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

Judge Preston Deavers Presides Over Final Naturalization Ceremony

A "Nation of Immigrants": Judge Preston Deavers Presides Over Final Naturalization Ceremony

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a courtroom filled with emotion and a sense of pride, United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers presided over her final naturalization ceremony on February 26, 2026.

Naturalization Ceremony in at Archbishop Alter High School

WYSO attended a citizen naturalization ceremony held at Archbishop Alter High School. The ceremonies are sometimes held outside of the courthouse to show how important the occasion is for these new Americans.

 

Read the full article at WYSO.org.

The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Fifth Circuit: Withstanding Public Opinion While Upholding The Constitution

February is Black History Month. In the past, in tribute to Black History Month, we have written on significant historical figures in the federal judiciary or important court cases that contributed to our understanding of Black History. This year, we will take a different tack. We will highlight the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and its role in the civil rights struggle of the 1950s and 1960s.

 

Judicial Restraint: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

One of the ways in which the courts reinforce public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law is judicial restraint. Judicial restraint calls for modesty in judges’ rulings, language, temperament, and official behavior. It requires the exercise of great discipline on the part of the judge.

 

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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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