The Dade County Courthouse Visit (Civil Court) is geared for school-aged children (all grades). The two-hour visit includes an overview of Florida’s State Courts System offered by one of our judges or staff members, a Q&A session with a judge, a mock trial based on a fairy tale story (for younger students), or a typical case, where the children play the roles of judge, attorney, witness, juror, etc., and a visit to a courtroom to observe a live legal proceeding, as time and availability permit. The program is customized for college students, adults and foreign dignitaries based on their interests. Participants get an in-depth dissection of the State Courts System and how the Eleventh Judicial Circuit – the largest in Florida – serves the Miami-Dade County community. Specialized court visits are designed to address a particular area of interest within the state court system. These visits are tailored to foster and enhance the understanding of the state courts system via the cooperation and collaboration of the Judiciary, Court Administration and Clerk of Courts. Depending on the special interest of the visitors these visits may include the collaboration of our justice partners, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Department of Corrections, Sherriff’s Office, City of Miami Police, University faculty, the media, an array of state and county agencies and Bar Associations.
The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building Visit (Criminal Court) is designed for older children, such as those in 7th through 12th grades, but is adaptable to college students, adults and foreign dignitaries as well. The two-hour visit includes an overview of Florida’s State Courts System offered by one of our judges or staff members, a Q&A session with a judge, and the opportunity to observe arraignments, trials and/or Drug Court proceedings, as time and availability permit.
The Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center Visit (Domestic Violence and Family Court) is suitable for older children, such as those in 7th through 12th grades, as well as for college students, adults and foreign dignitaries. The two-hour visit includes an overview of Florida’s State Courts System offered by one of our judges or staff members, a Q&A session with a judge, a walk-through of the Domestic Violence Intake Unit, Family Care and Family Operations areas, and a visit to a courtroom to observe Family and/or Domestic Violence Court in session, as time and availability permit. The program can be customized for college students, adults and foreign dignitaries based on their interests.
The Miami-Dade Children's Courthouse Visit is appropriate for older children, such as those in 7th through 12th grades, as well as for college students, adults and foreign dignitaries. The two-hour visit includes an overview of Florida’s State Courts System offered by a judge or staff member, a Q&A session with a judge, and a visit to a courtroom to observe a live proceeding, as time and availability permit. All programs can be adapted to the interests of the group. Branch court visits may be arranged upon special request.