| Alabama |
Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education. The Alabama Center for Law & Civic Education (ACLCE) is a resource and training center dedicated to educating young citizens in civic knowledge in law and government.
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| Alaska |
Teaching Kids About the Courts: Educational Programs for Students Sponsored by the Alaska Court System. This informational packet includes a list of court contacts and request form for a field trip to the judiciary.
The Alaska Teaching Justice Network (ATJN) is a network of judges, lawyers, teachers, and university professors provide teachers with the tools, training, and resources needed to teach law-related subjects in their classrooms.
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| Arizona |
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education. Prepares Arizona youth for civic responsibility and provides access to justice for Arizona's poor. Each year, the foundation reaches more than 100,000 Arizona school children through training teachers, school resource officers, and probation officers about our laws, justice system, and the foundations of democracy.
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| California |
What's Happening in Court? This is a resource designed for children who are experiencing court procedures. It is an interactive web book.
Center for Families, Children and the Courts. This AOC Center is dedicated to improving the quality of justice and services to meet the diverse needs of children, youth, families, and self-represented litigants in the California courts.
Constitutional Rights Foundation. "Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) is a non-profit, non-partisan, community-based organization dedicated to educating America's young people about the importance of civic participation in a democratic society."
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| Colorado |
Colorado State Judicial Branch Educational Resources. Provides brochures, court facts and lesson plans regarding how the judicial system in Colorado works.
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| Connecticut |
Law Related Education Resources. A special division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries dedicated to law-related education.
Educational Resources. State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. This includes a currciulum for High School Studentsm, the Speakers' Bureau, tours of the Connecticut Supreme Court and other children programs.
The Job Shadow Program provides the opportunity for high school students to spend a day shadowing a Judicial Branch employee, including an adult probation officer, attorney, court clerk, family relations counselor, legislative liaison and computer programmer.
Connecticut Consortium for Law & Citizenship Education, Inc. sponsers an annual high school mock trial competition. The final round of the competition is held in the Supreme Court courtroom and justices or judges preside.
The Jury Outreach Program provides clear, concise information about the history of juries, the role of jurors, and Connecticut’s jury process to high school students.
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| Delaware |
The Delaware Law Related Education Center, Inc. Provides resources to enhance the presence of law-related education initiatives in Delaware, in addition to various mock trials and other competitions.
The Education and Community Outreach Division of the AOC offers Programs for Students and Teachers which offers various activities such as "Miracle on 34th Street" for children in grades 3 through 6, an annual high school mock trial competition, and a grade school mock trial. The AOC provides courthouse tours for schools and the public interested in learning about the judicial system and the career opportunities at the courthouse. The AOC, in conjunction with the Supreme Court, developed a teachers’ guidebook to be used in a previous program to educate children in grades 3 through 6 on the Bill of Rights.
The Justice of the Peace Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts co-sponsor informational seminars for tenants and landlords about the landlord tenant code. This program is designed to educate both landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities and how to come to court prepared.
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| Federal Courts |
Advantages of Videoconferencing Grow with Use. The Third Branch 38, No. 8 (August 2006). This online article discusses the benefits of using videoconferencing.
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| Florida |
Florida Law Related Education Association. Promotes public education of Florida's laws, legal processes, and the role of the citizen in American democracy.
With the support of the Florida Law Related Education Association, the Common Cause of Florida and the Florida League of Women Voters lobbied the Florida Legislature for a mandatory middle school civics course during the 2006 legislative session. The one semester requirement was successfully amended to the final education reform bill.
R. Fred Lewis, Florida's 52nd Chief Justice, outlined a new comprehensive statewide civics education initiative, Justice Teaching, to be implemented during his two-year tenure as the Florida state courts' chief executive officer from 2006 to 2008. Professionals in education will work with judges and lawyers in developing lesson plans and training about law-related education for the initiative.
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| Hawaii |
Hawai'i Friends of Civic and Law Related Education: This is a non-profit organization that is committed to advance civic and law-related education for students, educators, and other interested persons in the State of Hawai'i. It helps host the Mock-Trial Programs and others.
