Journey of the Judiciary Part II — The Preparation and Experience of a First Year Delegate

By: Kaden Bossenbroek

As a first year delegate, Isabella Hammarlund chose to join the judicial branch. Preparing to present for the Court of Appeals, Isabella spent months on her case, learning about the 4th amendment and what it means to speak on the podium, finally culminating to delivering an oral argument. Isabella’s case, The state of WI vs Harper Evans follows high school student Harper Evans and her SRO’s discovery of illegal substances and the definite intent to distribute to her classmates.

Isabella spoke of the violation of Harper’s 4 amendment right as their locker was searched and items were seized without the knowledge or consent of Harper. Isabella shared her nervous feelings as she went to present her very first case. Her voice was shaking at the beginning, but her lack of confidence diminished by the end of her case when the verdict came out in her favor.

Her second case was a breeze, Isabella was able to portray her newfound skill and do an excellent job in presentation of the facts.  When presiding over peer’s cases, Isabella looked at notes taken from her seat and considered the vocabulary and usage of ethos, or the credibility approach, vs pathos, emotional approach, when deliberating and making a verdict.

Isabella found very few times in her very first conference she didn’t enjoy, loving every minute of fun nights and the rooming in the hotel. She noted the excitement of Just Dance and the memory of state dinner.Joining the youth in government program as a sophomore, she was drawn in by the opportunity to meet new people from cities she had never heard of, and the special insights of legal procedure. Isabella’s first year in youth in government has inspired her to work hard and tune into new perspectives. She’s gained confidence in herself and is excited to return for another year.