Students interact with exhibits at the new learning center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The federal courts in Minnesota are preparing today’s students to be the leaders of tomorrow through a new courthouse learning center in St. Paul. The Justice and Democracy Center of Minnesota is one of a growing number of civics education centers, museums, and exhibits in federal court buildings across the country.
“The Justice and Democracy Center will help young people to understand ... why our democracy depends on judges being independent from the political branches,” said Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, of the District of Minnesota, during a grand opening ceremony earlier this year.
Students learn about the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia at the judicial learning center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
At the new learning center, students and adults alike can learn about the important role the Judiciary plays in daily life. Educational materials at the facilities include information and activities about the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court cases, federal court basics, jury service, and careers in the U.S. justice system. The center is staffed by employees of the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
“For many years, our judges have reached out to students and the community, but we have not had a place for visitors to learn about democracy and the rule of law,” said U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim, who spearheaded the multi-year effort. “The Center provides a unique interactive experience and at the same time, the chance to observe a court session and talk with a judge.”
The project was brought to life in partnership with the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association, along with countless federal court staff and community members.
The court hopes to attract 5,000 visitors per year to the learning center, which is located in the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. Planning is underway for an additional learning center in Minneapolis.
Students can observe a hearing and talk with a judge while at the learning center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The St. Paul center is open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on scheduling a guided tour or class field trip, contact JDC@mnd.uscourts.gov.
A learning center is also expected to open officially in Boston at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in 2025.
Learning centers and educational exhibits across the country include:
California
- Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Library and Learning Center, Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento
- The Learning Center of the Southern District of California, James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse in San Diego
Indiana
- Federal Court Learning Center, Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis
Illinois
- Court History Museum, Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago
Missouri
- The Judicial Learning Center, Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis
- Judicial Education and History Center, Rush H. Limbaugh, Sr., U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau
New York
- Justice for All: Courts and the Community Learning Center, Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in New York City
Oklahoma
- Federal Judicial Learning Center & Museum, U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse in Oklahoma City
To find educational court programs at the nearest federal courthouse, contact the federal courts’ national educational outreach manager, Rebecca Fanning. Visit the educational resources section for additional programs and activities.
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