

Ambassador congratulates students for their work during the program. (Photo: Dept. of State)

On November 6th, U.S. Ambassador Vilma Martinez participated in the “Justice Goes to School” Program with opening remarks for the Mock Trial Session.   The Association of Magistrates and Officers of the National Justice System and Asociación Conciencia organized the event, which took place at the Supreme Court of Argentina.  More than 150 students from schools in the capital, Buenos Aires Province and Posadas, Misiones, as well as 10 judges, participated in and observed the mock trial.

The program, which has been sponsored by the U.S. Embassy since 2005, pairs Argentine judges with local schools to explain students how the Argentine justice system works, by performing the roles of judge, advocate and witness.  The judges work with students to help them solve case studies and better understand the legal system, while also building trust in this key democratic institution.

During the event, Ambassador Martinez said: "It is important to understand that the value of justice is built by the whole society.  Knowing the law, the rights and duties, is fundamental to guaranteeing that the justice system in the United States, Argentina, or any country, secures true and effective justice."