In an effort to educate area students on the consequences of bullying and to enhance their understanding of the legal system, the Lackawanna Bar Foundation is sponsoring the reenactment of the play “The Case of Tommy Smith vs. Jimmy Hall” developed by Bob Shlesinger of Scranton Public Theater. This, the inaugural project of the Lackawanna Bar Foundation, will take place on April 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at The Theater at Lackawanna College.
“Recent media coverage regarding the prominence of bullying around the country prompted the Lackawanna Bar Foundation board to consider ways to address this issue in our community,” according to Mike Genello, president.
The play involves a high school love triangle that results in assault charges being filed. For the majority of the play, the set is a juvenile courtroom. Included in the performance are a bailiff, attorneys, and even an actual Lackawanna County Family Court Judge, Honorable Thomas J. Munley. In addition, lawyers from the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office will be on hand for a discussion after the play on the realities of bullying from their perspective.
“In its ongoing commitment to public service, the legal community in Lackawanna County will do all it can to support the schools in reducing bullying, and by presenting the issue from a legal standpoint, we believe we can provide the schools with an additional resource,” said Jason Morrison, executive director.
The timeliness of the topic and the incorporation of the legal system make this an ideal project to fulfill the foundation’s mission. “By educating students on the realities of the law, our hope is that student leaders will take what they learn and apply it to life in the schools,” Mr. Genello continued.
Student council representatives and the mock trial teams from 16 local high schools and area 8th graders have been invited to attend the performance. If you are a principal or teacher of an area high school or middle school and would like to have your students attend, please contact the Lackawanna Bar Foundation at 969-9161.
Lackawanna College has generously made the Theater available for this production.
