Ellendale High School students from Mrs. Gibson’s Law and Justice and North Dakota Studies classes attended a master calendar court session on April 30. Judge James Shockman welcomed the group before the docket began, providing an explanation of courtroom procedures and answering questions from the students.
The visit gave students a firsthand look at how court sessions are conducted, allowing them to observe legal processes in action. Such educational experiences help connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Judge Shockman spoke with the students prior to proceedings, sharing insights about his role and addressing their questions about the judicial system. The interaction aimed to deepen their understanding of how justice is administered locally.
The event highlighted efforts to engage young people in civic education by exposing them to government institutions and professionals working within them.
As more schools explore opportunities for experiential learning, similar visits may become an important part of civics curricula.
