This page contains information for the public regarding visiting the courthouses in Santa Clara County.
Courthouse locations: visit our court house page – each courthouse page lists hours, location and directions.
Public transportation: Check the VTA (for bus and light rail) and Caltrain websites.
Security is important at our courthouses, in order to ensure the safety of all visitors, jurors, parties to lawsuits, court staff, judicial officers, and individuals in custody who are in the courthouse. All courthouses have metal detectors and sheriff’s deputies on duty. Be sure to read this security information before you visit the Court.
School tours:
- Middle School and High School: The Court works in partnership with Santa Clara County Law Advocates to provide local Middle School and High School student groups with guided tours of courthouses. Law Advocates is a non-profit organization that promotes law-related education. Interested individuals may contact Law Advocates at (408) 268-1633 or (408) 723-2153 to arrange a court visit.
- Elementary School (K-6): To arrange visits for K – 6 student groups, please contact the Court at (408) 882-2713 .
- Mock Trials: All Santa Clara County public and private schools are encouraged to participate in the Court Tour/Mock Trial program, which offers students the opportunity to visit the Court and take part in an interactive mock trial which is overseen by a judicial officer. Teachers are provided with a mock trial scenario, and students are assigned various roles (judge, jurors, prosecutor, defense attorney, etc.), in order to gain first-hand knowledge and experience about the legal system. Most mock trials are scheduled to take place during the lunch hour, when judges and other participants are available to volunteer their time to this effort. For more information on the Court Tour/Mock Trial program, please view the Court Tour/Mock Trial brochure .
Educators may also be interested in Civics Education information on the California Courts website.
Visiting Jurors: If you are visiting the Court as part of jury duty, read the information on our Jury Services page regarding juror parking, dress codes and courtroom behavior.
Food in the Court: Read the General Local Rule of Court 5 for information on what is and is not permitted in the courthouse and courtroom, for jurors, parties to lawsuits, and visitors.
Questions? For information on observing in the courtroom, please contact the Court at (408) 882-2713