Eighth graders hold mock trial: Jefferson Davis found not guilty

Belmar, NJ 5/23/11 Matt Hunt, 14, of Wall, acting as a defense attorney, questions Carlo Fiducia, 14, of Long Branch, acting the role of Jefferson Davis, during the annual St. Rose 8th grade mock trial, where students tried and deliberated the Jefferson Davis case in the Belmar courtroom Monday May 23. Staff photo Tanya Breen
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BELMAR — Resounding applause came when St. Rose Elementary eighth graders found Jefferson Davis not guilty of treason in the school’s annual mock trial event Monday at the Belmar municipal courthouse on Main Street.

Three member prosecution and defense attorneys argued whether or not the Confederate States of America president’s actions violated constitutional law.

“You will have to rely on your personal expertise, good judgment and common sense in all these matters,” social studies teacher Sean McDonald, who portrayed the judge, told the 16-member jury headed by Kevin Poppert, 14, of Belmar.

In her opening statements,