Court Tours
The best way to learn more about the court system is to come out and visit a court. It is even possible to visit a court while a trial is in session. With 66 courts throughout the state, a field trip is within easy driving distance, and tours can be tailored to meet the needs of your grade level (k-12 all welcome!). If you are a teacher interested in bringing a classroom to any one of our courts--district, probate, superior, or the Supreme Court, please contact the Judicial Branch Communications Director, Laura Kiernan at (603) 271-2646 x359.
A trip to court can teach students :
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what a courtroom looks like
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how the trial process works
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what a jury does
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who works at the court in addition to the judges
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what each person's duty is at the courthouse
Tours of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court offers tours of its building which include a visit to the court room, the law library and the conference room when not in use.
While in the
courtroom the students will participate in an activity aimed at helping them
understand how the appellate court works. Students
are given an overview of the functions of the Judicial Branch and its importance
in State Government.
Typically the tours are geared toward 4th graders but with advance notice these tours can be tailored for any age. Due to space restrictions, group size is limited to 35. Although very unusual, conflicts in the court schedule do arise and trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled. Notification will be made as soon as possible to avoid undue inconvenience.
Because many groups enjoy combining their tour with a visit to the State House and other state attractions based in Concord, the State House Visitors Center coordinates tours for both the State House and the Supreme Court. Scheduling a tour can be done by contacting Virginia Drew at the State House Visitor’s Center (603- 271-2154) or by emailing them at mailto:Virginia.drew@leg.state.nh.us.
In addition to the Supreme Court, you are welcome to visit any of New Hampshire's courts. Schedules of cases to be heard and the times that the court will be in session are available from the clerk’s office of each court.
