New Hampshire Supreme Court Offers Educational Tours

CONCORD, NH—The New Hampshire Supreme Court is now offering educational tours to fourth-grade classes. Law clerks at the Court will provide a 45-minute interactive tour of the building and engage students in discussions on the history and role of the Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch in state government. Students will have an opportunity to see the Courtroom and learn how it functions, tour the John W. King Law Library and look at historic volumes, visit the David Souter conference room and meet with Justices of the Court on days when they are available.

“Understanding the rule of law and the court’s important role in interpreting the laws is an essential part of civic education,” noted Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald. “We are pleased to be offering fourth graders a chance to see firsthand where the Supreme Court hears oral arguments and to learn more about the Judicial Branch.”

The first class tours of the Supreme Court building were held on April 4 and included 70 students from New Boston Central School’s fourth grade classes. During the tours, students and their teachers met with Chief Justice MacDonald.

“Learning about state government is a huge part of the fourth-grade curriculum,” said Julie McNish, teacher from New Boston Central School. “Our students have learned about the responsibilities of each branch and how the three must work together. They were particularly glad today to learn more about how the Supreme Court hears and decides appeals.”

For more information about fourth-grade student tours and how to request a visit, see https://www.courts.nh.gov/students/supreme-court-tours