Request a Virtual Visit
Complete the VIRTUAL VISIT REQUEST FORM to schedule a facilitaor for the mock trial simulation, or for the opportunity to (virtually) meet a Judge. There is also opportunity to meet representatives of other government agencies related to the Judiciary: U.S. Marshal, U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Defenders, and U.S. Probation and Pretial Services among them.
Submit completed form to Jennifer Harris at Jennifer_Harris@waed.uscourts.gov.
The Ninth Circuit hosts an annual essay and video contest open to high school students in the Western United States and Pacific Islands. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington hosts a local component to this Circuit-wide contest whereby students residing in one of the following counties may submit their essay and/or video for local judging: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima. The top three finishers in the essay and video competitions at the district level will go on to compete in the Ninth Circuit contest. Local winners will receive $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. For more information about this district contest, please contact Jennifer Harris at (509) 458-3419, or by email at civicscontest@waed.uscourts.gov.
Contest rules, entry instructions and other information can be found at www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!
*This contest is open to high school and middle school students residing in the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima. Students in middle school and high school attending public, private, parochial and charter schools, and homeschooled students of equivalent grade status are invited to participate.
Bill of Rights Photo Release
For more information about this contest, please contact: Jennifer Harris at (509) 458-3419, or by email at civicscontest@waed.uscourts.gov.
U.S. District Court Outreach Program for Middle School and High School Students
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington offers a variety of educational outreach programs for students at each of our three court locations.
The Outreach Program was developed to heighten students’ understanding of the federal courts, individual rights, jury service and to acquaint them with future career opportunities in the federal courts.
In Spokane, the standard program lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a simulation of a criminal case (arraignment, jury selection, witness testimony, evidence presentation, and sentencing). Students actively participate in the simulation as attorneys, jurors, and witnesses. After this program, they are afforded the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with a Federal Judge.
In our Yakima and Richland facilities, court staff conduct a program about the court system that also includes jury service. Students meet a Federal Judge or U.S. Magistrate Judge and representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington, the United States Attorney’s Office and other agencies. As they tour the courtrooms, students are afforded the opportunity for hands-on experience with courtroom technologies. Students will learn about careers with the courts as they interact with court staff, such as court reporters and courtroom deputies.
At each of our court locations, students are welcome to sit in the courtroom galleries and observe court proceedings that are taking place on the day of their visit.
Teachers are invited to schedule a visit in any of our three court locations: Spokane, Yakima or Richland.
Contact the Clerk’s Office to schedule a program that can be customized to fit your curriculum.
Spokane: Jennifer Harris, 509-458-3419, Jennifer_Harris@waed.uscourts.gov Yakima: Pam Howard, 509-573-6606, Pam_Howard@waed.uscourts.gov Richland: Jennifer Harris, 509-458-3419, Jennifer_Harris@waed.uscourts.gov
Head to the Educational Resources page for additional resources.https://waeduscourts.box.com/v/BlueVideo-WAED