Driving under the influence of alcohol, more commonly known as DUI, is the charge a randomly selected defendant will face in a mock trial Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Grant Towers North.

Presiding over the mock trial will be Judge John Peterson of Kane County District Court, while an assistant state’s attorney from Kane County will conduct the case on behalf of the state prosecution. An NIU law student will play the part of defense attorney.

“Different GTN residents have been ‘subpoenaed’ throughout the week to serve as jury members, defendants and witnesses,” Mike Haines, Health Enhancement Services coordinator said.

The trial is being presented by an allied health class taught by Haines. He assigned his students to pick a health related topic and put together a goal or objective. Next, they designed an event that would have a positive impact on NIU students by helping them to improve their health, Haines said

“We’re not trying to keep students from drinking. We’re trying to reduce harm that comes to themselves and others through excessive drinking, including DUI arrests,” Haines said.

oward Brookins Jr., a second-year law student and a member of the class, suggested the mock trial as an appealing and informative way to present the problems that can occur from excessive alcohol consumption.

Through an internship, Brookins was able to secure the district court judge and attorney from Kane County Court House.

“This is big-time stuff,” Haines said, emphasizing that students would see what happens when arrested for DUI. “The mock trial is realistic. It’s contemporary quality that would not be found in textbooks or classrooms,” he said.

The trial is one event in a series of alcohol-related programs to be held at GTN by students in Current Topics and Community Health.