Federal Courts Note Juror Appreciation in May
The federal courts' Juror Appreciation events give participating high school students a firsthand experience of jury service — the most direct impact that they can have on their democracy. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania is a national model of an effective Juror Appreciation program. Federal judges and volunteer attorneys assume their routine courtroom roles and assist students as they grapple with real legal issues that affect their lives. Students emerge from their local courthouse empowered and motivated to serve when called.
To find out if your local federal court is offering a program, contact National Outreach Manager Rebecca Fanning.
Supreme Court Conversation on Jury Service
As a tie in with the Constitution and one of the obligations of citizenship -- jury service -- this year's Supreme Court video is on the Constitutional guarantee of trial by jury. Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Anthony M. Kennedy discuss the importance of jury service with high school students. Produced by The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands.
Court Events Empower Young People
Here are landmark Supreme Court cases that are examples of young people who tested the legal limits on issues ranging from free speech to the death penalty.
Calling All Cell Phone Users: Katz v. United States
Legal landmarks have a lot to teach about contemporary issues. Katz v. United States is a 1967 Supreme Court wiretapping decision that can stimulate discussion today about domestic surveillance, and even the use of cell phones in public places.
Hanging Out and the Fourth Amendment: A Student Supreme Court Simulation
In this Supreme Court simulation, students examine a Fourth Amendment situation they may face in their own neighborhoods as they revisit the Supreme Court's 2000 decision in Illinois v. Wardlow.
For Elementary and Middle School Students: Finding the Balance
This Constitution activity stimulates critical thinking and consensus building by setting the stage for student justices to find a balance between individual liberties and public safety.