Judge Marvin Halbert is passionate about the importance of appreciating the service by citizens as jurors. He used every means imaginable to keep his jurors informed and comfortable with the jury experience. His innovations included personally greeting the jurors, allowing them to take notes and question witnesses at times, tending to their personal comfort and concerns, common sense stress reduction, and giving trial lawyers and jurors private time after his trials to communicate with each other about their trial experience together.

Judge Halbert was equally passionate about general education of the public regarding the courtroom and jury service. He hosted thousands of guests in his courtroom, making himself available for open questions and thereby demystifying the legal process to everyday citizens and inspiring them with deeper understanding of their legal system.

Here is a sampling of photo mementos of a broad cross-section of such informal educational gatherings and various community groups, as well as official recognition of the special efforts of Judge and Mrs. Halbert.

Senior group visiting Judge Halbert's Courtroom, seated in the jury box


Swenson Skills Center visit

 


Discussion with group of blind people


Philadelphia High School for Girls visit



Ceremonial Dinner (left) --- Judge and Mrs. Halbert with Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo (right)

Mrs. Marcia Halbert shared Judge Halbert's passion for educating people about the Courtroom,
especially young people. She served as a Museum Teacher for the School District of Philadelphia
at City Hall for many years coordinating and greeting student groups and others who came
to learn about the Philadelphia courts in action.