Hawai'i State Judiciary Community Outreach. Outreach programs include: Court Tours, Divorce Law in Hawai'i, the History Center, Judicial Independence, Lunch 'n' Lean the Law, Speakers Bureau and Volunteer Opportunities. The Judiciary engages the State Legislature through sponsoring events for legislators such as “law school for legislators” and “a day in court.” The Judiciary responds to media reports that contain misleading or inaccurate information regarding judicial rulings or judicial procedures through written statements (e.g. letter to the editor). The Judiciary works closely with the Hawai’i State Department of Education to conduct teacher workshops and to provide professional development credit opportunities, free sets of curricula, and classroom assistance.
Judges often publish articles in The Honolulu Advertiser in observance of Law Week to promote greater public understanding of, and appreciation for, our legal systems. Topics have included judicial independence, restorative justice, burden of proof, the importance of civic education, judicial elections, balancing public access against privacy rights, right to counsel, sentencing, judicial decision-making, etc.
Citizens who are summoned for jury service watch an orientation video upon arrival at the courthouse, informing them about the jury system and what may happen during a criminal or civil trial.
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| Idaho |
Idaho Law Foundation. Provides information on continuing legal education.
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| Indiana |
Courts in the Classroom. This educational site includes lesson plans, an online video library, a court history museum, and contact information to answer questions regarding the resources.
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| Iowa |
Law Related Education. Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law & Civic Education.
The Iowa Court System. Des Moines: Iowa Center for Law and Civic Education, 1995. This resource is designed to educate high school students on the Iowa judiciary. The information is presented in a eight chapters focusing on courts of law, the judiciary's structure, court personnel, criminal and civil procedures, the role of juries, juvenile justice, and the future of the state judiciary. (KFI4708 .I64 1995)
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| Kansas |
LawWise. Published by the Kansas State Bar Association, this website includes links to handouts, the history of Law Day, and information on ordering pocket-sized U.S. Constitutions.
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| Kentucky |
Law-Related Education. This is a link to the main law-related education website for the Kentucky Courts. The webpage includes general FAQs pertaining the educational programs most of which are designed for secondary students.
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| Louisiana |
Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education. Coordinates, implements, and develops law and civic education programs; trains others in the delivery of law and civic education; and assists with the delivery of quality law and civic education programs.
Louisiana expanded its Courting Louisiana Students and Schools (CLASS) program by coordinating efforts with the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Center for Law and Civic Education to reach out to high school social studies and civics teachers.
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| Maine |
Maine Law and Civics Education. Provides links to Maine's various law education programs.
Maine Judicial Branch: The Law Court was convened in local schools last year, enabling 600 northern Maine students to hear oral arguments of the Supreme Judicial Court. Next year, the Law Court will sit in two different communities to increase the number of students who will have the opportunity to hear oral arguments.
Maine State Bar Association: Holds 5th Grade Mock Trials, High School Mock Trials, and a program that allows lawyers to speak to classes.
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| Maryland |
The Citizenship Law Related Education Program for the Schools of Maryland. Promotes law-related education in public and private schools. Students are provided with the opportunity to see how the law plays an integral role in their lives and to further their understanding of our constitutional form of government.
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| Massachusetts |
Van Camp, Julie F. Courts and the Classroom: A Guide to Law Related Educational Programs through the Court System, 2nd ed. Concord, MA: LEAD, Inc., a Boston, and the District Court Department of the Trial Court, 1981. This book is a collection of articles and informational essays focusing on educational and judicial partnerships. (KFM2795.7. L38 C6)
Supreme Judicial Court: Education Resource Center. The Judicial Court offers tours of the John Adams Courthouse and Suffolk County Courthouse, presentation of oral arguments, and information regarding the Massachusetts Constitution and jury service.
The Judicial Youth Corps Program is a summer program for a select group of high school students from the Boston Public Schools, features a series of weekly educational programs combined with a summer internship in the Massachusetts court system.
In partnership with Suffolk University Law School, the Supreme Judicial Court provides the public with real-time broadcasts of its oral arguments through its website.
Courts throughout Massachusetts recognize national Law Day (May 1) with special programs and events held at local courthouses in cooperation with schools, local communities, and members of the local bar.
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| Michigan |
Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center: This website includes curriculum resources, tours and a gallery of exhibits.
