Storybook Trial Ramsey Elementary Third-Graders Take On The Case Of Goldilocks

Prosecutors thought they locked up their case with the steaming porridge, but jurors surprised a packed federal court gallery by narrowly acquitting the accused.

It was only once upon a time in a nursery rhyme, but Tuesday’s lesson in critical thinking and civil service left its mark on 101 Ramsey Elementary third-graders.

The story of Goldilocks and those three wandering bears provided the model.

In a mock trial, Goldilocks stood accused of bad manners because she ate the bears’ porridge, sat in their chairs and slept in their beds while the family was on a walk.

Students from Paula Marano’s class served as jurors, lawyers, court clerks, bailiffs and television reporters. Her husband, Judge Eugene Marano, presided.

Prosecutors Ty Stoddard and Ashlynn Christian pushed for a conviction, telling jurors Goldilocks walked into the Bears’ house uninvited, ate their porridge, broke a chair and was found sleeping in Babe A. Bear’s bed.

Attorneys for Goldilocks - Brenna Lawson to her classmates - argued the incident was a big misunderstanding. Matt Kelso and Chelsey Jewkes said their client followed the delicious aroma of hot porridge to the Bears’ house and mistakenly thought the open door was an invitation to eat.

“Your honor, these charges of bad manners against Goldilocks are ridiculous,” Jewkes said in her opening statement.

A tangle of golden locks still dangling from Babe A. Bear’s pillow when it was introduced as evidence by prosecutors appeared to hurt Goldilocks’ chances at freedom. DNA testing on the hair confirmed that it was Goldilocks’ hair, they said.

“Ooh, it doesn’t look good for Goldilocks, does it?” said Nancy Burka, a parent watching from the rear of the courtroom.

“No, she’s going to lose,” third-grader Aaron Mote said.

Judge Marano called Ramsey principal Ann Walker as an expert witness on bad manners shortly before the jury retired to deliberate.

“We do teach kids responsibility,” Walker said. “We do teach the kids thoughtfulness and to be kind to each other at all times.”

After deliberating for only five minutes, the jury sided 9-8 with Goldilocks, who testified that she dozed off while waiting to thank Mom A. Bear, also known as Megan McDowell, for the porridge and meant no harm.

The announcement of the jury’s vote for acquittal drew a mixed chorus of boos and cheers from the overflow crowd. Gallery members also were polled and voted 49-24 to convict.

“We really try to emphasize that the jurors play such an important role,” said Paula Marano, who organized the mock trial for the fourth year in a row.

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