San Diego County Bar Association Honored With
American Bar Association Outreach Award

SAN DIEGO, CA, August 15, 2002 -- The San Diego County Bar Association received a LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Award from the American Bar Association for the SDCBA’s Children at Risk Video project. The video and accompanying materials work to educate San Diego students about the American criminal justice system.

The award, given annually by the American Bar Association, was presented at the ABA’s Annual Meeting, Aug. 8 in Washington, D.C., at a luncheon of the National Association of Bar Executives.

“The credit for the video really goes to the volunteers who made it possible,” said SDCBA Executive Director Sheree Swetin, who accepted the award on behalf of the Association. “In particular, Judge Leo Papas, Sharon Kalemkiarian and Cynthia Cwik worked to see this project from concept to implementation in the schools. It has been very well received by the students and we’re pleased that the ABA recognized the volunteer efforts.”

The Children at Risk video, developed by a committee of the SDCBA for students in middle school, presents a mock trial complete with reenactments. Students in the classroom watch the trial and serve as the jury. San Diego children in the middle school age range portray the trial’s defendants, defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses and judge.

The mock trial format engages the students’ interest, introducing them to the concepts of justice and the role of citizens in our society. It works to encourage discussion about responsibility and the rule of law. Over 400 San Diego students have participated since the video debuted, with another 20 classrooms scheduled for Fall 2002.

The annual LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Awards are designed to honor bar associations and bar foundations that are committed to public service. Awards are given to outstanding public service and law-related education programs implemented during the 2001 calendar year. The SDCBA’s project was selected from bar associations across the nation.

In addition to formal recognition, the award includes 100 hours of LexisNexis legal research, which the SDCBA will donate to a child legal advocacy program.

Founded in 1899, the San Diego County Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership association in San Diego. Headquartered in downtown San Diego and with nearly 8,000 members, the SDCBA provides opportunities for community involvement, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.