Atlantic City High School Public Safety Students Visit New Jersey Supreme Court for Real-World Legal Experience

ATLANTIC CITY – Public Safety students from Atlantic City High School visited the state’s capital on Monday, March 2, 2026, to see the New Jersey Supreme Court in action.

Students observed the State v. French G. Lee; a case centered on fingerprint evidence. They also observed the State v. R.F.P., which examined when a defendant has the right to look at a victim’s private mental health records to prepare a defense. Both cases were issued continuances, delaying a final decision to a later date. The New Jersey Courts commemorated the event on its social media page, showing students and judges in the court room.

Public Safety Teacher Nakesha Lawrence-Chowdhury, who teaches Fundamentals and Essentials of Public Safety classes, said field trips help students make informed decisions about their future career goals.

“This allows them to put the knowledge that they’re learning into real-life application,” Lawrence-Chowdhury said. “They see the court through the lens of someone who has made a mistake, but they are innocent until proven guilty.”

The field trip fell under the high school’s Public Safety Academy, which combines a rigorous, engaging curriculum with real-world career development, according to Donald Harris, Director of Secondary Education.

“We want to give them an opportunity to train in and gain exposure to a wide range of careers in public safety,” Harris has said.

The academy gives students direct access to professionals from the Atlantic City Police and Fire departments, Beach Patrol, and Emergency Medical Services. Through classroom instruction and real-world interaction, students gain early insight into promising public safety careers.

Lawrence-Chowdhury said taking the students to the Supreme Court has also been a long-term goal for the program. She worked with court staff member Vannessa Ravennelle to make the trip possible.

“I want the students to get out of Atlantic City. I want it to change the way they see life and the way they determine what they want their lives to be,” Lawrence-Chowdhury said.

First-year student Yasmine Abdussamad said she enjoyed the chance to learn about the court in person.

“It was really long, but it was really fun,” Abdussamad said. “We learned about what goes on in the court. We were in an actual trial, which made it more educational.”

Student Farhan Mizba was excited about the opportunity, even before the trip.

“It’s not just a trip, it’s an opportunity to learn, explore and create memories,” Mizba wrote in a thank-you card to Lawrence-Chowdhury. “We’re grateful that you’re not only organizing it but also honing and guiding us along the way.”

Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman said providing students the opportunity to visit the New Jersey Supreme Court moved learning beyond the pages of a textbook and into real life.

“When students can sit in the very space where laws are interpreted and justice is carried out, the concepts become tangible, meaningful, and memorable,” said Days-Chapman. “Experiences like this ignite curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire our scholars to envision themselves in careers that shape and serve their communities. Authentic exposure is not just an enhancement to education; it is essential to it.”

To see a photo gallery from the Atlantic City High School Public Safety Academy field trip, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/azFiTXWT9w4mgqEq8

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