On Thursday, September 6, our Co-op took a field trip to the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Capitol. It was a blast! Chief Justice Rebbecca White Berch led our tour of the Supreme Court. We started out in the Courtroom, where she talked to the kids about the building, the role of the Court, the types of cases the Court hears and then took questions from the kids. She then led us through the Justice's conference room and into her chambers, where she showed us around and answered more questions from the kids. She was wonderful with our group and we are very thankful for her willingness to host us! Next, we walked across Wesley Bolin Plaza to the Arizona Capitol. There, we met Representative J.D. Mesnard. Rep. Mesnard took us through the Arizona Capitol Museum (which is basically the entire old Capitol building) and then over to the House of Representatives building. We started out in the public hearing room, where Rep. Mesnard explained to the kids how the public can have input into legislation. Then we headed up to the public gallery, where the public can sit and watch legislative proceedings. Finally, we had a real treat when we were allowed down on the House floor, to sit in the desks of the legislators and really experience what it is like to vote on and debate legislation. Rep. Mesnard was great with the kids, answering their questions and talking to them about his career path, what elections are like and what it's like to be a legislator and a part of the bill-making process. It was a great day and we sure did learn a lot!
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