Law Merit Badge

WHO - This event is open to Scouts BSA members at least 13 years of age. 

WHAT - Come join us for the annual Law Merit Badge Clinic. This program affords high school-aged scouts the opportunity to earn the Law Merit Badge while hearing from the State’s leading experts on the subject.

Scouts will also have the opportunity to interact with many professionals involved with the Rhode Island Judiciary and the administration of justice, including current and former justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, trial court judges, members of law enforcement, and practicing attorneys.  There will be a tour of the State Law Library, review of legal history, interactions with law enforcement personnel, and discovery into the diverse career paths in the legal profession.

Parents and/or Guardians please note that Scouts during the Law Merit Badge Clinic may see or hear adult situations from the daily criminal calendar or perhaps in a trial. We are compelled to let you know, as some of the charges, language and/or testimony or photos are not pleasant. In some cases, a judge may ask young visitors not to enter the courtroom.

Law MB Agenda

WHERE - Supreme Court of Rhode Island, Frank Licht Judicial Complex, 250 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02903

WHY - Scouts who attend will work towards earning the Law merit badge. 

WHEN - April 19th, 2024 

Check-in - 8:45 am

Program - Starts promptly at 9:00 am and ends at 2:45 pm

Note, there is an additional Session on Thursday, April 18, 2024, which is an optional session so that Scouts can complete Requirement #6(a) (attend a session of a civil or criminal court and write an essay). Scouts do not need to attend the Thursday session if they have an alternative means of completing Requirement #6 (for example, they can bring evidence of participation in mock trial with them to the Friday session), but there will not be an opportunity to complete Requirement #6 on Friday.

HOW - Register online now, space is limited! 

Lunch is provided. 

Class-A (full) uniform is required!

Please come prepared with a notebook, pen and blue card signed by your Scoutmaster. 

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites (Bring for Friday session):

6. Do ONE of the following:  

• (a) Attend a session of a civil or criminal court. Write 250 words or more on what you saw. 
• (b) Plan and conduct a mock trial with your troop or school class. After the trial is over, discuss it with the group.

Note: Requirement #6(a) can be completed at a Court calendar on Thursday, April 18, 2024.  Parents and/or Guardians must accompany their Scouts.  There will be a brief discussion about courtroom etiquette and Scouts will attend an in-person court session.  Court calendars are usually scheduled at 9:30 am, however this is not always the case. Scouts can stay with their Parents and/or Guardians until they have enough for their essay.

9. Make a list of 15 jobs that deal with some aspects of law or legal processes. Tell which you prefer. Why? (Bring list for discussion for Friday session)