Education Outreach

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II, the Circuit Court judges and local bar associations host a year-round Community Heritage Month Courthouse Tour series celebrating Cook County’s racial and ethnic diversity while giving residents an inside look at the court system. Since the series began in 2001, thousands of Cook County residents have participated in the tours.

Participants learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the nation’s largest unified court systems. Tour highlights include observing court proceedings, hearing an informal presentation from a Circuit Court judge and meeting representatives from local bar associations.

Tours are open to participants ages 10 and older and are limited to 35 people per group. Reservations are recommended.

The Heritage Courthouse Tours include the following:

The Daley Center Jury Trial Tour features a visit to a Law Division courtroom to observe cases involving civil disputes such as personal injury claims, contract matters, and medical malpractice suits. An overview presentation of the judicial system and follow-up discussion are included.

Richard J. Daley Center
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602

• Offered by reservation only, weekday mornings when court is in session: 
  • Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Limited to persons age 10 (5^th grade) and older
• No more than 35 people per group (including teachers, chaperones and students)

Reservations are required. Because dates fill up quickly, schools and organizations are encouraged to book tours several weeks or months in advance of their preferred dates to ensure availability. 

The Criminal Court Tours features an overview of the judicial system, a visit to a Criminal Division courtroom to view a trial in progress, and a follow-up discussion. Either a criminal jury trial or criminal bench trial will be observed, depending on availability.

George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building
2600 South California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608

• Offered by reservation only, weekday mornings when court is in session: 
  • Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Limited to persons age 13 (^8th grade) and older
• No more than 35 people per group (including teachers, chaperones and students)

Reservations are required. Because dates fill up quickly, schools and organizations are encouraged to book tours several weeks or months in advance of their preferred dates to ensure availability.

The Chicago Coalition of Law-Related Education (CCLRE) Citywide Mock Trial Competition gives Chicago Public High School students a hands-on introduction to the court and legal system. Students work with a teacher and volunteer attorney coaches to prepare and present a fictitious court case. 

Over the spring semester, teams compete in three rounds at the Richard J. Daley Center, presenting their cases before Circuit Court of Cook County judges.

The competition is sponsored by the Circuit Court of Cook County, the law firm of Sidley Austin LLP, the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Board of Education.

Who can participate?

The competition is open to Chicago Public High School students in grades 9–12. Each school may register only one team composed of students enrolled at the school and supervised by a registered teacher.

How can my school register to participate?

Chicago Public High School principals are sent a registration packet in early November, including dates and instructions. Interested schools should contact the Court's Office of Education Outreach below.

What is the time commitment for coaches?

Attorney coaches typically serve for three to four months, depending on how far their team advances.

Preparation begins in January, with coaches generally meeting with students two to three times per week. Preliminary competition rounds typically begin in March, with the final competition scheduled later in the spring semester.

Can I volunteer?

Attorneys may volunteer as team coaches, or, if their schedules do not allow the time commitment required for coaching, as evaluators during the first two rounds of competition. Only attorneys can be coaches. Interested attorneys should contact the Court's Office of Education Outreach below.

Can schools outside Chicago Public Schools participate?

This competition is limited to Chicago Public High Schools. Other Illinois schools may participate in the Illinois State Bar Association's statewide Mock Trial Competition. For more information, contact the ISBA at (217) 525-1760.