court homework

 Visit Court.  Sit through a trial or a portion of a trial or hearing on a motion in progress, and report on the matters heard in a paper (two (2) to three (3) pages double-spaced typed).  There is no required subject matter for the case.  It can be a civil matter in small claims or superior court, a traffic court matter, or a criminal court matter at any level (i.e. misdemeanor or felony).

            Your observations should include the following:

            1)         the subject matter of the hearing/trial (i.e. dispute or matter before the court) and the parties as you can best determine.

            2)         any arguments being made by the plaintiff and defendant.

            3)         any testimony given or information requested by the judge during the hearing or trial.

            4)         the judge's decision on and resolution of the matter, if any.

            5)         your opinions on and impressions of the process.

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Los Angeles Consolidated Superior Court (Civil and Criminal)

300 E. Walnut Street

Pasadena,CA

            Ask the court clerk on the first floor if any of the courts are in trial.  Courts generally take their first matters at 8:30 am.  Trials may begin at any time the court chooses.

Los Angeles Consolidated Superior Court (Civil -- Central District)

111 N. Hill Street

Los Angeles,CA 90012

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Central District)

210 W. Temple Street

Los Angeles,CA 90012

            You might have to look into a few courtrooms to see whether the court is in session.  If you see people gathered near a courtroom entrance, it’s a sign that a hearing may be scheduled