| Day in Court Tour Guide Orientation |
|
Welcome and Introduction
- Introduce tour guides
- Discuss schedule
- Talks by current tour guides, presiding judge and court administrator
- Discuss physical layout of courthouse
Courtroom Layout
- Review positions of bench/judge, clerk, court reporter, bailiff, jury box/jury, counsel table and gallery
- Discuss meanings of "bench", "stand", "bar", etc.
Outline of Civil Trial
- Civil vs. criminal, burden of proof
- Limited vs. unlimited jurisdiction
- Progress of a civil lawsuit
Review of Trials and Hearings
- Discuss general nature of cases: personal injury, eviction, asbestos, etc.
- Discuss Law & Motion, small claims, harassment calendar
- Discuss nature of court tours (groups of 8-10 students with chaperone)
- Calendars posted outside courtrooms, groups can visit multiple courtrooms
- What to look and listen for: basics of dispute, how attorneys present themselves, how judge rules on objections
- Tour guides scout out interesting cases and direct groups accordingly
Rules of Conduct
- Quiet and respectful
- No eating/gum chewing; do not leave building
- Follow chaperone's lead
- See tour guides with questions
- Role of bailiff in maintaining order
- Meet in Room 509 before 11:45 a.m.
Address by Presiding Judge
- Introduce Presiding Judge
- Duties of Presiding Judge, history of courthouse, purpose of court system
- Meaning of legal terms (presumption of innocence, burden of proof, etc.)
Address by Court Administrator
- Introduce court administrator
- Discuss non-judicial functions in the courthouse
Jury Commissioner Address
Visiting Courtrooms
- Groups initially assigned to different courtrooms to prevent overcrowding
- Tour guides available to answer questions, find interesting trials, direct groups to courtrooms, and help maintain order
Debriefing After Courtroom Visits
- Reconvene in Room 509
- Discuss specific trials
- Discuss plaintiffs, defendants, exhibits, evidence, objections, etc.
- Gather program feedback from students and teachers
|
|
