Field Trip: San Mateo County Superior Court

Where: San Mateo County Superior Court (400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063)

When : All year, with appointment

Who   : High school. Small group, ~10 people including parents and students

Cost   : Free

Note: Allow extra time to find parking (street or nearby garages), as well as time to pass security screening.

The San Mateo County Court's proceedings are generally open to the public, with some exceptions such as juvenile court, conservator ship. They also offer an educational outreach program, which is what we reserved - this would consist of an observation period, plus a meet and greet with a judge. They requested a small group size, which allowed us to observe proceedings without causing disruption. asked

(Note: Photos and recording are not allowed within the courthouse hence this write-up is text-only). 

We arrived at the San Mateo County Superior Court around 8:30am, after having found street parking. We had been advised to allocate extra time for security screening - indeed, there was a line of people outside the entrance. However, the screening went smoothly and we met our coordinator.

The coordinator led us to one of the courtrooms where we were instructed to enter quietly and sit in the observation area without interacting with anyone else. The court was already in session, with a judge in the center, lawyers in the front row, and a side door through which plaintiffs were led in. It took some figuring out what was going on in each case, and many cases were deferred. However, the solemnity of the situation was impressed on us - some of the plaintiffs led in wore orange or red jumpsuits, and security was high. We also observed courtroom recorders and interpreters.

After an hour, we were led to another courtroom which had a different seating arrangement - jury instead of judge, but was currently unused. There, we spoke with a judge and had the opportunity to ask questions. Some questions from our group:

Q: Do you get therapy for the distressing cases you hear?

A: Not for most judges, there is no mandate. 

Q:What are some major changes you have seen over the years?

A: We see more cases of mental distress now. 

After the meet and greet with the judge, we thanked the judge and coordinator for their time. This field trip was a worthwhile peek into the judicial system, and strengthened our civic understanding.

Psalm 106:3  Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!