On Nov 13, the criminal justice classes went to the Regional Justice Center to observe a live courtroom calendar and witness what they learned in the classroom. 

 Before entering the courtroom, the students received an inspirational talk from -District Attorney Christopher J. Lalli, who has been an attorney for over 30 years and is a Bishop Gorman alumni. He also shared his journey to becoming a lawyer and how being an attorney is truly rewarding. 

For many years, Mr. Nixon’s criminal justice class have visited the Regional Justice Center to witness firsthand what they have been learning in the classroom so-they are able to get to see how a courtroom is run. The first courtroom they went in was on the subject of domestic violence.

“My first impression going into the courtroom was how structured everything was, as every little thing or person served a purpose in the courtroom,” said Robert Engel ‘25.  The domestic violence court falls under the judicial district courts and Amy Wilson was the judge presiding over the court. 

The students’ final stop was district court, which focuses on civil and criminal cases. The judge that was presiding over the court was Mary Holthus, who is widely known for being attacked by a criminal defendant. “The most memorable moment of the field trip for me was meeting the judge that went famous for being jumped by a suspect on trial,” explained Aubrey Skenandore ‘26. After court was over  Judge Holthus came by to talk to the students and got emotional when talking about her incredible journey in the district attorney’s office after working there for 27 years. 

The field trip to the courthouse was a huge success, students were introduced to what actually happens in a courtroom and how everyone in the courtroom serves a purpose. Next semester they will be visiting the jails to get a better understanding of the criminal justice system.