Texas Youth and Government

By Eliza Pepito

A Dive Into Appellate Court: A Section Often Overlooked

Just as any student who has gone through the US education system should have learned, the First Amendment found in the US Constitution includes the right to freedom of religion. However, if this guaranteed freedom were to be supposedly broken, what would happen?

Well, such a situation in the aforementioned is under investigation in the courts of the Judicial Branch at the Texas YG State Conference. The Appellate Court, the court that addresses appeals (when a party claims that an error was made in the trial court case and calls another court to correct that error), has been tackling the case of Elijah Casey.

Casey, a father and dedicated member of a fictitious religious group (the First Church of the Divine Healing of Our Lord), has decided to decline his daughter the opportunity of medical care due to his faith’s belief in the power of prayer (and prayer alone) to cure diseases and illnesses. Due to Mr. Casey’s choice, his daughter Elizabeth ends up passing away due to a treatable disease, diabetes.

Although Casey had been found not guilty of Second Degree Manslaughter, he did end up being convicted, in the court of trial, for Second Degree Injury to a Child. Consequently, Casey has decided to appeal his conviction over two issues: whether the search warrant used to convict him was improperly issued and whether Casey’s right to freedom of religion had been violated. The intricate and delicate case has forced many delegates to thoroughly study and memorize, inside and out, every little detail and nuance associated with the suit.

According to Appellate attorney Daeun Kim from Creekview High School, the easiest aspect of this otherwise complicated case is that, in being required to argue for both sides of the case, she is “better prepared” and knows what to expect for a counter-argument from the “other side.” Consequently, she can garner the case and its overall issues from a more neutral, “wider perspective.”

Despite this, however, Kim conveys that she still finds attempting to devise an efficient and strong rebuttal to certain counter-arguments the “hardest aspect” of this case, given the complexity of the situation.

In such complex cases, a judge’s role of maintaining neutrality and tackling the case with objectivity is of the utmost importance. For example, Appeals Court Judge and Chief of Justice Candidate, Cindy Ren, expresses the aforesaid attitude. Ren states that, as a judge, she can “see where both sides are coming from” and can only “look forward to hearing more” from each side before coming to a verdict.

Casey’s case truly encapsulates the complexity of our modern world. While society continues to advance and progress, many still choose to stick to and conserve tradition because of comfortability, even if doing such causes harm to others.

With the nature of this case centered around the threat of progression versus the threat of conservation, such a conflict can be and is very viable and applicable to our world today.

By Isabella Martinez

Media is often overlooked by an audience, but great experiences and opportunities are brought along the way once you learn more about YMCA Youth and Government media. Some insight on media is developing communication to interact with other delegates and share your ideas within your branch or outside of your branch. The endless possibilities enable a great space and environment for the mind to have the freedom of creativity. When learning to expand your thoughts into paper, interviews, or documents, you share the final product with the public to keep up a good representation of the YMCA.

Reporters also display the status of conferences between legislatives, delegates, and other members of Youth and Government. Media members get a closer view of the depths in court from different perspectives. As the YMCA website describes the different sections and the meaning of media, it mentions the responsibilities of creating original articles with clear details and highlights to emphasize the great work of all the individuals within the YMCA. I believe the YMCA Youth and Government program is a great start if you plan on having a successful future in the media industry because you get the knowledge of submitting assignments by a certain deadline, developing intellectual understanding, and many more skills that would help you benefit from in the best way possible. Plenty of dedication and confidence is required to continue your journey of becoming an experienced media member. While interviewing a current media member, media means to express an individual’s opinions about their career and their current house branch, also collecting information about why they decided to do pursue their current role. Media has so much to offer in both life and personal preferences to evolve and develop as a social member.

By Ajaila Joseph

Austin, TX – Teams from all over Texas have prepared for this day, the Texas Youth and Government State Conference! Each year the Youth and Government program continues to grow in size gaining new members but losing the old. ” It is a pretty scary but fun experience going to state.” says, Malani McNeil, a first-time Youth and Government member. ” I can’t tell if I feel prepared, over-prepared, or under­prepared! Yes, my advisor and my veteran teammates have told me how it works, but when I’m alone I can’t help but feel a little nervous.”.

Looking around I couldn’t help but sympathize with new members, so I went around gathering evidence to make their first State Conference, a bit easier to navigate. During the opening ceremony Youth Governor, Vannela Mallampati, gave her short speech. “When I first joined Youth and Government I was a shy girl scared to to speak in the room and hiding in the corner. It wasn’t till one day when an advisor told me six words, that I will now tell you guys, ‘Fake it, till you make it!”‘. For the rookies all around let this quote stick with you. The Youth Governor who was once shy, is able now to lead a State Conference, your confidence will get there! As Vannela says “Nobody will remember if you stutter in your opening statement, if you fake it till you make it, eventually you will not be faking it anymore!”. Listening to another delegate, a veteran Esmeralda Rios, give her speech during the opening ceremony, moved me.

I grew up going to school with Esmeralda knowing she was a shy girl. Esmeralda grew in the last year, took a chance, and ran for a state officer position­ and won for that fact! Now seeing her from that shy girl to the confident one I know now, it’s amazing to see that’s what Youth and Government can do! In Esmeralda’s words, ” I would tell rookies to take a chance, I did and look at the outcome! I know it may be scary, but every chance you don’t take is a shot you will a hundred percent miss!” So to all the rookies in YG right now, it’s okay, it may be hard now, but later it will not be!

By Marley Nervais

For rookies coming into youth and government is a new experience. It may not be what they might have expected. For anyone, this could be the case.

No matter what age or grade as a newcomer it’s a very different environment. Although it can be nerve-wracking many people are here to help the rookies.

