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

The Ultimate Source Of Law Is The Constitution, Not Current Majority Public Opinion

As discussed in our last article, there is an inherent tension between two of our key democratic principles, the will of the people and the rule of law. Comments to recent news articles in national publications call attention to this tension. One comment read: “We the People seem to have no power at all over the law.” Another read: “The current makeup of the court simply does not reflect majority public opinion on most issues. It is completely out of balance.” And a third: “This is what happens when ordinary people lose faith in Justice under the Law. Eventually, frustrated or misinformed, they take matters into their own untrained yet still angry hands.”

The Public's Will and the Rule of Law

A foundational principle of our democratic republic is that the will of the people is the basis of the government’s authority. This principle is one of the “self-evident” truths in the Declaration of Independence: “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Freedom Is Not Free

We are all familiar with the phrase “freedom is not free.” This often-repeated phrase reminds us that the many freedoms we enjoy in the United States—the most individual freedoms possessed by any citizens in the world—only came about because generations before us paid a price, and in some instances the ultimate price. The price earlier generations paid allows us today to enjoy the many freedoms we too often take for granted.

Judicial Discretion and Federal Sentencing

Judges are bound by the rule of law. But the rule of law is not inflexible. Judicial discretion is the power judges have to exercise their judgment, act based on the evidence before them, and consider the circumstances of individual cases. It enables judges to make decisions based on the facts in front of them and allows for flexibility when the situation calls for it.

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Distance Learning Resources

Students in a distance learning setting

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.

Resources for teachers · Resources for students

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.

Courthouse Visits

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.

Civics Ceremonies

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.

Court Shorts

Video series explaining the United States Court system.