Students are Showing a Strong Interest in the Judiciary

Court Program is Gaining Attention from all Types of Schools and Organizations

PHOENIX (October 30, 2024) – An awe-inspiring number of students are signing up for Courthouse Experience but it’s not the students you might expect.

College undergraduates, homeschooled students and community outreach-sponsored groups increasingly want to learn more about the judiciary. Adding these types of students to the traditional base of public, private and charter school classes of middle and high school students is creating a robust Courthouse Experience program that is making a positive impact on the Maricopa County student community.

“Courthouse Experience has been a popular program for years, but this year feels a bit different. I’m seeing all types of student groups express interest,” said Vincent Funari, program coordinator. “One day I’m talking to a class of students from ASU Cronkite who want to learn how to write a story on a sentencing for the school newspaper and the next day I’m speaking to a teacher who wants her kids to observe court to prepare for a mock trial.”

The demand to participate in the program has been higher than ever. Since September, the Court has hosted 12 groups for tours and courtroom observation – a total of more than 200 students.

“My 14-year-old daughter had the opportunity to attend a Courthouse Experience and was fascinated by how court proceedings were held. She wants to be a lawyer and eventually become a judge and move into politics,” said Mayra Valles, a court employee who also serves as a volunteer tour guide. “Courthouse experience gave her access to ask questions to a serving judge and lawyers that were present. It was nice for her to receive advice from people who currently serve our courts. This experience validated the passion she has for our justice system and made her think what she needs to do to accomplish that goal.”

According to Funari, the program is thriving because of recent social media pushes and a newly crafted Courthouse Experience web page.

“I think the work of the content creators in our communication office has increased the program visibility and helped build our incredible volunteer base. But I also think much of the program’s success has been the ability to accommodate the changing needs of the community and tailor the tours to fit their desires,” Funari said.

Most recently, a group of athletes from Ottawa University, learning about the criminal justice system, visited the Court on two separate days – they took part in a conversation with Judge David Garbarino at the Northwest Regional Court and, on a different day, observed a trial at the Downtown Superior Court Complex before Judge Bruce Cohen.

“Our athletes found the conversation with Judge Garbarino very informative. The students got an inside look at the judiciary and learned different aspects of civil and criminal law that could affect them as student-athletes,” said William Hesse, Ph.D. assistant professor of sports leadership at Ottawa University.

The popularity of the program is most evident among the faculty at ASU’s journalism school. This Fall, four different teachers have brought their students for tours.

“The students have all said the court tour was the semester's best class, and I haven't seen them this excited since we started the course,” Faculty Associate James Teeple said.

The Courthouse Experience program connects the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County with students and shows them the important role the judiciary plays in the United States. Students gain a better understanding of how the justice system works and gives them a glimpse into their future roles as jurors. They are also exposed to a variety of careers within the Judicial Branch, including those in probation, juvenile detention, court support services and other professions.

“The program allows the Court to showcase the many talented judicial officers who sit on our Bench and the amazing legal professionals who volunteer their time to give students a world-class experience,” Funari said. “I’m so appreciative of the enthusiasm and support of the leaders who make this program possible.”

To learn more about the Courthouse Experience or to schedule a tour, please visit: https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/about/communications-office/courthouse-experience/