Luke Skywalker, left, portrayed by Grafenwoehr Elementary School fourth grader Landon Wright, sits at the defense table for his mock trial, alongside adviser Capt. Dee Dequattro and co-counsel Maddi Money, in the 8th Judicial Circuit courtroom at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, on May 20, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
VILSECK, Germany — The crime scene was a galaxy far, far away, but it was a Defense Department school in Bavaria that took jurisdiction in the case as Luke Skywalker faced earthly justice Monday at a student-run mock trial at Rose Barracks.
The “Star Wars” character was charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with 5,999 counts of murder for blowing up the Death Star. In proceedings put on by costumed Grafenwoehr Elementary School fourth graders, jurors acquitted him.
This was the fourth rendition of the annual event, which is part of Bill Hunter and Eric Gray’s Jedi Leadership Academy coursework. It is designed to teach students about the legal system and the concepts of leadership and justice, as well as the role of U.S. Army lawyers and paralegals, Hunter said after the hourlong trial concluded.
Of the 56 students in attendance, 35 were given a role in the proceedings, said Hunter, who teaches general studies at the Department of Defense Education Activity school. Students donned costumes of popular characters such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia and a Storm Trooper.
Darth Vader, portrayed by Grafenwoehr Elementary School fourth grader Gabby Theadore, takes the witness stand during the mock trial of Luke Skywalker in the 8th Judicial Circuit courtroom at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, on May 20, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
Hunter and Gray, also a fourth grade general studies teacher, came up with the idea of LARPing the legal process to connect the study of government to their grade-wide theme, Jedi Leadership Academy.
Fourth graders are taught leadership throughout the year through a series of guest speakers and projects that culminates with a symposium and the trial.
“It’s a hands-on approach, a real-world way of showing ... that the constitutional rights of the accused are protected,” Hunter said.
The Jedi theme helps give fourth graders a collective identity, Hunter said, adding that those who don’t know a lot about “Star Wars” have enjoyed catching up on the franchise with their families.
The charge against Skywalker under Article 118 of the UCMJ stemmed from the act of rebellion he committed in the first film in the series to be released, “Star Wars: Episode IV —- A New Hope.” The trial was held in the 8th Judicial Circuit courtroom in Vilseck.
It began with the typical formalities. Attendees rose as court clerk Will Sims introduced judge Sophia King, who laid out the charges. Skywalker pleaded not guilty.
Darth Vader, portrayed by Grafenwoehr Elementary School fourth grader Gabby Theadore, takes the witness stand during the mock trial of Luke Skywalker on May 20, 2024, in the 8th Judicial Circuit courtroom at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
Prosecutors called the Emperor, Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper as witnesses. The defense called Skywalker, played by Landon Wright, Princess Leia and Han Solo.
The jury had to decide whether the government had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and whether Skywalker had a lawful justification.
“Rebel forces attacked my home,” said Ava Sims as the Emperor. “I barely escaped with my life.”
The defense decided to admit that Skywalker had destroyed the Death Star but argued that he was not guilty of murder because he had acted in defense of himself and others.
“The Death Star could destroy a planet, and if I didn’t destroy it, millions of people would have died,” Wright said from the witness stand.
Hans Wegner, a fourth grader at Grafenwoehr Elementary School, channels his inner Han Solo on the witness stand in the mock trial of Luke Skywalker at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, on May 20, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
The “Star Wars” series, written by George Lucas and produced by Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox, debuted in 1977. It became an international phenomenon, with the first film grossing over $775 million in worldwide box office revenue, according to Statista, and spawning multiple sequels, television shows and video games.
Parent Brandon Lawson, a sergeant first class assigned to the Combined Arms Training Center, said the mock trial was a good way for his daughter Alena and her classmates to learn public speaking and the ability to be fair and impartial.
In the end, an oversized jury panel was split and Skywalker was found not guilty.
“It was the right decision,” said Charlotte Wald, who portrayed Princess Leia.
Attendees rise as the jury enters with a verdict in the mock trial of Luke Skywalker in the 8th Judicial Circuit courtroom at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, on May 20, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
