A handful of men in orange jumpsuits gather around tables inside a specialized unit at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center.
They turn their attention to a whiteboard, where the words “defendant,” “judge,” “defense attorney,” “district attorney,” “jury” and other legal terms are written.
A mental health clinician is there to lead a group lesson on the roles and responsibilities of court personnel. It’s one of a series of sessions the men will participate in that’s focused on their mental health and on boosting their understanding of the legal system…