Fifth-grade students from Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary had an eye-opening experience as they visited the Alan D. Oshrin Supreme Court in Riverhead, part of an educational field trip that brought their social studies curriculum to life.

Lindsay Searles and Eric Albert coordinated the trip, which was designed to deepen students' understanding of the American legal system by connecting classroom learning with real-world civic responsibilities.

One of the day's highlights was a special meeting with Supreme Court Justice George Nolan, who spoke to students about his career, a judge's role, and the justice system's broader workings. Students also toured key parts of the courthouse, including holding cells, various courtrooms, and support areas, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the justice system functions.

Throughout the visit, students learned about the different roles in the courtroom—such as bailiffs, clerks, and stenographers—and jurors' responsibilities. Court personnel explained their day-to-day duties, providing insight into how a trial is conducted from start to finish.

In preparation for the visit, students were taught about:

• The distinctions between civil and criminal courts
• The concept of due process and its importance in a fair legal system
• Sentencing options such as incarceration, fines, and injunctive relief
• Judicial discretion and how appeals are handled in the court system

Students also had a hands-on opportunity to explore a police car, where they learned about various law enforcement tools and procedures, further tying in lessons about the broader justice and public safety systems.

The field trip offered an invaluable civic learning opportunity, reinforcing classroom instruction with real-life experiences that students will remember for years.