LAW OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERIntern Summer Justice Program

The internship programs at the Law Office of the Public Defender traditionally catered to college level and law school students. Due to the high interest level from High school students for internship opportunities, we have introduced an abbreviated two-week internship program specifically designed for high school aged students.

The Youth Summer Justice Program will expose high school students to the innerworkings of the court system. The program focuses on the criminal justice courts, law enforcement, crime lab and medical examiner’s office.

Youth will shadow an attorney throughout the day; observe court proceedings and watch trials and hearings. Interns will be expected to engage in question and answer sessions with judges, attorneys, bailiffs, court-reporters. Participants will also have an opportunity to attend interactive presentations with Crime Scene Investigators from the Crime Lab and physicians from the Medical examiner’s Office. The youth will also tour the Clerk of the Court, Electronic Court Reporting and Broward Sheriff’s Office Main Jail. The program will culminate with a live demonstration from highly trained police dogs from BSO’s K-9 Unit.

Summer Justice Interns will conclude the program by participating in a mock trial. With guidance from practicing professionals, the interns will act as attorneys and present a case to a jury for deliberation. This is an opportunity for the interns to put into practice all the information and experience they have absorbed throughout the program.

**Community service hours will be awarded for the internship.

Summer Justice Applicants must have completed at the 9th Grade at a Highschool located in Broward County, Florida.

• Must have a desire to learn about the Justice System
• Must be between the age of 15 and 18 years old
• Must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
• Must submit 2 letters of recommendation
• Must be able to attend from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, for 10 consecutive
  business days
• No Shorts or T-shirts
• Business attire required for the last day of the program

• Jail tours begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp
• Jail tours last approximately 2 hours
• No shorts, open toe shoes, skirts above the knees, purses, book bags, cellular telephones or
  beepers carried during tours
• If individual isn’t dressed appropriate you will not be granted admission to the jail
• Participants must be twelve years of age or older
• Proper I.D. is required for participation in the jail tour
• PERMISSION SLIPS FOR JAIL TOUR ARE DUE AT TIME APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED AND
  MUST BE NOTARIZED
  • Anyone entering our facilities is subject to be searched.
  • Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement needs to be filled out for students by Parents
    or Guardians, notarized, presented before tour.