“I would probably say to have confidence. Your case could suck but if you go up there and just talk with some mediocre level of confidence you’ll be fine. I wish someone would’ve told me that every case is different and the way you have your case set up the way you have your witnesses to talk, the way you have your opening, your introduction, and your pretrial is going to be different than everyone else’s and that is fine. It’s normal and nothing to worry about.”  Delegate Izy Black said.

For another viewpoint student Anna Kate Beck “A piece of advice I would give someone coming in would be to listen to all your evaluators and judges. The reason you’re there is to learn new stuff. If you listen to all their critics it will definitely improve your first to last round.”

“Something I wish someone told me was to not be afraid to object because even if your objection is wrong it still proves that what you know and that you can attempt it.”

Aaron Esquivel and Syed Humaide give a very popular piece of advice by both saying

“Fake it till you make it”

This advice seems to have paid off due to this team winning their first round of prosecution.

“Fake it till you make it and act confident in whatever you have prepared because basically you only succeed in this when you’re confident in yourself and I believe that especially in public speaking confidence is key. Syed Humaide said.

On February 2, 2024, the court trial over the death of a woman at the hands of a police officer took place. Prosecutors Addison Hobbs and Haley Hillhouse gave their evidence on why they believe the officer to be guilty and used their share of witnesses to further prove their point.

The prosecutors institute legal proceedings against the defendant. (Oxford).

The trial had a couple of memorable moments, which eased some of the stress that our delegates were experiencing. Eleven-year-old Sage Alexander, the young nephew of the woman murdered, gave his testimony on how he witnessed the scene. After a while of arguing whether he made burnt fish sticks or cookies that night, the defense grew a bit impatient with the witnesses, giving the prosecutors an advantage in the trial. After the prosecutors asked a question to a witness about their feelings in the matter, the defense interrupted with an objection. A relevance objection is based on the argument that the evidence is not relevant to the case (Robinson). After being overruled, the witness gave touching insight into their personal feelings on the matter. As the defense’s witness gave their testimony, the Judge decided that their arguments were just not strong enough. With the prosecutor’s following witness being a forensic pathologist with knowledge on the wounds of the deceased, the outcome of this trial had come to an end. The Judge declared the police officer to be guilty of murder, and the prosecution was declared victorious.

Written by: Andrea Jimenez

By Lynette Huang

The county court’s Mock Trial case on February 2, 2024, was Bill R Johnson CTE against First Baptist Christian Academy, with the accused, Alex Green, facing charges for the alleged murder of an innocent victim. The prosecution was led by attorneys Hillhouse and Hobbs representing First Baptist Christian Academy, while attorneys Abraham and Lincoln defended Alex Green on behalf of Bill R Johnson CTE. The prosecution built a strong case, presenting a trio of compelling witnesses. Sage Alexander, the victim’s nephew, provided emotional insight into the impact of the alleged crime. Latin Shield, a coworker of Alex Green, offered perspectives on the suspect’s behavior, and an expert pathologist meticulously detailed the fatal bullet wounds, establishing a narrative of intentional harm. On the defense side, attorneys Abraham and Lincoln called forth witnesses to counter the prosecution’s claims. Alex Green took the stand to testify in his defense, providing his perspective on the events leading up to the tragic incident. Additionally, a contract expert was brought in to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence. The prosecution strategically presented physical evidence to strengthen their case, notably the forensic analysis of the bullet wounds. The pathologist’s testimony revealed multiple gunshot wounds, crucial in establishing a narrative of premeditated murder. Despite the victim having a firearm, the prosecution effectively argued that it was solely for self-defense and was not discharged during the altercation. The trial unfolded, with each side making their arguments. The judge, after careful consideration of the evidence and legal arguments, delivered a verdict of guilty for Alex Green. This marked the conclusion of a comprehensive and thought-provoking mock trial, underscoring the complexities of legal proceedings and the importance of a thorough presentation of evidence in reaching a just conclusion. Following the trial, Delegate Haley Hillhouse expressed feeling nervous during the proceedings and shared a sense of relief upon winning the verdict.

By Gabriel Iara

The first bill that was introduced at the 77th Youth and Government Legislative Senate Committee was presented by Elliot Copeland. Delegate Copeland introduced his bill (FS21) an act increasing the safety of laborers in extreme heat workplaces. This bill would provide workers with protection against the hot Texas weather. The first provision included a requirement for employers to install thermometers in work sites to keep track of the temperature outside. The second provision mandates workers are provided with 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes and workers are mandated to take breaks. Many delegates were skeptical about the provision as they believed 8 ounces was “too small” or “unrealistic” as some said. The penalties in this bill included a class c misdemeanor (500$ fine). Delegate Copeland ended his speech by stating: “A vote in favor of this bill is a vote in favor of the life of a fellow Texan”. The debate that ensued after Delegate Copeland’s presentation was lively and engaging. Some delegates voiced concerns about the practicality of enforcing the provisions, especially in smaller businesses or rural areas where resources might be limited. Others argued passionately for the necessity of such measures, citing instances of heat-related illnesses and fatalities among workers in Texas.

Several delegates proposed amendments to the bill, suggesting modifications to the water provision quantities or proposing alternative methods to ensure worker safety in extreme heat conditions. These discussions led to a deeper exploration of the challenges faced by laborers in various industries across the state. Eventually, the committee decided on amendments including, The bill shall only be in place in areas hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the delegates were mostly in unison over the amendments often mostly ye or mostly ne. The most controversial amendment was one that introduced shaded areas and air-conditioned vehicles. Many delegates were against this because of the economic downside. Many family-owned and rural businesses may not be able to meet the requirements.

At the end of deliberations, Delegate Copeland Reminded the committee that ” we should not put money over the lives of real people”.