|
|
NEWS RELEASE
|
|
Contact:
NCSC Develops Graphic Novel to Educate the Public About CourtsIssues of Downloading Music and Eminent Domain To Reach Broad Audience Williamsburg, VA (Nov. 5, 2007) – In an innovative effort to improve the public’s awareness and knowledge about how their courts work, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has developed a “graphic novel” that weaves together two stories – one civil and one criminal – to appeal to teen-agers to adults. “The National Center wanted to create a product to engage and to educate the public about how our justice system works,” said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen. “Through the stories told in Justice Case Files we hope readers will learn how judges make decisions, how our courts operate, and the important role courts play in a democratic society.” Justice Case Files: The Case of Internet Piracy tells the story of Megan, a college freshman who has been charged with theft for downloading music, and her grandmother, Ellen, who has received notice that the city plans to take her house under eminent domain. The graphic novel is being made available to courts to distribute in jury rooms and to the public, for judges and court professionals to use as a speaking tool when addressing community groups, and for schools to use as a teaching aid. The story lines and content were developed by judges and other legal professionals, and the books were published and illustrated by Layne Morgan Media, a graphic novel company headquartered in Springfield, MO. The National Center for State Courts also has developed a Speakers Bureau on its Web site, which contains a series of speeches for judges and other court professionals to use when addressing community and civic groups. Several of these speeches incorporate the story lines from Justice Case Files to allow the presenter to use the graphic novel as a handout or speaking companion. The National Center for State Courts, founded in 1971 at the urging of Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, provides leadership and service to state courts. The National Center, headquartered in Williamsburg, VA, provides research, technology, education, and consulting services to state courts. NCSC is headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., with offices in Arlington, VA, and Denver. ###
National Center for State Courts, 300 Newport Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147 |
|
