Civics Education | CONNECTIONS

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. Our civic education initiative supports educational institutions and other community organizations in developing age-appropriate interactive and engaging learning experiences.

With advance notice, we welcome court visits from school groups, mentorship program participants, and community groups throughout the Sixth Circuit, as well as dialogue on how we can assist educators in enhancing civic education. Civic education opportunities are potentially available every week day (other than national holidays).

In connection with court visits by classes, internship and mentorship programs, and in special programs for educators, we facilitate and assist in providing civic education training on the administration and development of the law, to high school students enrolled in law-focused courses, public school students enrolled in general social studies courses, and teachers in professional development programs.

In promoting these goals, we work closely with public entities, community groups and professional organizations. We look forward to expanding our civics education work and partnerships throughout the circuit.

Dayton Civics Initiative Takes Flight - Read More

Justice for All

A group of 20 high school students and chaperones from Gibbs High School participated in this bi-annual outreach activity. The program began with a tour of the History Suite and courthouse followed by a panel discussion by local attorneys, law students and law school deans. The panelist responded to questions and shared with the students the path that lead them to a career in law. The students were provided lunch with the judges and panelist where they had an opportunity to speak one on one and learn more about their career path in law. Following lunch, the students participated in a mock trial followed by a panel discussion with Chief District Judge Pamela L. Reeves, Senior District Judge Curtis L. Collier, U. S. Bankruptcy Judge Suzanne H. Bauknight and U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Clifford Shirley, Jr. The panel discussion was entitled “If I Can Do It.”

Judge Michael Newman Meets Five Points Elementary Students

On November 7, 2018, Judge Newman and his law clerks Mike Rhinehart and Taylor Gamm met with multiple third grade classes at Five Points Elementary School in Springboro, Ohio. They discussed the three branches of government, the role of a federal judge, and civil versus criminal cases. Here, Judge Newman, Mr. Rhinehart, and Ms. Gamm pose with Ms. Loch's third grade class.

Federal Judges Teach Other Federal Judges About Civics Education

The success of the National Civics Initiative has led Judges from within the Sixth Circuit being asked to teach other federal judges how best to educate students and adults about civics and the workings of the federal courts and three branches of government. In April 2018, and again in July 2018, Judge Michael Newman (from the Southern District of Ohio), Rebecca Fanning (from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts), Judge Shaniek Maynard (from the Southern District of Florida), and Judge Kristen Mix (from the District of Colorado) spoke together at the national Magistrate Judges Workshops in New Orleans and Denver.

Judge Michael Newman Meets Tipp City High School Students

Judge Michael J. Newman of the Southern District of Ohio with Career Law Clerk Michael Rhinehart and Teacher Randy Sentman during a visit by Judge Newman and Mr. Rhinehart to Mr. Sentman's high school civics class in Tipp City, Ohio on March 20, 2018. Judge Newman and Mr. Rhinehart met with multiple different civics classes taught by Mr. Sentman to teach the students about a number of topics including the importance of the Federal Courts; the workings of the three branches of government; and the manner in which Federal Judges apply the law fairly and appropriately to decide complicated disputes.