We spent one hour with the 12th Graders who chose the optional course “Law and issues of the contemporary world”. Counting 12 students this year, this option is an elective course students can choose in 12th Grade if they want to pursue law studies or simply want to keep a critical and rational mind on current events.
This week, we were invited by their teacher to join the videoconference with Ms. Amélie Carron, lawyer at the Paris Bar currently working on the trial linked with the Paris terrorist attacks from November 13, 2015.
15:15 – The call starts, the questions prepared by the students are on point and include various topics: Amélie’s experience, her studies, the complexity of her job, as well as more polemic questions around the French justice system.
She then moves onto the trial of the 14 accused of the terrorist attacks, for which Amélie is representing 8 of the victims. She presents a long and complex trial, in a “special” criminal court as the jury is only composed of magistrates.
One hour later – Students are listening, Amélie gives anecdotes around her job, its perks and disadvantages, but also the daily responsibility engaged, and what she likes the most about it.
She replies to various questions, sometimes sensitive, around being a lawyer in France and abroad, and what the possible paths to become one are. The exchange is appreciated and allows students to learn more, to further deepen their wishes, and to see what happens backstage.
With the opportunity to exchange with professionals of different industries, it is an undeniable asset for students, who starting from Grade 10, start asking themselves real questions regarding their future, and thus can benefit from the pieces of advice and testimonies to move forward.