February 2, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – A group of eighth graders from Springfield International Charter School got an inside look of the Hampden County Hall of Justice during a Court Tour on Jan. 21.

During Court Tours, students spend half a day touring the Springfield Courthouse as invited guests of the District Attorney. The tours introduce students to a wide range of career paths within the criminal justice system, with victim witness advocates, judges, court officers, and other court professionals – as available – sharing insights into their roles.

The program welcomes students in grades 6-12, as some of the cases students sit in on can be too mature for a younger audience.

The Court Tours are led by the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach (CSO) Unit.

CSO Director Tony Simmons and Deputy Director Gina Anselmo provided the Jan. 21 tour, which began with Simmons sharing an overview of what students could expect to see throughout the day. He then introduced Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Clarke, who shared some insight into his work and court operation.

Chief Court Officer Larry Roberson spoke to the students as well, talking about his journey to becoming a court officer, along with some of his most memorable and “scariest” cases he was present for – a question raised by one of the students.

Following the introductions, students made their way to Courtroom 1 to sit in on the arraignment hearings.

It could be described as a busy day in the Springfield Courthouse as countless cases went before Judge Danielle Williams, such as shoplifting, domestic violence, larceny, drug distribution, bail hearings, and more.

After nearly two hours of non-stop hearings, the court took a recess, and everyone except the students were asked to leave the courtroom so that Judge Williams could talk with them and answer questions. Williams talked about her journey to becoming a judge, while also explaining what happens in arraignment court, and the different roles in the courtroom, from the clerk to the assistant district attorneys.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from a clerk magistrate, a defense attorney, and a prosecutor.

“Getting young people into the courtroom and letting them see how the justice system works is incredibly important,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “When students can experience it firsthand, it makes civics real and relevant. Court Tours give them the chance to ask questions, understand their rights, and see the wide range of career paths and professional roles that exist within the justice system.”

Court Tours are one of many free programs offered by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. For more information about the Court Tours, or to request a tour for your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.