Newsroom

Federal Courts Partner With Others To Educate Students About Justice

October 31, 2007 — The federal judiciary's national outreach programs connect courts to their communities by producing educational initiatives that bring high school students and teachers, lawyers, community leaders, and the news media into the courts to interact with judges and the justice system.

The programs are designed to improve students' knowledge, heighten citizens' willingness to serve on juries, and put a human face on the judiciary. Thousands of students have been reached through a variety of programs.

Federal courts in each of the 12 regional judicial circuits have participated in such programs, partnering with 10 national and international organizations.

Research shows that although 40 states require a high school civics or government class, knowledge about government, including the courts, is declining. Programs initiated by the federal judiciary, such as Open Doors to Federal Courts, help close that gap.

Resources for judges and teachers are available on the Educational Outreach page. For more information, contact National Outreach Manager Rebecca Fanning, at 202-502-2600.