Trading Places: Visits to (and from) the Courthouse
The 16th Judicial Circuit hosts schools from around Kane County every academic year for tours of the Kane County Judicial Center. Ten school groups came for an insider's look at the Criminal Division at the 16th Judicial Circuit this year. Students are given the opportunity to watch courtroom proceedings (open to the public), including jury trials, status hearings and various petitions. A 16th Judicial Circuit Judge also meets with the students, where they are able to ask questions about careers in the legal field, as well as the day-to-day life of a judge.
Curious about what a typical tour looks like? A sample schedule is shown below:
9:00am - Arrival and security
9:15am - Tour of the jury lounge and building. Explanation of jury duty.
9:45am - Sit in on the Conditions and Detentions Courtroom
10:30am - Sit in on a Criminal Division Courtroom (trials, hearings, or other proceedings)
11:15am - Meet with a Judge (Q and A)
11:45am - Lunch
12:30pm - Law Library Overview
1:00pm - Kane County Jail Tour
1:30pm - Departure
In addition to school tours, the 16th Judicial Circuit Judges also visit local community schools, discussing the rule of law and legal careers in student's own classrooms. Recently, Chief Judge Robert Villa visited St. Charles East High School and spoke to several Government, Business Law, and American History classes in their Learning Resource Center. Chief Judge Villa discussed how the judiciary functions locally, as well as his path from law school to becoming a judge. It served as an enriching experience for teachers and students alike, as they discussed their most pressing questions on the courts system, and what they could do to become successful and productive citizens in the field of law. St. Charles East Business Law Teacher Adam Boyer explained, “Students really enjoyed having him (Chief Judge Villa) speak, and you can tell he enjoyed being here. I loved how he talked about the judicial branch and its inception and role."
Whether you visit the judges of the 16th Circuit during a school tour or they visit your classroom, the time is sure to be full of new experiences, education, and getting your questions answered. If you are a high school teacher who is interested in having a class learn about local government or legal careers, please contact Alana Policastro, Judicial Assistant, at PolicastroaAlana@16thCircuit.IllinoisCourts.gov