You and the Courts. From the 20th Judicial Circuit & Ottawa County Probate Courts. The You and the Courts outreach project addresses the Court Community Communication core competency by educating the public about the court's purpose, function, and available resources. The Web page also includes a video titled 20th Circuit Family Court.
The trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and courts of last resort all take their courts “on the road” to some extent. The trial courts will often sit in schools, with select cases such as ones involving drunk driving defendants. The Court of Appeals travels twice a year to remote communities, and the Supreme Court holds oral arguments in a law school at least once a year, with plans to hold oral arguments at additional law schools in the next years.
Adoption Day includes public adoption finalization hearings and celebrations for adoptive families to educate the public about adoption and foster care issues.
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| Minnesota |
The MSBA Civic Education Committee leverages the unique knowledge, skills, and resources of the Bar to educate youth about the rule of law and civic rights and responsibilities. We accomplish these goals by developing programs, building partnerships, and influencing public policy.
Civically Speaking—Minnesota Center for Community Legal Education. Promotes the development of civic and legal competence through citizenship and law-related education programs for youth in schools and community organizations. A Look at the Law. Minneapolis: Minnesota State Bar Association, 1989. This resource is designed for upper elementary school children. The author notes that the information can be adapted for junior high students as well. The resource guide divides the information into several lessons -- the necessity of laws, how they are made, criminal, juvenile, and civil law, and trials. There is also an appendix with information on mock trials. (KF4208.5 .L3 M56)
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| Missouri |
Chief Justice Wolff writes a monthly column that is distributed to the Public Information Officer’s email group of reporters, to the Missouri Press Association, to all of the judges in the state, and soon to all court staff as well. All of the columns are available online under the “Newsroom” link at the Missouri Courts web site. Chief Justice Wolff also incorporates similar civics education messages about the courts into speeches he has made to the state Bar and to the state’s legislature.
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| Montana |
For the Classroom: The Montana Legislature has put together resources regarding Civic Education.
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| Nebraska |
Nebraska State Bar Foundation. “The Nebraska State Bar Foundation is dedicated to serving the citizens of Nebraska and the Legal Profession through the administration and funding of innovative and creative programs directed toward the improvement of the administration of justice and the fulfillment of the American vision of equal justice for all.”
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| New Hampshire |
Tours and Field Trips. This link provides information for teachers on organizing a field trip to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
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| New Jersey |
New Jersey Center for Civic and Law Related Education. Enhances the teaching of civics, law, justice, citizenship, history, government, and humanities in New Jersey K-12 schools through professional development programs for New Jersey teachers and legal resource people and through statewide civic and law-related programs for students.
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| New York |
Educational Tools -- Law Related Education Links. This website provides materials for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. It also includes links for students as well.
Several ongoing civil education initiatives exist including town hall meetings, opportunities for students to work in the courts, annual law day celebrations, exhibit booth at the State Fair, printed education materials, and an online state judicial directory with biographical information about each State judge.
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| North Dakota |
Judicial Guide. This online guide is designed for students who wish to know more about the state's courts.
A Speaker’s Bureau operates through the State Court Administrator, where any organization or school can schedule a judge or justice to speak at their organization or school.
The North Dakota Justices Teaching Institute has been established by Justice Mary Maring to deliver a two-day workshop to secondary school history, government, and social studies teachers.
Each month, a web link is provided to the upcoming Supreme Court cases, as well as to the case briefs and the audio of oral arguments after they have been heard. A link is also provided to an archive of past cases.
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| Ohio |
The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. OCLRE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages responsible participation in the democratic process through educational programs in law and citizenship for Ohio's teachers.
Citizen Guide Brochures. The brochures are designed to inform the public about Ohio's judicial system.
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| Oklahoma |
Law-Related Education Programs. This is a link to the main law-related education website for the Oklahoma Bar Association. The webpage includes a broad array of educational oppportunities for students of all ages, legislators, educators and other groups. The Oklahoma Bar Association also provides support to other organization with similar law related educational missions.
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| Pennsylvania |
Pennsylvania Bar Association Law Related Education Committee. The PBA is responsible for overseeing many of the law-related youth education programs undertaken by the PBA.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, and the Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy (PennCORD) are working together to determine how the Pennsylvania Judiciary can assist in encouraging and enhancing increased civil education in the schools.
