Angell Students Visit Royal Oak's 44th District Court

Angell Students Visit Royal Oak's 44th District Court

On January 11, 2023, Angell 5th graders from Gale Tosto's class visited the 44th District Court as part of Judge Derek Meinecke’s “Justice 101” program. This program was designed to help students understand the judicial system, to see what court looks like and how it functions. Prior to the students visiting the court, Judge Meinecke stopped by Mrs. Tosto’s classroom to prepare them for what they would encounter. Each child was then assigned a word to study and memorize that they would recite in court. 

On the day of the field trip, students toured parts of the courthouse and observed an open court session from the jury box. Students saw a variety of cases such as drunk driving, shoplifting/retail fraud and assault. Judge Meinecke shared with the students that all citizens are good people and good people can make bad choices. After court, students joined Judge Meinecke in his chambers for a tour and to ask questions. Students also toured the new Royal Oak police department facility. Mrs. Tosto shared, “This trip is truly a favorite for me - it's so perfect as we ready these young minds for middle school.”