History - The Connecticut Court Visitation Program is sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association, Connecticut Judicial Branch, Connecticut Consortium for Law and Citizenship Education, Connecticut Judges Association, and the Connecticut Department of Education.

For 19 years, the Connecticut Court Visitation Program has provided attorney-guided tours of the state’s courts for students in grades seven through twelve. During that time, more than 57,000 students have participated in the program.

Purpose - The goal of the Court Visitation Program is to acquaint students and community members with some of the basic steps used in both civil and criminal court processes, as well as, special legal vocabulary. Tours usually include the opportunity to observe an arraignment, visit the lockup and attend a trial if one is in session. In addition, judges, prosecutors, bail commissioners, clerks and other court personnel may take time out of their day to address tour groups. Attorney guides will accompany tour groups throughout the visit answering any questions members of the group may have.

Community groups are now invited and encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at our court system in action.

To schedule a visit, please contact the Connecticut Bar Association at least three weeks prior to the earliest date that you would like to schedule a court visit or attorney presentation.