My name is Bronte Foley, I live in Chicago, and I am a member of the class of 2020. I am double majoring in political science and economics. I plan on attending law school after graduation; my dream is to become a Supreme Court justice. This summer, I will be working with Judge Doherty at the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court and I will be court-watching with Court Watch NOLA. Court Watch NOLA’s mission is to promote civic engagement and to increase transparency and accountability in the criminal justi
ce system. As an intern at this organization, I will be charged with studying court cases and ensuring that all citizens’ rights are being upheld. The Orleans Parish Juvenile Court seeks to uphold the Louisiana Children’s Code by caring for delinquents, young victims of abuse, and children in the midst of custody negotiations. As an intern with a judge at the juvenile court, I will interact with young people in the justice system and I will gain valuable knowledge researching law as it applies to those underage.
I am very excited about working with both of these groups, and I have goals I hope to accomplish through my work. Throughout the course of my internship I aim to 1) improve my writing skills, 2) view controversial issues from a point of objectivity, 3) ensure judicial procedure is properly carried out, 4) determine how my passion for law could be used to provide resources for lower income defendants, and 5) understand and combat the disadvantages women face in the criminal justice system—both as professionals and as defendants.
Though neither Court Watch NOLA nor the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court work exclusively with women, I will pay particular attention women’s experiences in in court. Further, both organizations aim to ensure disadvantaged people are given a fair trial and—by extension—that justice is achieved.
In order to prepare for both of these internships, I have been doing lots of research on the legal system. Court Watch NOLA recently came out with their annual report on the New Orleans courts. I’ve been reading through their report in order to get a better idea of what to look for in the courtroom. As for the juvenile court, I have done some preliminary research on the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1899 so I can fully understand how the juvenile court system differs from the adult one.
I’m very excited to have direct exposure to the legal world—both behind the bench and in front. The legal field is dominated by men and as a female aspiring lawyer, I know I have a tough job ahead of me. I hope that through my work this summer I may be able to get a leg up. I’m very excited to start!