Community Involvement

Youth Programs

The 19th District Court stages one of Michigan's most successful and meaningful programs each May during the annual “Law Day” observance.

Judges conduct actual court sessions in the auditoriums of Dearborn middle and high schools to give students a close-up view of the justice system in action, and hear the penalties awaiting wrongdoers.

Also held in May is the court's annual “Law Day” essay contest, sponsored by the Dearborn Rotary Club. The contest is open to fourth through eighth graders, with winners in each grade given U.S. Savings Bonds and gift certificates during an awards ceremony at the courthouse.

Civic Events

Since its opening in June, 1997, the striking headquarters of Dearborn's justice system has become a source of intense pride for city residents.

During non-business hours, the Court's large, marble-floored lobby, abutted by two attractively landscaped atriums, plays host to major functions of Dearborn charitable and service organizations.

Special events may be arranged by calling 313.943.3074.

Community Work Program

One of the most visible and successful efforts of the 19th District Court is the Community Work Program. As a sentencing alternative, Judges may assign low-risk offenders convicted of non-violent misdemeanor crimes to perform manual labor. Chores for the green-vested offenders include removing debris and litter from city parks, roads and alleys; shoveling snow; painting, cleaning and washing windows at public buildings; and, cleaning pens at the animal shelter. The work assignments are in addition to, or in place of, fines and/or jail sentences imposed by the Judges.

The Court's three judges assign over 1,500 defendants to the work program each year. This produces more than 10,000 days of work on needed public service efforts. This “free” labor provides the city and its taxpayers with some $200,000 in savings annually (assuming that the work would have been carried out by hiring part-time employees at minimum wages).

Also, when judges assign defendants to the work program as an alternative to jail, major savings are achieved in incarceration costs.