Educational Outreach Program for Students and Teachers
District courts holds various programs to educate schoolchildren and the general public about the operations of the United States courts. Below is a sampling of some of our community outreach events and resources available to the public.
Courts to Classes
"Courts to Classes" is the Federal Judiciary's educational outreach program, designed to assist educators in teaching about the federal court system in ways that are consistent with law-related education practices and relevant social studies standards. Read more about this program.
Law Day is May 1, and courts in the Ninth Circuit celebrate Law Day every year with programs focusing on the heritage of liberty under law and how the rule of law makes democracy possible. The federal courts' Law Day and Juror Appreciation program gives participating high school students a firsthand experience of jury service – the most direct impact they can have on their democracy. Read more about this program.
Law Day 2008 will explore the meaning of the rule of law, fostering public understanding of the rule of law through discussion of its role in a free society.
To find out if your local federal court is offering a program, contact National Outreach Manager Rebecca Fanning.
The Open Doors to Federal Courts program is a long-term community and educational outreach initiative focusing on the role of the federal courts. This national program, which originates in Washington, D.C., is offered at more than 40 federal courts across the nation. The programs center on true-to-life simulations related to jury service, judicial independence, and the Bill of Rights. For information about this year's program, contact Rebecca Fanning, National Outreach Manager, at aogrp_outreach@ao.uscourts.gov.
Your Day in Bankruptcy Court
The bankruptcy community has long recognized the importance of public outreach. In recent years, bankruptcy judges have developed or participated in a wide range of education programs. The Office of Public Affairs of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts created an umbrella for these programs with a national initiative that gives high school students their day in bankruptcy court. Judges in many circuits host high school students every year at local courts. Read more about this program.