The District Attorney Citizen’s Academy is held in the fall and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system. Participants learn about the specific roles of law enforcement officers, attorneys, judges, and jurors, while being exposed to the inner-workings and complexities involved in prosecution.

Citizens have the opportunity to practice what they have learned by participating in a mock trial, arguing a criminal case as prosecutors. In addition to the mock trial, assistant district attorneys present on a wide range of topics including Criminal Justice 101, the “CSI Effect,” the opioid epidemic, gangs, human trafficking, and other trends impacting our community.

To be eligible, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Knox County, and agree to a background check to be completed by the District Attorney General’s Office.

To apply, download an application from the “Community Affairs Programs” webpage on the Office of the District Attorney General’s website. Then, email or mail the completed application to the contact listed below by Friday, June 28.

After applications are due Friday June 28, accepted applicants will be notified by Friday, July 19. The Citizen Academy will take place on Sep. 3, Sep. 10, Sep. 17, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, and Oct. 15; from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. each session.

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact Jackie Myers by mail: Office of the District Attorney General, P.O. Box 1468, Knoxville, TN 37901, by email: jackie.myers@knoxcounty.org, or over the phone: 865-215-2515.