Federal Courts’ Report on Civics Education Showcases Opportunities for FBA Chapters

A timely report on civics education initiatives by the federal courts, often with the vital participation of Federal Bar Association volunteers, is a must-read for chapters that want to participate in and support the federal judiciary’s educational outreach efforts in their communities.

The document summarizes observations and insights from the National Conference on Civic Education and the Federal Courts convened by Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann, of the Second Circuit, and James C. Duff, the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

The Report on the National Conference on Civic Education and the Federal Courts  summarizes the one-day gathering of 138 attendees, that included federal judges, three Associate Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, senior judiciary staff, representatives of civics education organizations, bar association leaders, law school deans, and academics. Participants shared best practices, innovative programs, and timely, ready-to-go resources designed to improve the nation’s understanding of and confidence in the federal courts.

The FBA’s past president, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Newman (2016-2017), was among the participants who shared programs for courtrooms and classrooms and explored collaborative possibilities for improving the public’s court and Constitutional literacy. The relationship Newman forged between the FBA and the federal courts around civics education continues to bear fruit as the judiciary’s national Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions initiative enters its fourth year, now in the distance-learning environment.

“The conference brought together judges and bar leaders who are passionate about teaching and motivating the next generation of engaged citizens who will serve willingly on juries when called, who will use civil discourse skills to resolve disputes, and who will join us in the journey toward justice,” Newman said.

To institutionalize the FBA’s support, Newman established a network of civics liaisons in chapters across the country that courts can call on for assistance with their educational outreach endeavors. One of those programs is the federal courts’ Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program for high school and college students that now has been adapted for the distance-learning space.

“FBA chapters are pivotal to the success of our Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program,” said U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom, of Miami. She and U.S. District Court Judge Robin Rosenberg, of West Palm Beach, pioneered the national program in partnership with chapters in the Southern District of Florida. Attorney volunteers from the South Florida, Broward County, and Palm Beach County chapters stepped up to make the program work.

“The program gives students exposure, not only to judges who care about them, but to lawyers who are excellent examples of the legal profession and role models for civil discourse and rational decision-making,” said Rosenberg. “The connection we are able to make with the students breaks through stereotypes and misinformation.”

Click here for more information on civics outreach and to learn how judges and lawyers are bringing these life skills to the virtual classrooms.

Photo Caption: Second Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert A. Katzmann welcomes 138 judiciary and non-judiciary participants, including the FBA, to the first National Conference on Civic Education and the Federal Judiciary. Photo:  New York Law Journal

About the FBA

Founded in 1920, the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law. Our more than 16,000 members run the gamut of federal practice: attorneys practicing in small to large legal firms, attorneys in corporations and federal agencies, and members of the judiciary. The FBA is the catalyst for communication between the bar and the bench, as well as the private and public sectors. Visit us at fedbar.org to learn more.