When U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story observed a nationwide trend showing that a troubling percentage of citizens are unaware of their rights and the role of the Judiciary, he decided to take action to address this civics deficit.
“I wanted to find a way to have a positive impact on the next generation of citizens, journalists, jurors, lawyers, judges, court professionals, and public officials,” said Story, who serves in the Northern District of Georgia.
Story’s idea was to give law students opportunities to teach their younger peers in high school about the Constitution and the courts. His thought was that law students could effectively convey the relevance of legal concepts in the lives of teenagers in relatable ways that would set them on a positive trajectory, whether or not they choose careers in the law.
U.S. District Judge Richard Story presides over a high school fairytale mock trial at Georgia State University College of Law. Credit: Georgia State University College of Law
“Law school is overwhelming, and you sometimes feel removed from the outside world,” Story said. “But this program is a great way to stay connected with the community. Not only do you sharpen your understanding of the law, but you can spread this information and empower the next generation.”
The initiative got underway in Georgia public high schools in 2023, just a short time after Story brought the idea to the deans at Georgia State University College of Law, Mercer University School of Law, and University of Georgia School of Law. Patterned after the Outreach for Legal Literacy program at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, the program is active in a growing number of high schools and middle schools in Georgia.
“I didn’t want to be prescriptive in my approach, so that each law school could assess and address local needs and interests,” Story said. “However, I do ask that they involve a judge in their programs so that young people can put a face on the Judiciary and understand what the Third Branch represents.”
U.S. District Judge Richard Story is seen with Georgia State University law students following the mock trial component of the Street Law program. Credit: Georgia State University College of Law
Duncan de la Feld, an attorney for Atlanta Legal Aid Society, credits Georgia State University’s version of the outreach program, Street Law, for providing him with much of the practical skills he uses today. He encourages all law students to find out how to get involved in teaching high school students.
“The program affirmed my passion for public interest law and serving the community,” said de la Feld, who participated in the program as a law student in 2024. “Teaching and facilitating learning with the law for high school students has helped me better explain complex legal principles with my clients and inform them of the legal principles and options surrounding the issues they face.”
While each law school takes a different approach, they all follow a similar theme. Law students work with classroom teachers to coordinate interactive presentations about the government, the courts, the Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Also, they weave in important legal and life skills, such as civility and advocacy, to prepare high schoolers for a year-end mock trial.
“It’s great to see the high school students so fired up and engaged,” said Story, who often judges the mock trial event for the programs. “The high school students really connect with the law students and begin envisioning endless career opportunities.”
“I hope high school students leave the program with a better understanding of the types of civil and criminal matters that may bring them to court and when to seek counsel,” said de la Feld.
High school students practice legal and life skills as they participate in a mock trail. Credit: Georgia State University College of Law
Visit the educational resources section for additional information about the federal Judiciary’s national civics initiatives and educational activities.
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