Most young people only encounter a judge if they get in trouble. I believe that speaking in schools allows a judge to bring issues of law and government structure to life and to interact with a broad range of students. I frequently speak in middle and high schools on topics of government, courts, the law and legal careers. Students are always responsive and welcome the opportunity to voice their views. Too often a judge only deals with societal problems. I think that the interaction with students who are not in legal trouble is as positive for me as it is for them, and helps me maintain a positive outlook in court.

Every Wednesday at noon I read with second grade students at Lincoln school in Minneapolis. Studies show that reading with a child can have a positive impact on the child’s educational development. The students seem to particularly enjoy knowing that their reader is a judge. I hope that this positive experience will help these students to respect the law and follow high career aspirations as they grow up.

"Back to School" article from Full Court Press:Hennepin County Disrict Court Newsletter (PDF, 379 kb)

"Lincoln's Day in Court" article on student mock trial from Full Court Press (PDF, 159 kb)

 

 

 

 

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Paid for by the Committee to Retain Judge Pihlaja
1230 Landmark Towers, 345 St Peter Street, St Paul, MN 55102
Martin Costello, treasurer