New Judiciary Learning Center Opens in Boston

Understanding the federal Judiciary and its role in our democracy is the first step in ensuring equal justice for all. That is the mission of the Stephen G. Breyer Community Learning Center on Courts and the Constitution, which officially opened on March 25, offering civics education activities for learners of all ages and backgrounds throughout the First Circuit. 

“Through this center, we hope to put the truth of active liberty in action — by helping people of all ages and all backgrounds, whether steeped in legal knowledge or too young to have much of it — reflect on and learn about the Constitution and the Courts and how they relate to each other in our democracy,” said Chief Judge David J. Barron, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, who led the effort to establish the new center.

The Breyer Learning Center is one of a growing number of civics education centers, museums, and exhibits in federal court buildings across the country. At the new learning center, students and adults can learn about the important role of the Judiciary in daily life. Educational materials include information and activities about the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court cases, federal court basics, jury service, and careers in the federal court system.

The 2,800-square-foot center, named in honor of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer, is in the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston. The learning center includes space for hosting workshops, training sessions, and seminars, in addition to the student-centered programs offered by Discovering Justice, a local nonprofit organization that brings students and communities together to examine the workings of the justice system. 

“I am very honored by the fact that the Circuit has named the Learning Center after me,” said retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer, who has long championed civics education. “I hope eventually every court will have a learning center, and that they will be connected to presidential libraries, legislative libraries, and the Constitution Center, too. I hope they will teach every student about their government and encourage them to participate in the working of their democracy.” 

The Breyer Learning Center already has attracted hundreds of visitors since its opening. The space is open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information on scheduling a guided tour or class field trip, contact blc@ca1.uscourts.gov.

Learning centers and educational exhibits across the country include:

California

• Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Library and Learning Center, Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento
• The Learning Center of the Southern District of California, James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse in San Diego

Indiana

• Federal Court Learning Center, Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis 

Illinois

• Court History Museum, Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago

Minnesota

• Justice and Democracy Center, Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul

Missouri

• The Judicial Learning Center, Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis
• Judicial Education and History Center, Rush H. Limbaugh, Sr., U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau

New York

• Justice for All: Courts and the Community Learning Center, Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in New York City

Oklahoma

• Federal Judicial Learning Center & Museum, U.S. Bankruptcy Courthouse in Oklahoma City

To find educational court programs at the nearest federal courthouse, contact the federal courts’ national educational outreach manager, Rebecca Fanning. Visit the educational resources section for additional programs and activities.