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1. How do I prepare for a courtroom visit?

The following material is reproduced from the pamphlet Courtroom Visits-A Guide for Teachers and Court Officials, produced by the State Bar of Michigan:

• Committee on Your Legal Education
• The State Bar of Michigan

This brochure contains suggestions for those organizing educational courtroom visits for students-an activity that often brings young people a better understanding of the role of courts in our society. Teachers, judges, and court clerks in particular will find these suggestions helpful in arranging and conducting these important educational experiences for maximum effectiveness.

2. What should I do before I visit?

Learn more information on our Before You Visit page.

3. What should visitors expect?

• Visitors deserve to be openly and courteously welcomed to their court. A designated representative of the court should meet them to provide the assistance needed to make the visit meaningful and educational. The office of the court clerk usually handles this assignment.
• Visitors may expect background information on the court they are visiting. This usually consists of a verbal presentation or printed materials such as a brochure describing the court plus a list of cases scheduled. The simpler the language of these materials, the greater the educational impact. "Legalese" won't do the job.
• Visitors expect to be able to observe and hear the proceedings.