Prosecutor, police inspire teens to follow law careers

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) -- Dearborn County Judge Sally McLaughlin created a unique program several years ago for students who want to become police officers, prosecutors or judges.

It's called Leadership and Law, a full-week of experiences ranging from crime scenes to courtrooms.

This year's class is entirely made up of high school girls.

The students come from area schools including Lawrenceburg, East Central, Milan and Rising Sun.

On Tuesday, the class took a field trip to Indianapolis to meet with Secretary of State Diego Morales.

On Wednesday, the students were given the assignment to investigate a possible homicide. It is based off a real case that occurred in Yorkville in 2002.

Students will spend the rest of the week building the case. A trial will be held Friday where some students will serve as prosecutors while others will be defense lawyers.

Applications for this annual class are sent to area high schools each spring.