Rutgers Political Science & Federal Judiciary Partnership
Created by Assistant Teaching Professor Douglas Cantor in collaboration with the Honorable Judge Julien Neals, the Rutgers Political Science & Federal Judiciary initiative takes Rutgers students beyond traditional lectures and into active federal courtrooms.
POLS 106 Law & Politics Court Visitation Program
POLS106 students on a visit to Newark Federal Courthouse
Students enrolled in the Fall semester Law & Politics (01:790:106), as part of the course curriculum, visit State and Federal courthouses to observe court proceedings and engage with federal judges, prosecutors, public defenders, clerks, and interpreters. Observations at the federal leverl occur at Newark District Federal Courthouse, while state visits occur, within walking distance of Campus, at the Middlesex County Courthouse. Established in Fall 2023, the initiative hosts up to 250 participants each semester and has connected over 1,300 Rutgers students with the Courthouse.
Courtroom Scholars
Courtroom Scholars with Hon. Judge Neals (L) and Prof. Doug Cantor (R).
Launched in Spring 2026, this immerseive seminar explores the real-world dynamics between law, executive authority, and politics (e.g., role of U.S. Attorneys). Where the Newark District Federal Courthouse is the classroom, up to 17 students in the POLS 106 program are selected to participate in 5 in depth, experiential learning exercises. Grant funding provided by Rutgers political science alumni, the Provost’s Office and Tyler Clementi Center supports low-income student participation and travel.
Learn more about the program
- Read the full Report & Outcomes
- Support the Rutgers Political Science & Federal Judiciary Initiative