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. At each of our court locations, students are welcome to participate in a mock trial, observe court proceedings, take a tour, witness a naturalization ceremony, or visit with a Judge and/or a representative of the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Defenders, U.S. Attorney's Office and other federal agencies.
Mock Trials
The 90-minute simulation of a criminal case (arraignment, jury selection, witness testimony, evidence presentation, and sentencing) provide students with the opportunity to actively participate as attorneys, jurors, and witnesses. After this program, students are afforded the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with a Federal Judge.
Candid Conversations
The centerpiece of this program is a candid conversation with a Federal Judge and volunteer attorneys about Constitutional issues raised by young people. The preparatory classroom activity sets the stage for meaningful discussion by helping students identify and articulate Constitutional questions that matter to them.
Court Proceedings/Court Tours
Students are welcome to sit in the courtroom gallery and observe court proceedings that are taking place on the day of their visit. As they tour the courtrooms, students are afforded the opportunity for hands-on experience with courtroom technologies and may learn about careers within the judiciary as they interact with court staff, such as court reporters, courtroom deputies and law clerks, as well as representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and the United States Attorney's Office.
"Thank you very much for the educational program you assembled for my four classes. They learned a ton about the federal court system that learning from our AP Text, various videos, and my direct instruction cannot fully convey. I personally was particularly intrigued by the US Marshal and his bomb dog, and well as the Assistant US Attorney. What a treat!"
To schedule a visit to any of our three court locations (Spokane, Yakima or Richland), complete the OUTREACH REQUEST FORM and submit to waed_outreach@waed.uscourts.gov