Members of Boy Scout Troop 1101 recently spent the day at the St. Charles Parish Courthouse shadowing/mentoring with District Judge Lauren Lemmon. The Scouts watched a morning of court procedure and courtroom drama unfold. Afterwards, they met with Judge Lemmon as she explained the finer points of our judicial system and how it works.
One thing that stuck with both Scouts was Lemmon’s commentary to defendants, said Barry Donewar.
“Both of the boys were awestruck with the way she spoke with the accused: motherly, parental and never rude nor condescending, “nothing like on TV,” Donewar said.
Matt Murray said, “When the Judge spoke to them (defendants), it was like they were talking to their mom”, strict but constructive and nurturing.”
Cameron Donewar shared that view as well.
“You can really tell she cares about people, whether they are prisoners or in the community on the street,” Donewar said.
Lemmon explained to the boys that many of these men and women may never have had a mom or dad to work with or to guide them. Once they cross that line, she tried to get them back on track, thinking clearly and responsibly.
Assistant Scoutmaster Nick Donewar led this project. He met Lemmon several years ago as he considered his education and a career in law and shadowed her in courtroom visits.
Donewar commented that knowledge of our judicial system is important.
As an American Legion Boy’s State alumni, he used his knowledge of our judicial and legal system to lead his group as their Boy’s State governmental projects took shape.
Donewar also said, “The more familiar you are with our system of justice, the better citizen you can be. If you know the law and know the ramifications for not following the law, you can be a better leader in your family and community.”
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