Information for Educators
Courthouse Tours and Public Education Opportunities
The Alberta Court of Justice is committed to promoting public understanding of the justice system and the important role courts play in communities across Alberta. Teachers may request guided courthouse tours or educational visits for their classes, subject to availability.
What to Expect from a Courthouse Tour
Courthouse tours are designed to provide visitors with a general overview of how the court system works. Depending on the location and availability, tours may include:
- An introduction to the Alberta Court of Justice and its role within Alberta’s justice system
- A guided walk-through of public areas of the courthouse
- Observation of proceedings from the public gallery where appropriate
- Discussion about court processes, courtroom roles, and access to justice
- Tours are educational in nature and are designed to support learning about the justice system.
Who Can Request a Tour
Tour opportunities may be available for:
- Elementary, junior high, and high school classes
- Post-secondary students
Availability varies by courthouse and is subject to operational demand and security requirements.
Locations Across the Province
The Alberta Court of Justice operates in more than 70 locations throughout the province, including urban centres, rural communities, and circuit locations. While not all courthouses are able to accommodate tours at all times, efforts are made to support educational visits where feasible.
How to Request a Tour
Groups interested in arranging a courthouse tour should submit a request by completing the form linked below:
Request a Courthouse Tour
Requests should be submitted at least one month in advance. Submitting a request does not guarantee availability. Tours may be modified or cancelled due to court operations, security requirements, or other operational considerations.
Important Considerations
- All visitors are subject to courthouse security screening.
- Photography, recording devices, and mobile phones are prohibited.
- Court proceedings take precedence over tours at all times.
- No food or drink is permitted in the courthouse.
- Proper attire appropriate for a courthouse setting is required at all times. This includes clean, modest, and professional clothing. Revealing garments and clothing with offensive language or imagery are not permitted.
- There are no lockers or designated spaces to store personal items.
- Accessibility needs should be identified when making a request so reasonable accommodations can be considered.
Educational Resources
Students, teachers, and members of the public will find helpful information on this website to support school projects, assignments, and general learning. These resources are designed to promote understanding of the justice system and the work of the Alberta Court of Justice.
In particular, visitors may wish to explore the following pages:
About the Court - Provides an overview of the role of the Court, including its role within Alberta’s justice system, its jurisdiction, and how the Court carries out its work.
Areas of the Law - Provides an overview of the different types of cases heard by the Alberta Court of Justice, including criminal, family, youth, civil, traffic, and other offences.
Specialized and Indigenous Courts - Provides information about specialized and Indigenous court processes within the Alberta Court of Justice, which support therapeutic, restorative, and culturally responsive approaches to justice.
Indigenous Justice Strategy - Provides information about the Alberta Court of Justice’s commitment to reconciliation and access to justice for Indigenous peoples, including initiatives that support culturally relevant, restorative, and community‑informed approaches within the Court.
Locations Map - Provides an interactive map and list of Alberta Court of Justice locations across the province, with details about court services and sittings for each location.
Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law - Explains key principles that support a fair and impartial justice system in Canada.
Practice Directions and Forms - Provides access to court forms and related resources used in Alberta Court of Justice proceedings.
Alberta Law Libraries - Provides information about Alberta Law Libraries, including access to legal research resources, library services, and support available to the public and the justice community.