Superior Court Judge Kenneth Shapero visited St. Catherine
School
’s eighth grade students on Thursday, Sept. 25 to answer
questions.
Superior Court Judge Kenneth Shapero visited St. Catherine School’s eighth grade students on Thursday, Sept. 25 to answer questions.
Shapero first gave some history about himself before opening the class to a question and answer session, which he explained, was a Socratic forum for discussion. He wanted students to feel comfortable asking any type of question about the judicial branch of government.
Teacher John Harnett opened the Q&A by explaining that the students had been studying the amendments to the Constitution and their application today. The civil rights movement and its relation to the Bill of Rights is a current topic of discussion in the class. He also wanted the class to understand how the judicial branch fits within the framework of checks and balances.
“Day to day interaction between the three branches (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) keeps them running smoothly,” Shapero answered.
He then added an example referring to the recent gubernatorial recall election and explaining the court’s recent decisions about to the voting system.
Students and their teacher then asked questions ranging from the amendments to how Shapero deals with issues that conflict with his own sense of morality. Shapero answered questions regarding the law by paraphrasing the law in language that was accessible to the students. On dealing with issues of morality, Shapero mentioned the death penalty, legalizing marijuana and abortion. He stated that, as a judge, he must uphold the law regardless of his own beliefs.
“There are lots of things wrong with the laws; they aren’t perfect,” said Shapero.
No topic was taboo. Difficult questions regarding racial profiling and why people don’t want to serve on juries were also broached.
“We are a melting pot…all of our ancestors came from another land,” Shapero said when explaining why racial profiling is unconstitutional.
On the subject of jury duty, he understands the issues facing people with busy lifestyles, but made it clear that it is a civic responsibility and opportunity to see and learn about our judicial system first hand. He invited all the students to attend court to “see the process at work.”
Shapero attended UC Berkeley during the 1970s, passed the bar in 1977 and became a public defender for Santa Clara County. After twelve years, he was appointed by then Gov. Deukmejian to the position of judge. He now hears criminal cases at the courthouse in San Martin. Shapero has been a resident of Morgan Hill for the past twenty years.
St. Catherine School is located at 17500 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Suzanne Rich is the principal of St. Catherine School. It is part of the community of St. Catherine Church lead by Fr. Eugene P. O’Donnell.
