Visiting Court

In order for your group to visit the District Court, the following policy must be observed:

  • Group size is limited to no more than thirty-six.
  • Groups may not appear unsupervised without teacher, instructor or parent.
  • All groups must pass through metal detection screening. Cellular phones and all other electronic recording devices are prohibited.
  • When entering/exiting the courthouse or courtroom, please do so in a quiet, orderly fashion. No talking is allowed in the courtrooms and no food or drink is permitted.
  • Observation of court proceedings, open to the public are in courtrooms Number 1 through Number 3
  • Court sessions generally begin at 9 a.m.
  • Groups are requested to be in place at 9 a.m. The teacher/instructor or parent must report to the front counter. The group should assemble inside the building in the main lobby. The group will be directed to the courtroom(s) in session for observation.
  • The group is asked to sit in the first row of the courtroom unless otherwise directed by court personnel.
  • The District Judges or Magistrate may or may not be able to talk to your group. They have a schedule to follow and will try to meet your needs if possible.
  • No tours are given of the courthouse for security purposes.
  • Please keep in mind these limitations will assist with the security of the courthouse and the security of the visitors.
  • Every attempt will be made to try to match what action is scheduled to what the group has a particular interest in. However, what is scheduled sometimes is changed without prior notice.

Visiting the Court Room

Complete our online Courtroom Visit Scheduling Form.

Expectations

Positive educational results tend to occur in court visits when certain expectations are recognized and met. Court officials expect teachers to accompany students, especially when an entire class is involved in the visit.

A Success Tip

Students should be required to prepare a summary of the visit with: a report, summary of activities, a newspaper article, or simple notes. This should be encouraged to insure close attention to the proceedings.

Dress & Demeanor 

Dress and demeanor should be appropriate to the decorum of the courtroom. School "colors" are not recommended and quiet is vital. The judge is always addressed as "Your Honor" and the audience stands when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom. This respect is accorded the court-not necessarily to any individual judge-but to the entire system.

During Breaks

In large courts, such as the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court for Wayne County, many cases are proceeding concurrently and if a delay or recess should occur, visitors are free to move to another courtroom. This leave-taking, however, should be done only during a break in testimony or a recess.