Learning about the Constitution and the Courts is an essential part of a student’s education, Pre-Law and Legal Studies Instructor Jessica Savage said, and that’s why she brought a class of juniors attending Miami Valley Career Technology Center to the Walter H. Rice Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 19.
The students had an opportunity to speak with attorneys and court professionals from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio about their careers, the law, and see firsthand how a courtroom operates.
“Civics education is super important. We are creating a new generation of citizens, and I think it’s important for them to know how our process works,” Savage said.
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio hosts numerous field trips during the school year, allowing local students to learn from various court units and explore potential career paths. Any teacher interested in setting up a field trip can contact Public Information Officer Parker Perry at Parker_Perry@ohsd.uscourts.gov.
The CTC students had the opportunity to spend time with United States District Judge Michael J. Newman, who spoke about the importance of the law and the significant responsibilities Judicial Officers have when determining whether to approve search warrants and how to sentence individuals convicted of crimes.
The students also heard from representatives from the Court’s Pretrial Services, Probation, the Clerk’s Office, and a representative from the U.S. Marshals Service. They were also able to watch a mock suppression hearing where real attorneys argued a case in front of the students.
Savage said she recommends that other teachers consider setting up a field trip with the Court.
“It’s so important because I can talk about these rules and policies in the classroom, but until they get to see the Court, they don’t really understand how our system works,” Savage said. “It’s really beneficial for them to actually see the process in action.
“The Southern District of Ohio was so great. They were so gracious and spent so much time with the students,” Savage said.
