April 3, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office was proud to host a group of students from Pope Francis Preparatory School for an insightful and educational court tour, providing a firsthand look at the legal process in action.

With the help of the office’s Community Safety and Outreach Unit, the tour of the Roderick Ireland Courthouse was aimed at fostering a greater understanding of the judicial system and allowed the class to explore the inner workings of the courthouse, engage with professionals and learn about the vital role the District Attorney’s Office plays in upholding justice.

During the tour, students were guided through various areas of the courthouse, including the courtroom, chambers, probation, and more, all while receiving valuable explanations from members of the DA’s Office.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said, “The next generation of legal professionals will shape the future of justice in our country. We’re proud to be a part of that journey and hope the tour will inspire some of these students to consider a career in law, public service, or advocacy.”

Victim witness advocates, judges, court officers and other courthouse personnel engaged with students throughout their visit, offering insights into the diverse career paths that contribute to the courthouse’s daily operations.

The court tour is part of the DA’s Office’s ongoing outreach, designed to educate and inspire local youth about the law, justice, and civic responsibility. For more information or to schedule a tour for your class, please contact gina.anselmo@mass.gov.