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  • High School Half Day Civic Excursions
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Courthouse

High School Civic Excursions at the Moakley Courthouse

Federal Judge Landya B. McCafferty leads Nelson Fellows in a hands-on lesson during the Mock Sentencing: You Be the Judge program in the Breyer Learning Center.

In partnership with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Discovering Justice is now offering Half-Day Civic Excursions for high school students.

What is it? Once a month, high school groups can spend a morning at the John J. Moakley U.S. Courthouse to experience the justice system live. Each 3-hour program includes:
  • An inquiry-based, Massachusetts History & Social Science Framework-aligned courthouse tour
  • One interactive, hands-on learning activity of your choice.

We recommend scheduling at least 4 weeks in advance.

  • High school groups (Grades 9–12)
  • Maximum of 35 students per visit
  • Offered once a month, October–June
    • October 22nd
    • November 19th
    • December 17th
    • January 21st
    • February 11th
    • March 18th
    • April 15th
    • May 20th
    • June 17th
  • Runs from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (optional 30-minute lunch can be added)

Book your visit here

Program Options

Do Students Have Constitutional Rights In Schools?

In this 3 hour, highly interactive, standards-aligned offering, high school students will engage deeply with the first and fourth amendments.

After a tour of the Moakley Courthouse emphasizing the values of the justice system, students will visit the Breyer Learning Center for a review of the federal judiciary and the Bill of Rights, with particular focus on the first and fourth amendments. Students will practice applying the first and fourth amendments to real world scenarios in an engaging activity. Before heading to the courtroom, students will learn precedent from two Supreme Court cases dealing with student constitutional rights in the classroom, Tinker vs. Des Moines and New Jersey v. TLO. Then, after entering a Court of Appeals courtroom, students will work with a federal judge and their law clerks to prepare for their oral arguments in the case of Alyssa vs. Le Blanc High School. During the oral arguments, students will take the role of petitioner, respondent, or judge.

The case involves real world issues facing students today:

  • Can a school require its students to use clear backpacks?
  • When is protest protected speech for students?

In this 3-hour, highly interactive, standards-aligned program, high school students will engage deeply with the jury system and the constitutional right to a fair trial.

After a tour of the Moakley Courthouse highlighting the role of justice in our democracy, students step into the shoes of prospective jurors and take part in a civil case simulation. Guided by a federal judge, courtroom deputy, and clerks, students experience the full jury empanelment process, from voir dire questioning to challenges for cause and peremptory strikes. Along the way, they learn about the Batson challenge and explore how bias and fairness shape the jury system.

By the end of the program, students gain a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of jury service and the critical role citizens play in upholding justice in our democracy.

In this 3-hour, highly interactive, standards-aligned program, high school students will explore how sentencing decisions are made in federal court—and what it truly means to deliver justice. The experience begins with a courthouse tour that highlights the values of the federal justice system, followed by a lesson led by a sitting federal judge on the structure of the judiciary and the principles that guide criminal sentencing. Students then step into the courtroom themselves, participating in a mock sentencing simulation where they take on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges, applying federal sentencing guidelines to a fictional case. The program concludes with the observation of a real sentencing hearing, offering students a powerful opportunity to witness the human impact of legal decisions in action.

Throughout the day, students wrestle with essential questions: 

  • How should judges balance fairness, public safety, and individual circumstances? 
  • How can the law reflect both accountability and compassion?

By engaging directly with these questions, students gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution, the federal courts, and the complex decisions that shape lives and communities.

Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.