The Power of Experiential Learning in Emotional Courtroom Spaces

Abstract

Courtrooms are dynamic and emotionally imbued spaces. In these environments, case processing challenges, shortcomings, successes, and power struggles impact court actors, defendants, and victims. We asked: What happens when you immerse a group of students with limited interest in court systems into this environment to witness, take notes, and reflect on their experiences? Can this experiential learning opportunity spark interest and enhance understanding of criminal court processes? A qualitative analysis of 42 journals reveals that students had strong emotional responses to what they saw; through journaling, students described not only their own reactions but also a myriad of emotions they perceived in court actors and participants. Further, many students personally related to processes observed, especially when they were attentive to the backgrounds of defendants, victims, and their families. Whether positive or negative, our data demonstrate that these experiences lead students to critically analyze system processes on a more macro level.