2018 is the 229th anniversary of the creation of the federal courts. What difference do they make in the daily lives of law-abiding teens? From that first check of the mobile device in the morning to the last newscast at night, decisions made in federal courts touch every aspect of daily life. Who are the judges making the decisions? How are they selected? What is their job description? What is an impartial judiciary? How was the federal court system created?
The First Amendment and Teens
What does the First Amendment mean in the lives of teens? Over the years, the Supreme Court has struggled with First Amendment issues to determine what constitutes protected speech and, in particular, the speech of students. These activities, which engage all learning styles, apply Supreme Court precedents to relatable, teen scenarios. The modified trial simulations have been well tested in federal courtrooms. The resources are ready for immediate use in courtrooms and classrooms.
The Fourth Amendment and Teens
What does the Fourth Amendment mean in the lives of teens? When they are driving? When they are using their cell phone? When they are at a house party? The Supreme Court has found that it is not a guarantee against all searches and seizures, but only those that are deemed unreasonable under law. These activities, which engage all learning styles, apply Supreme Court precedents to relatable, teen scenarios. The resources are ready for immediate use in courtrooms and classrooms
The Sixth Amendment and Teens
What does the Sixth Amendment mean in the lives of teens? Landmark Supreme Court decisions have made the Sixth Amendment relevant to high school students, whether they become future jurors or defendants. These activities, which engage all learning styles, apply Supreme Court precedents to relatable, teen scenarios. The resources, which have been well tested in federal courtrooms across the country, are ready for immediate use in courtrooms and classrooms with no additional preparation.
Pathways to the Bench: African American History Month
Video profiles of seven African American federal judges, who overcame obstacles on their paths to the bench, are featured on the federal courts’ website. In their inspirational first-person narratives, they recount the challenges they faced growing up and offer uplifting insights. The four-minute videos are part of the federal courts’ Pathways to the Bench series.
Pathways to the Bench: Hispanic Heritage Month
The federal courts honor Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15, by recognizing individuals who have made contributions to our country and inspire others to succeed. U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria G. Valdez, of the Illinois Northern District Court in Chicago, advises others who face challenges to keep going even when they don’t think they can succeed.
U.S. Courts: Women’s History Month
The federal courts observe Women’s History Month by celebrating women’s education and accomplishments. Find inspiring profiles of women who made federal court history and inspired others to succeed and watch first-person videos of contemporary women who serve on the federal bench today.
Outreach and Primary Sources: Judges in the Classroom
These original, courtroom-ready and classroom-ready resources are the centerpiece of the federal courts’ national and local educational outreach to high school students and their teachers. They simplify complex concepts and motivate participants to serve on juries willingly when called.
Roper v. Simmons (2005), High School
Does the Eighth Amendment prohibit the execution of juveniles who commit capital crimes prior to turning 18 years of age? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.
Roper v. Simmons (2005), Middle School
Does the Eighth Amendment prohibit the execution of juveniles who commit capital crimes prior to turning 18 years of age? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.