WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Welcome to "Connections: You, Your Courts, Your Democracy," the civics and outreach site of the federal courts of the Sixth Circuit. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens and of the workings of government. Our goal for this site is to make it easier for you to learn about the role of the federal courts in the democracy we all share, as well as the role of every citizen in the operation of the courts. We also hope it helps you connect with your federal courts on matters of civics education.
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Welcome Video from Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr.

 

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Constitution Day: University of Dayton hosts Court for Naturalization Ceremony – September 18, 2025

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio presided over a naturalization ceremony on Sept. 18, 2025, where 20 people from 14 countries became United States citizens.

United States District Court Judge Michael J. Newman presided over the ceremony while Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth A.  Ellis, and retired Ohio Second District Court of Appeals Judge Mary E. Donovan also attended and spoke. 

Constitution Day 2025: It is “We The People” Who Make It Work

Each September 17, our nation pauses to recognize Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787.  It is a day not just for lawyers, judges, or politicians–it is a day for all citizens.  The beginning of the Constitution affirms this.  The first three words of the Constitution read, “We the People.”  Those three words are not ceremonial, nor put there as mere place holders.  They are at the very heart of the representative republic established by the Con

Constitution Day: Court Hosts Ceremony at Miami University

Ninety-seven people from 42 countries were sworn in as new citizens on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Miami University in celebration of Constitution Day.

The ceremony started with the singing of the national anthem and God Bless America by the Miami University Men’s Glee Club. 

Read the full article on the Southern District of Ohio website.

Clermont Northeastern High School hosts Naturalization

About 60 new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance and became United States citizens during a ceremony held at Clermont Northeastern High School on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Read the full article on the Southern District of Ohio website.

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DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCES

Distance Learning Resources

For teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and other adults who work with high school students, the federal courts’ Law Day resources are designed for the distance learning space to engage students in thoughtful discussion on the fundamentals of a society based on the rule of law. More...

In communities forced to quarantine because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), social studies teachers are venturing into the distance learning space and parents are seeking ways to keep homebound teenagers constructively occupied. More...

Civics Education

Civics Education

Citizens' understanding of the fundamentals of civic rights and responsibilities of individuals and the history and functions of our government, including the role of the courts, helps to strengthen our democracy and the rule of law.
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Courthouse Visits

Civics Education

We encourage school groups and community organizations to visit our courthouses to learn firsthand about the work of the court from the judges and staff of the courts. Listen to our judges discuss their vital role in our government.
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Civics Ceremonies

Civics Education

At the recommendation of the Sixth Circuit Civics and Outreach Committee that all district courts in the circuit establish Civics and Outreach committees, the Eastern District of Tennessee established its Civics and Outreach Committee.
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Court Shorts

Civics Education

Video series explaining the United States Court system.
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