Originally published in TEACH Magazine, January/February 2025 Issue
It is more important than ever to encourage today’s youth to become active, informed, and engaged members of democratic society. This starts by helping them understand how the justice system works—and there’s no better way to do so than by observing it in action! There are plenty of experiential learning opportunities out there that can give your students real-life exposure to court proceedings, judges, attorneys, and more. We’ve gathered a few of them here to be used as a starting point, or to inspire you to plan a class visit to a local courthouse in your area.
Canada’s Court System
Justice Education Society
Various locations, BC
Students and other community groups can choose from four in-person tours of courtrooms across British Columbia, as well as virtual education sessions for numerous other court locations—all offered by the Justice Education Society. In-person visits include an introduction to legal education, a court orientation, a chance to observe live court proceedings, and a debrief at the end. Some sessions also include a guest speaker. Be sure to check out the teaching resources provided by JES as well.
Law Courts
Winnipeg, MB
Free 45-minute tours of Winnipeg’s Law Courts Complex are available at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Students will get to visit several courtrooms and the Great Library, while learning about the general workings of each different level of court in Manitoba. Tours also include a review of the cases scheduled that day, so students can determine which court proceeding they’d like to observe once the tour ends. You can even request a speaking session with a judge from either of Manitoba’s trial courts, who will discuss their typical duties, as well as the role of the courts in Canada’s justice system. These speaking sessions include plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions, so make sure they come prepared!
Ontario Justice Education Network
Various locations, ON
Through OJEN’s Classroom Visit program, students have the opportunity to observe real court proceedings and interact with professionals in the justice sector, such as judges, attorneys, lawyers, etc. OJEN facilitates visits to over 70 courts across Ontario, and also provides over 200 digital resources for use in classrooms and justice education programs.
Supreme Court of Canada
Ottawa, ON
Free school tours of the Supreme Court of Canada are offered Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On this 45-minute tour, students will learn about the Canadian judicial system, the history of the Court, and some of the important legal issues it deals with. Tours may also include a short mock trial. Note that remote tours are available for classes who are unable to make it to the Court in-person, as are interactive quizzes and activities that can be found on the Supreme Court’s website.
United States Courts
Civics Learning Project
Various locations, OR
The Civics Learning Project offers four in-person courthouse tours across Oregon, as well as virtual tours and other video resources. For in-person tours, students will be given a brief orientation, then will see the law come alive as they watch real arraignments, hearings, and trials. Before going on the tour, be sure to take advantage of the background information and instructional materials that are provided. Additional classroom resources are available on the Civics Learning Project website (filter by “Courthouse Experience”). Note that self-guided tours are also offered at several of the courthouses.
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
Boston, MA
Facilitated through the organization Discovering Justice, these interactive field trips take students on guided tours of the Moakley Courthouse, a notable Boston landmark. Students will learn more about the ideals of justice and democracy by exploring key features of the building, including an actual courtroom. Field trips are customizable, and each include one additional educational opportunity, such as visiting with a judge, observing a court proceeding, etc. Free virtual tours are also available.
U.S. District Court, District of Maine
Various locations, ME
The District of Maine has two federal courthouses, located in Portland and Bangor. School trips are available for either location, and include an orientation to provide the students with an overview of the federal courts and the history of the District of Maine, along with the observance of a court proceeding and a meeting with court staff or a judge.
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Various locations, FL
Visit any of the Middle District of Florida’s five courthouses to help students learn more about the civil rights and responsibilities of citizens. Programs can be tailored to the needs of your classroom, and can include interactive historical exhibits, courtroom tours, a Q&A with a judge, and more! Additional resources are available on the District’s website, including sample discussion questions and sample mock trial scripts.
Here are some additional resources to inform, inspire, and educate your students about the United States Courts.
