The prosecuting attorney paced the courtroom; they followed with intent gazes. The lawyer argued the defendant's guilt; they measured every word. The witness faltered for the briefest moment; they viewed the scene skeptically.
"They" were not the jury, but FHS law students witnessing justice at work - and learning first-hand about the law of the land.
"I definitely got a better understanding of the courtroom and how it works," said senior Katie Finn,who attended the trial all day Feb. 14 and 17.
The March 13 trial of 27-year-old Steven Chambers, charged with rape, contained the usual players: Dan Wilson battled for the state against defending attorney Patrick Sherlock, and judge Kitty Curtis refereed the game. Students, however, also took part in the proceedings.
"This is a law class and it's important students know how the jurisprudence process functions," said law teacher Ron Bain, whose classes took part in the proceedings. "It's also good for them to see they're responsible for their actions, both criminally and civilly."
Bain has taken his classes to numerous trials, but said this one was especially interesting, "simply because of the subject matter."
Chambers, currently living in California, was accused of the 1991 rape of a minor while living in Columbia Falls.
When talking about the trial beforehand, "I thought it would be boring," said senior Phillip Neuharth. "But it turned out to be pretty interesting."
For those who do have an interest in law, the trial was a chance to witness the profession in action.
"It was an interesting application" of the law, said senior James Brewer, who is considering the field of law. "It wasn't as exciting as it is on TV, but I didn't really expect it to be."
Although he isn't interested in law as a career option, the trial was enjoyable, Neuharth said. "It makes you think you might like to be part of that field."
Most students admired the logic and expertise of the attorneys, especially during the dramatic closing arguments, but found the jury's job of remaining unbiased equally challenging.
"It would be hard to be an unbiased juror," said Finn, who reflected the sentiments of the actual jury who acquitted Chambers of rape charges on March 18. "Through the whole thing I thought he was innocent," said Finn.
In addition to the trial, students also witnessed the sentencing of 75-year-old Jim Weaver of Whitefish, who was found guilty of abusing two boys over a 10-year period.
Weaver was sentenced to house arrest until he enters sex offender treatment and was fined $1,000. However, many students found the verdict far from satisfactory.
"A remorseless, habitual offender is going to be free in the community," said junior Naoimi Gietzen. "There's no excuse for it."
Despite concern over the verdict, most students felt learning about the law hands-on was beneficial.
Said Gietzen: "More classes should be out in our community, seeing what we're learning."