24th District Court
24th District Court
Law Day
School Participation
Liberty Bell Awards
Exhibits
Each year in May, the 24th District Court celebrates Law Day. This event allows students at local schools and members of the public to tour the courthouse and learn more about the criminal justice system. Various law enforcement agencies attend and provide informational displays as a public service. Participants over the past few years include the following organizations:
 | Allen Park Fire Department
| Allen Park Police Department
| Allen Park Canine Unit
| Allen Park Motorcycle Unit
| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
| Concord E.M.S.
| Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
| Downriver Swat Team
| Downriver Alcohol Narcotics Organization (D.R.A.N.O.)
| Elks-Allen Park Lodge 2194 with Drug Awareness
| Melvindale Police Department
| Melvindale Canine Unit
| Melvindale Bike Unit
| Melvindale Fire Department
| Michigan Military Police 1776th M.P. Company
| United States Customs/Border Protection
| United States Marines Corps.
| United States Navy
| United States Postal Inspectors
| Wayne County Mounted Police | |
School Participation
Mock Trials are held in the courtrooms during the Law Day celebration. In past years, students from Allen Park, Inter-City Baptist, Melvindale and St. Frances Cabrini High Schools act out the roles of judge, court reporter, attorney, plaintiff, defendant, witnesses and jurors.
Students from Inter-City Baptist, Melvindale High School, Allen Park High School and Senior Citizens join in the Mock Trials. The High School students, assisted by local attorneys, put on an excellent display of theatrics and knowledge of the law. The Senior Citizens, assisted by Attorneys, put a lot of time and effort into Mock Trials and play it up to the fullest.
In addition, middle school students participate in an essay competition. The 2000 topic involved school dress codes, 2001 topic featured an analysis of a Supreme Court decision on due process for minors and 2002 focused on a recent Michigan Court of Appeals decision on underage drinking in Canada. Winners receive a certificate of achievement as well as an Olympic-style medal. We received many excellent submissions, and the winners for the past three years are as follows:
| ESSAY WINNERS | Law Day 2004 |
Law Day 2005 | Law Day 2006 |
| First Place | Linda Okonkowski | Eric Szkarlat | Gionni Ponce |
| Second Place | T.J. Short | Becky Moore | Alexandra Harkins |
| Third Place | Kevin Cleaver | Elizabeth Bonora | Samantha Vettrus |
Elementary school students also participate by creating posters, which are displayed throughout the court during Law Day.
Liberty Bell Awards
Each year, the 24th District Court recognizes outstanding members of the community during its Law Day celebration with the Liberty Bell Awards. This coveted award is presented by to individuals who have promoted a better understanding of the law and judicial system, stimulated a sense of civic responsibility or contributed to effective government. All of the winners receive an engraved plaque and a decorative lapel pin.
Law Day 2002 Liberty Bell Award Winners
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John Haboian was a teacher at Allen Park High
School for 33 years, is a former police commissioner and member of the
Downtown Development Authority. |
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John Pinkowski served in the Melvindale Police Department for 30 years, achieving the rank of Inspector, and was a longtime substitute teacher at Melvindale High School. |
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Art Hayes worked for Downriver Federal Savings for 42 years, including serving as president and chairman. He has a streak of 49 years of perfect attendance with the Allen Park Kiwanis. |
From left (rear): Art Hayes, John Pinkowski, John Haboian
Front: Judge John T. Courtright
Law Day 2004 Liberty Bell Award Winners
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Judge Michael T. Russell has been a resident of Allen Park since 1963, served as a practicing attorney for eight years and was appointed as Judge in 1979 by Governor Milliken. Judge Russell is responsible for establishing the Garden Work Program in 1983 and the 24th District Court's Annual Law Day program in 1980.. |
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Former Mayor James Kinard is a 30 year resident of the city of Melvindale. Mr. Kinard is well known for his service to the city of Melvindale in an eight year term as Mayor, which began in 1989 when he was elected to council as Mayor Pro-Tem. |
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Allen Park Businessman Mark Bailey has been a resident of the city of Allen Park since 1989. Mr. Bailey is a member of the Elks Club that started the "Pumpkin Patch", which provides a safe trick or treating event for the entire Downriver area. |
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From left: Former Judge Anthony S. Guerriero, Judge John T. Courtright, and Judge Michael T. Russell |
From left: Judge John T. Courtright,and Former Mayor James Kinard, Former Judge Anthony S. Guerriero |
From left: Former Judge Anthony S. Guerriero, Judge John T. Courtright, and Businessman Mark Bailey |
Law Day 2005 Liberty Bell Award Winners
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James Kenzie has been an Allen Park Resident for 53 years. Mr. Kenzie has been an active member of St. Frances Cabrini parsh for 53 years; and with American Legion Post #409 and its Auxiliary for 35 years. Mr. Kenzie volenteered his time and skills with the City of Allen Park during 30 years of combined service on various city commissions. He is also an active member of the Allen Park Kiwanis Club, serving on their Board as President and Director during his 30 year membership. |
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Sal Scarpace is a 71 year resident of the community, currently residing in the city of Melvindale. He is a lector at VA Hospital in Detroit. He has been active in community service with the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion. Mr. Scarpace served our country in the Army in World War II. He served our community as the Allen Park City Clerk from 1967 to 1969. |
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| From Left: James Kenzie, Judge Michael T. Russell, Judge Richard A. Page and Judge John T. Courtright | From Left: Sal Scarpace, Judge Michael T. Russell, Judge Richard A. Page and Judge John T. Courtright |
Law Day 2006 Liberty Bell Award Winners
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Don Eiden has been a member of the Allen Park Kiwanis Club for over 30 years. He is a past Distinguished President. He has been affiliated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the past 50 years. Mr. Eiden has been involved in the Allen Park Days since 1946, and has worked as Chairman of the Allen Park Days. He served over 12 years as a Commissioner o he City Recreation Commission, and over 30 years on the Allen Park Building Authority. Mr. Eiden served our country in the Pacific in World War II from 1944 to 1946. |
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Ralph Davis has been a City of Melvindale resident since 1985. Mr. Davis has served as a council member on the Melvindale City Council for approximately nine years. He is serving on the beautification, finance, and historical committees, as well as the sewer arbitration board. Ralph Davis spent most of his life in the wholesale grocery business and, ultimately, retired as a buyer of parts for the fast food service. Retired at age 66, he devotes a fair amount of his free time to the City of Melvindale. He painted city fire hydrants, trimmed city trees, and maintained three of the Melvindale city signs. He and his late wife, Joyce, also planted trees within the city. |
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From Left: Ralph Davis, Judge John T. Courtright, Don Eiden and Judge Richard A. Page |
From Left: Judge Michael T. Russell, Ralph Davis, Judge John T. Courtright, Don Eiden and Judge Richard A. Page |
