Transforming court spaces into engaging and interactive learning centers

By Jennifer Bundy, Doug Stein, and Tricia Knox 

A growing number of state courts are transforming spaces into unique and innovative judicial learning centers (JLCs), which provide experiential learning for students and adults. Interactive learning centers are typically located within state supreme court buildings in capital cities, allowing them to leverage high-visitor traffic from student groups, educators, and the public who visit their state’s legislature or capitol complex. By leveraging technology and multimedia, JLCs use experiential learning through digital interactive games to help visitors understand new and often complex legal concepts. 

To inspire the next generation, several states offer “Hear from a Judge” kiosks where visitors can listen to judges share personal stories about their lives, answer questions about what it is like to be a judge, and discuss what they would be doing if they were not judges. This innovative approach to teaching and learning transforms civics education into a fun, engaging experience that is accessible, memorable, and inspiring, especially for younger audiences. 

Out-of-school learning experiences such as courthouse tours, mock trials, and mock oral arguments are longstanding outreach opportunities courts use to complement classroom education. JLCs enhance the courthouse or capitol tour experience by providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the role of the judiciary in society and its impact on everyday life, helping fulfill the judiciary’s role in public education and encouraging greater trust in the court system. 

Despite their differences in size and resources, Ohio and West Virginia have successfully established JLCs within the resources of their court. Ohio’s JLC opened in 2005, while West Virginia’s opened in 2023. Creating a JLC requires thoughtful consideration of the available space. Funding can be a significant challenge, but strategic planning and resourcefulness can make a difference. Whether through state funding, grants, or partnerships, funding must ensure long-term sustainability. The success of a judicial learning center often depends on the quality and variety of its exhibits. Interactive displays, digital resources, and hands-on activities help bring legal concepts to life. Ohio and West Virginia demonstrate successful learning center projects despite differing budgets, funding, and space constraints.  

To overcome space constraints, courts can repurpose underutilized areas such as libraries, hallways, rotundas, conference rooms, or office spaces. Additionally, courts should consider the functionality of the space, ensuring that it is inviting and strategically placed for maximum visibility and access, ideally on the first floor if possible. Getting started can be challenging, but maintaining a program is often the most difficult aspect. 

Why JCLs now? According to the National Assessment of Educational Programs, the average civics score for eighth graders in 2022 remained below the proficient level. In this context, JLCs play a crucial role in bridging the gaps in civic knowledge prevalent today. Importantly, they can help increase public trust and confidence in the judiciary by making the law and legal concepts more relatable and understandable. 

Learn more about judicial learning centers in Trends in State Courts 2025. Comment below and tell us what you are seeing in your courts or state.