A local high school student had the opportunity to learn about real-life criminal investigations from the crime scene to the courtroom this summer.

McKinley Lee, a Fort Dale Academy student, participated in the six-day National Youth Leadership Forum on Law & Crime Scene Investigation held in Washington, D.C.

Intended as an introduction to careers in the legal profession, the curriculum for the program is based on actual events using intensive simulations. The students examined how court cases often change the legal system.

During his time at the forum, McKinley explored the area of legal ethics, explored Capitol Hill, the Lincoln, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson memorials, and took part in a question and answer session with a forensic specialist. He also participated in a mock trial, U.S. vs. LaMors, and visited local law schools to find out what life is like for the typical law student.

The students also had the opportunity to visit law firms, courthouses or forensic labs to get a firsthand view of the life of a lawyer or forensic expert. Their week was rounded out with a Supreme Court simulation on a case considering the Fourth Amendment rights in public schools.

“I had a really interesting time and learned a lot about the law and the court system in our country,” said McKinley. “It was a great experience being able to be a part of the simulations.”

McKinley is the son of T.K. and Mack Lee of Greenville.