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| Rhode Island |
Education and Community Outreach. This resource includes links to coloring pages, understanding the courts, and fun activities.
The Justice Rules program is run by the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s Community Outreach Department and in coordination with other groups such as the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Rhode Island Legal Educational Partnership, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Public Defender’s Office, etc.
Every quarter, Rhode Island’s Chief Justice hosts Citizen’s Summit, a Public Broadcasting Service television show on a different topic of interest within the court system.
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| South Carolina |
South Carolina Law Related Education Committee. Directs law related education programs, including middle- and high-school mock trials and other competitions, LRE conferences, and teacher workshops; develops LRE materials for elementary grades; provides LRE materials to lawyers and schools through the LRE Clearinghouse; and honors an LRE Teacher and Lawyer of the Year.
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| Tennessee |
Law Related Education in Tennessee. A resource center for educators working to promote civic education to produce more competent, informed, participating citizens
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| Texas |
Texas-State Bar-Teacher Resources-Law Related Education. Law-related education helps educators, students and citizens understand and appreciate the legal system through several programs sponsored by LRE and the State Bar of Texas. They include the Leon Jaworski Awards, the Hatton W. Sumners Editorial Contest, and Celebrate Freedom Week.
State Bar of Texas. This year the State Bar of Texas under the leadership of President Gib Walton launched Let's Do Justice For Texas, the educational initiative to help Texans better understand their role in helping to maintain justice.
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| Utah |
Utah Law-Related Education Project. Your Day in Court: A Manual for Teachers and Students Visiting the Utah State Court Facilities. Salt Lake City: Utah Law-Related Education Project, 1996. This resource is designed for both elementary and secondary students. The information presented includes civil case, small claims, and trial processes, frequently asked questions, and planning a courthouse tour. (KFU510 .Y68 1996)
Utah State Courts Education Resources: This site includes a information regarding high school curriculums, speakers, tours and "Your Day in Court" a manual for teachers and students visiting the utah state court facilities.
The Utah State Courts set up a display booth at the Dialogue on Democracy dinner with information about the judiciary, and presented information on how teachers can contact the courts for tours and to request judges to speak to their classes.
Other outreach activities that the Committee is planning include conducting a public opinion survey, compiling a media guide, planning a Kids and Judges Day, and working with the Utah State Office of Education to address civics education in the schools through an expanded curriculum.
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| Vermont |
Vermont Bar Association. This link provides information on Constitution Day, essay contests, and how to discuss important court cases in the classroom.
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| Virginia |
The Virginia Law Related Education Center. Part of a nationwide network of legal educaiton centers under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Justice's Youth for Justice Program.
Carrico Commission on Law-Related Education. Virginia Court Docent Program: An Instructional Unit on Virginia’s Court System. Richmond, VA: Carrico Commission on Law-Related Education, 1986. This resource includes background information on the state judiciary, a glossary of important terms, and how to organize an effective courthouse tour. (KFV2795.7 .L38 V5)
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| Washington |
Education Resources. The webpage has informational brochures and other resources for elementary, middle, and high school students.
In its 2006 regular session, the state Legislature passed a bill mandating civics education curriculum and as well as classroom-based assessment of this curriculum.
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| West Virginia |
LAWS (Legal Advancement for West Virginia Students). This program is designed to teach high school students and the structure and functions of the state judiciary.
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| Wisconsin |
de Nie, Karen Leone, Amanda K. Todd, and Diana Hess. Connecting to Courts: A Teacher’s Guide to the Wisconsin Courts. Madison: Wisconsin Supreme Court, 2001. The book is written for secondary students. It emphasizes the courts, cases, and constitutions. The information is divided into several chapters that address federal courts, the Wisconsin judiciary, the election of judges, and court-community interactions. (KFW2910 .C66 2001)
Wisconsin Court System: For Kids. This website includes an activity book titled "What's Happening in Court?"
Wisconsin Court System: Educational Resources. This website includes Court with Class, history tools, Judicial Speakers Bureau, case of the month, Justice Teaching Institute and a teacher's guide to the Wisconsin courts.
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| Wyoming |
Wyoming Partnership for Civic Education. University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center.
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