9th Grade ~ First Docket

Hello! My name is Valeria, and I recently had the privilege of interviewing the freshmen in Principles of Law. These students are already off to an impressive start this school year—many are participating in after-school activities such as HOSA to strengthen their resumes and explore future career paths. In class, they are diving into courtroom procedures, and several have already expressed interest in joining the Mock Trial team.

From our conversation, one thing stood out clearly: the freshmen have quickly built a strong foundation of teamwork, communication, and determination. They are most excited about stepping into courtroom practice, whether as attorneys or witnesses, and are eager to put their skills into action.

Recently, the class attended a field trip to a downtown courthouse, giving them a firsthand look at the legal system in motion. They met bailiffs and lawyers, learned about the steps to becoming a lawyer or judge, and observed real courtroom proceedings. For many, the highlight of the trip was meeting new people and watching live cases unfold—an experience they described as both fun and educational.

The enthusiasm and dedication these freshmen bring to the program are inspiring, and it’s clear they are already laying the groundwork for future success in law.

That’s all for now—stay tuned for more updates from Skyline’s Law Review Blog!

From Classroom to Courthouse:  Freshmen Begin Their Legal Journey

(September 2025)     by Valeria Cortez

Being in 9th grade is amazing! I love all my classes—they're fun and engaging. The only tricky part at first was navigating the campus. Skyline is enormous, and during my first week, I kept getting lost. I didn't know where to go without help, but everyone was friendly and helped me figure it out.

One of the most remarkable experiences we've had so far was the freshman pep rally. It was awesome! I watched as students ran across the gym on their classmates' hands—it was wild. The Skyline Raider Band played and sounded incredible, and the drum majors, cheerleaders, and silhouettes all performed in front of the 9th-grade class. It made me feel like I was truly a part of Skyline.

There are so many sports and after-school activities to try. As a freshman, I feel very excited to be here. The school has a lot to offer, and the education is excellent as well. The teachers are very likable and know what they're doing. Most of the time, they make class enjoyable and easy to understand.

I'm also part of the Legal Studies program, and I thoroughly enjoy it. In just the first two months, we've already gone on two field trips and started preparing for our first Mock Trial competition. Our classroom is equipped with everything we need—laptops, computers, printers, and supplies I can use whenever I need to complete my homework.

But the most impressive part is the courtroom. It's still under construction, but we have already spent a lot of time on it, preparing for court. Being in this program has encouraged me to speak up and find my voice as an advocate. It's been a fantastic experience.

From Getting Lost to Pep Rallies: My 9th Grade Experience

(October 2025)     by Carter Harfield

The plans to stop birthright citizenship and conduct mass deportations are causing big legal fights because they challenge basic US laws. Birthright citizenship is a rule based on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which says if you are born here, you are a citizen. People fighting the new plan argue that the President can't change the Constitution with just an executive order—that power belongs to Congress and the states, who would have to vote to amend it. Similarly, the mass deportations rely on existing laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which gives the government power to remove non-citizens. However, when the government tries to deport large numbers of people quickly (like in June 2025), opponents go to court, arguing the deportees' right to due process (fair treatment under the law) is being ignored. They argue that everyone, citizen or not, deserves a chance to argue their case before being removed.

The Law of Money: Who Controls the Budget?

The "Muskonomics" plans for massive spending cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are mainly a fight about separation of powers. Our Constitution makes it clear that Congress, not the President, controls the government's money. This is often called the "power of the purse." The Constitution states that no money can be spent unless Congress approves it first. When DOGE reportedly tries to "impound" (stop) money that Congress has already approved for government programs, it leads to lawsuits. These lawsuits argue that DOGE is breaking the law—specifically the 1974 Impoundment Control Act—which was put in place to stop Presidents from ignoring Congress's spending choices. Basically, the courts are being asked to decide whether the President can choose to stop funding parts of the government that Congress mandated.

The Law of Immigration: What's the Fight About?

(November 2025)     by Leetia Thomas

Criminal and civil laws help hold people accountable when they break the rules. Donald J. Trump, former and current President of the United States, has faced legal consequences for breaking the law. He has been involved in civil lawsuits, such as defamation and business disagreements. He has also been investigated many times for criminal offenses, including how he handled classified documents after leaving office, and business dealings in New York. These cases show how everyone has to be held accountable for their actions, regardless of who they are.

Trump’s legal challenges can make people think about fairness in the justice system. Criminal cases can lead to having to face very serious punishments and civil cases can lead to having to pay large amounts of money. The fact that a president can still be investigated and sued demonstrates that no one is above the law. These cases are very popular and bring attention to people about the legal system. Looking over Trump’s legal problems shows the importance of abiding by the law.

The Law Catches Everyone, Including Presidents

(December 2025)     by Perla Eudave