The Courthouse Experience Program provides students in grades 5-12 with an authentic opportunity to learn about the justice system by observing real cases and court procedures. Each year, nearly 6,000 students watch the law come alive on these enriching and valuable visits to the Multnomah County Courthouse and the Justice Center, led by committed volunteers who range from law students to retirees, paralegals and lawyers.
Groups visit three buildings during the tour. It begins in the Gus Solomon Federal Courthouse, 620 SW Main Street in Portland for a brief orientation. Next, you will walk three blocks to the Justice Center to observe arraignments and community court. Then, your tour will go to the Multnomah County Courthouse where you will observe trials and other court procedures.
Click here to download Classroom Law Project’s Court Tour Guide. It includes detailed information about: tour logistics; courthouse behavior; the justice system; the Gus Solomon Courthouse, Justice Center, and Multnomah County Courthouse; fun facts; court-related lesson plans; and more!
Thanks so much for once again giving our students a real taste of the criminal justice system. The students particularly enjoyed the opportunity to converse with judges, who were very generous with their time. These sessions are always so eye-opening, and yesterday’s [tour] was especially well-organized. Thanks so much to [our guides] and all the folks at CLP who made our day so fruitful. –Paul Hogan, Academic Vice Principal, Jesuit High School
Hurry, tours fill-up quickly…
2009/10 Court Tour Dates
Number in parens is available capacity
March 2010
9 (50), 18 (25), 23 (25), 24 (50), 25 (50)