Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Earlier this week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota hosted its second annual Summer Law Camp in Sioux Falls. Thirty-six high school students from across the state attended the three-day event to gain insight into the federal justice system.
The camp offered students a chance to learn from criminal and civil attorneys, paralegals, victim witness advocates, forensic examiners, and members of both the federal judiciary and law enforcement at various levels. "The USAO’s Summer Law Camp introduces high school students to various career paths associated with the criminal justice system and the practice of law," stated U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. She added that they hope to inspire future leaders by providing an understanding of their work in upholding the rule of law.
Participants came from numerous cities and towns across South Dakota, including Sturgis, Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, White River, Kennebec, Chamberlain, Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Timber Lake, Ipswich, Wetonka, Aberdeen, Sisseton, Castlewood, Watertown, Clear Lake, Brandt, Madison, Dell Rapids, Montrose, Armour, Tyndall, Vermillion, Dakota Dunes, Beresford, Tea, Brandon and Sioux Falls.
In addition to interacting with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office during the camp's duration; students also heard from representatives of several agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), U.S Marshals Service (USMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Dakota Division Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Highway Patrol Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Sioux Falls Police Department along with Federal Public Defender's Office among others.
On its concluding day participants engaged in conducting a mock trial before U.S District Judge Karen E Schreier This marks another successful edition following last year's inaugural run by organizing team Information regarding next year will be shared via school districts throughout Spring 2026 For additional details inquiries can directed towards USASD SummerLawCamp@usdoj.gov
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