Federal Circuit Celebrates Independence Day Anniversary Through History and Civic Learning

On the eve of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, in the nation’s capital, the Federal Circuit Center for Innovation and Law invited the public to the Justice Up Close, History All Around civics program to explore how law, innovation, science, and civic action have shaped the nation.

“This important milestone in our nation’s history is the perfect opportunity to help educate the public about the Judiciary’s role in democracy,” said Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The 1,500 attendees moved from immersive digital exhibits to real courtrooms, saw space artifacts, heard stories of invention, protest, and progress, and learned how past legal questions shaped America’s future.

“It’s our goal with events like this to help demystify judicial operations and instill public trust in the Judiciary,” Moore said. “The more people understand the judicial process and the safeguards in place, the greater confidence they can have in the decision-making of the courts.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is a specialized court that hears many of the nation's high-tech cases, particularly those that involve patents, trademarks, and other forms of intellectual property. The court’s Innovation Center, opened in 2025, provides students with learning experiences that highlight the connections between law, history, science, and technology. 

The center is one of a growing number of civics education centers, museums, and exhibits in federal court buildings across the country. Educational materials at the centers include information and activities about the Constitution, federal court basics, jury service, and careers in the federal court system. 

As Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, federal courts across the country also welcomed new citizens during naturalization ceremonies at historic community sites to commemorate the momentous occasion.

During an Independence Day celebration aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, Judge M. Margaret McKeown, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, discussed the importance of America’s founding documents.

“The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are not idle documents of a bygone era,” McKeown said. “They represent the ideals that we must safeguard. The project of our republic only works if we all pitch in.”

Judge McKeown also presided over the naturalization of 50 citizenship candidates aboard the USS Midway. 

“It was my privilege to welcome our newest citizens aboard the USS Midway and to recognize their service to our country, which is now theirs too,” McKeown said.