Judge John J. Burke III is at home when he visits the Hamilton Primary School.
The Family Presiding Judge who sits in the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville is one of the family members at Hamilton—his adopted school.
Judge Burke III is among an estimated dozen judges from Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Court Offices/Divisions who have been assigned to adopt a local school.
“Hamilton is my school that I adopted and I will come here every year,” Judge Burke III revealed.
His annual visit will be to explain and discuss the judicial system with the Hamilton staff and 4th-grade students.
On Wednesday, January 14, he made his annual house call and addressed the 4th graders, their teachers, and the school staff with his personable and engaging approach, which attracted the attention of the audience in the school’s All-Purpose Room.
He discussed the four different courts—the trial courts, the appellate courts, the state supreme courts and the United States Supreme Court. Judge Burke III also explained the three branches of government – legislative, executive, and judicial.
He wore his judge’s robe when he began his session, and once he removed his garb, he explained that he is not the law once the robe has been removed when he is in a courtroom
A few of the Hamilton students received the opportunity to wear the oversized robe while they banged the gavel on the stage floor.
Hamilton Principal Tim Beaumont welcomed the school’s adopted son.
“It was our great pleasure to welcome Judge Burke III back to Hamilton Primary School for his annual visit to speak with our 4th Grade students,” Principal Beaumont said. "Judge Burke III has a unique gift of bringing the legal system to life in a way that students can relate to. Our 4th Graders greatly enjoyed his informative presentation."
“I am ecstatic that Hamilton is my school,” Judge Burke III said.