District Court Judge Marina Spahr visited Sunrise Elementary School in Bismarck on April 15, where she spoke with fifth grade students about the North Dakota court system and the role of judges. The visit was organized after an invitation from Mrs. Jennifer Erp.
The event aimed to educate students about how the legal system works and why civic duties like jury service are important. More than 80 students participated, engaging actively with questions about becoming attorneys and what a judge’s job involves.
During her presentation, Judge Spahr explained the structure of the North Dakota Court System, described the work performed by district judges and justices, and outlined the qualifications needed to become a judge. She also emphasized the importance of jury duty within the legal process.
Spahr began by describing how each branch of government functions and their relationships to one another. She further discussed skills that are helpful for those interested in careers as attorneys or judges.
To conclude her visit, Judge Spahr led a mock trial activity in which students took on roles such as judge and defendant in a fictional case involving a missing cell phone. The student acting as judge determined guilt or innocence based on arguments presented during this exercise.
