Dallas students get unique look into criminal justice system

Some Dallas high school students are getting a unique look at the criminal justice system thanks to four Dallas County judges.

The judges are investing their personal time in an effort to keep the students out of their courtrooms as defendants.

For this special trial, the jurors were Carter High School students.

The mock trial is part of a program designed by four Dallas County judges who are each dedicated to reversing the so-called ‘pipeline to prison’ in underserved communities.

"First of all, we're friends. And we've known each other since before we became judges so that's great,” said Judge Lisa Green. “We have a common passion for inspiring and empowering young people."

"It means giving them the opportunity to see something different and then what they may see from day to day and even maybe changing their perspective on the criminal justice system,” said Judge Amber Givens-Davis.

Evidence of their sacrifice, Judge Stephanie Mitchell had to dash back to the caseload in her actual courtroom before the group interview.

"We decided, you know what, we need to be the change we're always seeking, always asking of the defendants in front of us,” she said.

The program is called Pipeline to Possibilities.