The Court is committed to building public trust and confidence in the judiciary by helping students and community members better understand how the federal courts work and why they matter. Through our Civics Initiative, we bring civics education to life by creating opportunities to explore the judicial process, meet the people who serve in the courts, and experience the history and work of the federal judiciary firsthand.

Whether visiting the courthouse, observing a courtroom proceeding, or talking with a judge or court professional, students have the opportunity to move beyond the textbook and experience the federal judiciary firsthand.

The Court welcomes schools and student groups for educational visits that provide a firsthand look at the federal judicial system. Students can tour the courthouse, observe courtroom proceedings, learn about the work of judges and court staff, and ask questions about the role of the federal courts. Tours of the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit are scheduled regularly January through May.

Visits can also include an opportunity to explore the Court Historical Society Museum, the first museum of its kind in the country, dedicated to the history of the Eastern District of Michigan. Through photographs, artifacts, exhibits, and stories, students can discover how the Court has evolved and learn about the people and events that have shaped its history.

Our goal is to make every visit an engaging learning experience—one that connects what students learn in the classroom to the people, places, and processes that make our justice system work.