Goldilocks was on trial at Tooker Avenue, and after testimony from a motley crew of witnesses and review of evidence by a fourth-grade jury, was found guilty of trespassing. This dramatic exercise was the culmination of a six-day unit called “Junior JDs,” taught to fifth-grade students by Hofstra law professor Glen Vogel as part of a learning unit on the judicial system that took place in eight sessions over the course of two months.

At the beginning of the trial, Goldilocks was accused of trespassing at the Three Bears’ home, eating Papa Bear’s porridge and leftover chicken, stealing money (petty larceny), trying on Mama Bear’s dresses and breaking a rocking chair (criminal mischief). After testimony from storybook characters Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, Three Blind Mice and Chicken Little, Goldilocks was eventually found guilty of trespassing, but not guilty on all other counts.

Judge and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly sentenced Goldilocks to one month of bringing chicken cutlet sandwiches to Principal Charles Germano, making and serving breakfast for the teachers, and serving chocolate ice cream to the judge for three months.   

“I believe we may have some future attorneys in this school,” Mr. Vogel said.