High school students from across the Commonwealth visited the Supreme Judicial Court on Student Government Day, Friday, April 4, to learn about the role of the judiciary, the work of the appellate courts, and the importance of a rule of law in a constitutional democracy. Designated as “Justices” or “Clerks” for the day, the nine students and their school advisors spent several hours at the John Adams Courthouse after an introduction to Student Government Day at the State House.

            Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall said, “I am delighted that these young people are visiting the Supreme Judicial Court as part of Student Government Day. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about John Adams’s influence on the establishment of our three branches of government and his authorship of the Massachusetts Constitution, the oldest written constitution in the world.” 

            A highlight of the students’ day was a meeting with Supreme Judicial Court Justice Roderick L. Ireland, who explained the role of the appellate courts and described his own experiences and career path. Clerk for the Commonwealth Susan Mellen and Clerk for Suffolk County Maura Doyle also met with the students to discuss the work of their respective offices.

            The group toured the historic John Adams Courthouse with a Discovering Justice docent. Following the tour, they enjoyed an informal lunch and meeting with Supreme Judicial Court law clerks. The group also viewed the 2007 WGBH –TV documentary, “The Opinion Makers,” a behind-the-scenes view of the Supreme Judicial Court.

            Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Student Government Day was established in 1947 and gives young people an opportunity to learn about state government through meetings with state officials and observation of governmental proceedings.

            Student Government Day is one of the many law related activities that take place each year at the John Adams Courthouse. Legal education programs, courthouse tours, mock trials, symposiums, and other such events are scheduled on days and evenings. Approximately 8,400 students, teachers, lawyers, law professors, judges, and community groups from many countries visited the John Adams Courthouse last year.

Student Delegates

Justin Zolot (Chief Justice)
Austin Prepatory School, Reading

Misty Bove (Justice)
Baypath Regional Vocational Tech High School, Charlton

Ellen Carroll (Justice)
Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth

Jacqueline Kramlinger (Justice)
Bedford High School

Christopher Moran (Justice)
Bartlett Junior/Senior High School, Webster

Travis Pommenville (Justice)
Ayer High School

Alex Renner (Justice)
Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro

Jennifer Bui (Clerk for the Commonwealth)
Burncoat Senior High School, Worcester

Brittany Pereira (Clerk for Suffolk County)
Bridgewater Raynham Regional High School