The fourth annual teachers institute conducted by the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) and the American Bar Association Division for Public Education was held in Washington, D.C. in June. Twenty history teachers selected from applicants across the country participated in the week-long 2009 program. The annual institute encourages teachers to incorporate information about the history of the federal court system into their own curricula and share what they learn with their peers.

This year, teachers in the institute met with federal judges, scholars, and curriculum experts, who helped them delve into three historic federal cases. They also visited the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where they observed federal court proceedings and where Chief Judge Royce Lamberth answered questions about the federal court system.

A highlight of the week was a visit and tour of the U.S. Supreme Court, where they were welcomed by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (photo center, above).

For information on the FJC's Teaching Judicial History project, including historic federal trials and great debates, visit www.fjc.gov/history/home.nsf. Talking points on federal judicial history also can be found at the website.