Twenty-eight second grade students from Shelby-Rising City Public Schools experienced a unique educational opportunity at the Polk County Courthouse on May 20, 2024. Organized by Polk County Clerk Magistrate Jodie Roberts, the students participated in a mock trial designed to teach them about the judicial process and the intricacies of jury trials.

The mock trial, SpongeBob SquarePants vs. Sea-Mart, involved a whimsical yet instructional case where SpongeBob ordered square pants from Sea-Mart but received round pants instead. After failed attempts to alter the pants with the help of Patrick and Sandy, Sea-Mart refused to accept the return of the altered pants, prompting SpongeBob to sue. Each student was assigned a role in the trial, from characters to attorneys, jurors, and court officials. The event culminated in jury deliberation by the 19-member jury, resulting in a hung jury. While the majority sided with Sea-Mart, three jurors believed in SpongeBob's case, illustrating the challenges and importance of consensus in jury decisions.

Following the mock trial, the students had the chance to immerse themselves further into the courtroom experience. They tried on the judge's robe, sat in the judge's chair, and toured the courthouse, including a visit to the original jail built in 1922. Each student took turns looking through the bars of the historic jail cell, adding to their understanding of the county's judicial history.

For the last three years, the second-grade teachers at Shelby-Rising City have brought their students to the courthouse to participate in this mock trial. This annual tradition is part of an ongoing effort to engage young students with the legal system, making the complexities of the judicial process more accessible and engaging for the next generation.