26 | MAY 9 • 2024 
J
N

S

elf-reporting for “jury 
duty” at a mock trial 
next week, members 
and friends of SOAR Lifelong 
Learning Institute will be 
asked to make their choice 
about a relevant question 
of today — “Can it Happen 
Here? Fascism in America.” 
Mock trials are an 
imitation proceeding in 
which real jurists use court 
procedures to explore both 
sides of notable cases or 
issues. The public is welcome 
to attend SOAR’s free event, 
a presentation of its Harry 
Cook Social 
Justice Series, 
on Friday, May 
17, at the Hawk 
Center Theater 
in Farmington 
Hills.
A group of 
“players” — attorneys, a judge 
and expert witnesses — will 
provide audience members 
with the facts they’ll need to 
make an informed decision. 
Bringing the case at the 

mock trial will be Robert 
Sedler, retired distinguished 
professor at 
Wayne State 
University Law 
School, arguing 
against the 
proposition, and 
his counterpart, 
trial attorney 
Joseph Kosmala of Macomb 
County.
The mock trial will 
consider whether the 
hallmarks of fascism 
could infiltrate American 
governance. Features of a 
fascist government include 
extreme nationalism, 
militarism and the supremacy 
of a single powerful leader. 
Modern democracies, such as 
in the United States, support 
individual rights, competitive 
elections and the protection 
of political dissent. According 
to the organizers, the forum 
is intended to provoke 
thoughtful discussion on 
the resilience of America’s 
democracy in the face of 

authoritarian ideologies. 
“It’s a great topic because 
people are concerned about 
the future of democracy 
in this election,” said trial 
participant Jack Lessenberry, 
a veteran journalist, 
biographer and SOAR 
supporter and 
lecturer. 
“A candidate 
for president 
talked about 
being a dictator 
for a day,” 
Lessenberry said, 
“and now people 
are talking about whether he 
might impose something like 
fascism if elected.”
The mock trial players 
have agreed to present only 
the facts about the fascism 
issue, forgoing politics. 
Audience members will have 
an opportunity to ask the 
experts any questions later, 
while the ballots are being 
counted. 
“Our main presentation 
will not be about Trump, 

SOAR Lifelong Learning hosts 
mock trial on “Can it Happen 
Here? Fascism in America.”

All Rise for 
 Mock Court

Jack 
Lessenberry

Robert 
Sedler

The late 
Harry Cook

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY

LEARNING FOR 
A LIFETIME
Those possessing a 
curious mind and a 
passion for learning may 
find the stimulation they 
seek at SOAR Lifelong 
Learning Institute, an 
independent organization 
in Farmington Hills 
celebrating 20 years. 
Those at least age 
55 can choose from 
SOAR’s diverse selection 
of classes, lectures, 
clubs and explorations, 
along with participating 
in social activities. Both 
in-person and virtual 
programming are 
available, as described 
in print catalogs and 
on the SOAR website 
(soarexplore.com).