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Education
  • Current Tour Schedule
  • How Do I Schedule a Tour?
  • Types of Tours & Programs
  • What is the Cost?
  • General Information
  • What Will I See?
  • Watching Oral Arguments LIVE!
  • ADA Accomodations
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  • Mock OA Cases
  • Educational Tours
  • Making My Vote Count! Program
  • Become A Tour Volunteer
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    Students during Mock Oral Argument
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    THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
    EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & TOURS

    The Florida Supreme Court offers educational programs to student groups from the 4th grade through 12th grade and to citizen groups of all ages. The Mock Oral Argument and the Educational Tour are both exciting experiences. Each depends on the size of the group and the amount of time that can be spent at the courthouse.

    The MAKING MY VOTE COUNT! Program is a new program that includes visits to the Legislative AND Executive Branches. This is a three-site visit that threads the civics topic: ELECTIONS throughout each location. READ MORE ON OUR MAKING MY VOTE COUNT WEBPAGE.

    The JOURNEY THROUGH JUSTICE Program is a new program added to compliment the work of the local trial court's program Classroom to Courtroom.

    Vistors college age and older can also take advantage of our Educational Tour experience.

    Schedule a visit to the Florida Supreme Court.

    What types of tours are given?

    • Mock Oral Arguments - The Mock Oral Argument (Mock OA) has long been a favorite activity of student groups visiting the Florida Supreme Court. This tour is normally led by a staff attorney or knowledgeable volunteer. Students act out an oral argument by using a hypothetical case.  This is normally 90 minutes in length with the first 20 – 30 minutes used to provide a detailed lesson on the judicial branch, Florida’s court system, the differences between trial and appellate courts and discussing the role of the justices and how they are appointed and retained.

    • Educational Tours - The Educational Tour teaches groups about the judicial branch, Florida’s court system, differences between trial and appellate courts and discussing the role of the justices and how they are appointed and retained. History about the Florida Supreme Court is discussed and groups are allowed a picture-taking opportunity on the bench. Depending on the size of the group, the tour can also include the Library and the Lawyer’s Lounge.  These tours vary depending on the age and size of the group but normally last about 40 - 45 minutes.

    • Making My Vote Count! Civics Program - The Making My Vote Count! program is a joint educational program explores the importance and individual responsibility of voting in Florida. This innovative new civics program, designed for seventh grade classes, will familiarize students with the election process of today and encourage them to become involved, engaged citizens. Students will participate in activities at all three locations; exploring the history of elections in Florida and the importance of exercising their voting rights.

    • Journey Through Justice Program - The Journey Through Justice Program compliments the Classroom to Courtroom Program offered at the Leon County Courthouse. Students experience both a mock trial and a mock oral argument to gain a thorough understanding of the difference between a trail court and an appellate court.

    • Self-Guided Tour - The Court receives many drop-in visitors who are unable to participate in a scheduled tour. The Court building is open Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Groups that will have more than ten (10) people should schedule a tour with through the Public Information Office at 850-921-9446. Information about the court is available in the Rotunda.

    • Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to participate in the tour should contact The Marshal's Office by phone at 850.488.8845 at least five (5) days prior to the tour date. Persons using a TDD or TYY may contact Odis Henry through the Florida Relay Service, 711.

    What will I see on the tour?

    Tours can include the upper and lower rotunda areas, the courtroom, Library and its Rare Book room, portrait gallery and lawyer's lounge.  What tour groups will see depends on the size of the group, the of the visitors and the length of time .

    Can I watch an Oral Argument?

    Oral Arguments are held once a month.  The public is welcome to watch an oral argument. Please check the OA schedule for dates and times. Additionally, please review the OA Summaries for more details about each case. Some cases may not be appropriate for young audiences.