Discovering Justice Field Trips
Courthouse
John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse Field Trips (1st-12th grade) with Discovering Justice
Discovering Justice’s field trip experiences get students up close with justice and the justice system. Our inquiry-based, Massachusetts History & Social Studies Framework aligned tours and field trip activities allow students to see the courthouse as a space that is open to them, where they can come to examine the justice system. Each trip will include a tour of the courthouse and there will be an opportunity to choose another interactive experience upon request.
We recommend scheduling your trip at least 4 weeks in advance. To book a trip, please complete this form and someone from our staff will contact you to confirm your visit.
For more information, email fieldtrips@discoveringjustice.org or reach Emily Dall’Orso, Courthouse Programs Manager, at 617-748-9643.
In-Person Trip Descriptions
In this 90-minute field trip, students will go on a scavenger hunt through the Moakley Courthouse. Then, they’ll move to a real courtroom to hear about the case of the broken bicycle. Taking on the role of lawyers, students will use evidence to craft arguments on who should pay for the damaged bicycle. Students will also listen to their peers as jury members deciding what justice looks like in this situation.
In this 90-minute field trip, students will go on a scavenger hunt through the Moakley Courthouse. Then, they’ll move to a real courtroom to hear about the case of Bingo the dog. Taking on the role of lawyers, students will use evidence to craft arguments for two families who both claim Bingo is their dog! Students will also listen to their peers as jury members deciding what justice looks like in this situation.
In this 90-minute field trip, students will go on a tour through the Moakley Courthouse. Then, they’ll move to a real courtroom to learn about the 6th amendment in an interactive courtroom activity. Students will be presented with three trial scenarios that were later appealed and explore why the original trial may or may not have been fair.
To be piloted this fall, students will be exploring their 4th amendment rights
After a tour of the courthouse and discussion of the values of the justice system its architecture represents, hear from someone who works in the Moakley Courthouse about how they got to where they are today, what advice they may have for their younger selves, and what a day in their life is like. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the guest speaker.
Get a chance to see the District Court in action! In addition to a brief tour and discussion of the justice system, students will observe live court proceedings. Students will either have a chance to debrief their observations with DJ staff, or teachers will be provided with a guide for debriefing court proceedings back in the classroom.
Please note that while Discovering Justice will do our best to ensure groups who select this option get the chance to observe live court, it cannot be guaranteed. The court schedule is published one week in advance and often subject to last minute changes . In the event that proceedings are not available, we will arrange for a judge or other legal professional to meet with your group.
What happens if you disagree with a decision made in the District Court? Listen to lawyers argue their case before a panel of three judges in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. This trip includes a tour.
Please note that the Court of Appeals typically sits one week of the month. Please see here for the latest on the Court of Appeals schedule.
Virtual Trip Descriptions
Bring the Moakley Courthouse to your school! Details coming soon.
