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Discovering Justice Field Trips

OUR PROGRAMS
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.

 

Book a Field Trip

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.


Looking for an engaging, in-person civic learning opportunity? Register your high school class for a half-day excursion at the Moakley Courthouse.

Click here to find out more.

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.