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

Dayton Student Justice Institute

On July 20 and 21, 2026, 43 high school students from Ohio’s Miami Valley attended the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio’s third annual Dayton Student Justice Institute (DSJI). The DSJI is a civics court seminar where students are immersed in criminal and civil law, constitutional issues, and instructed in the civility practiced in federal courts nationally. This year, students heard presentations from United States District and Magistrate Judges, the Clerk of Court, federal prosecutors and public defenders (including the United States Attorney and the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio), federal agents, U.S. Deputy Marshals, Pretrial Services Officers, and faculty and the Dean of the University of Dayton School of Law.

“The Dayton Student Justice Institute is one of the very best outreach programs our District Court offers,” United States District Judge Michael J. Newman said. “We teach the high school students not only about the workings of civil and criminal cases but also about the importance of civility and constitutional concepts such as due process.”

During the first day, where presentations were focused on criminal law, the students learned about federal criminal prosecution and defense, various tools of federal criminal investigations, arrests and the role of the United States Marshals Service, Fourth Amendment rights, the role of Pretrial Services and the process of drafting a Pretrial Services Report (including observing a mock interview), preliminary criminal proceedings (including observing a mock initial appearance, arraignment and detention hearing), and the factors that can influence whether a case ends in a plea agreement or a trial, as well as sentencing considerations.

The second day focused primarily on civil law and procedure. The presenters discussed various pathways to citizenship, the role of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, how civil cases come to federal court, and freedom of speech under the First Amendment. Students also observed a naturalization ceremony by United States District Judge Walter H. Rice and had the opportunity to make First Amendment appellate arguments before a panel of federal judges.

“It’s an honor to participate in the Dayton Student Justice Institute,” said United States Magistrate Judge Peter Silvain, Jr., who organized this year’s program. Judge Silvain noted that “in addition to providing the students with a basis to understand the work of the federal courts, the DSJI provides them a chance to interact with the Court’s judicial officers, attorneys and professionals and seek guidance in considering whether a legal career would be a path they are interested in pursuing.”

Modeled after some of the pioneering civics programs undertaken in federal courts across the country, including the Eastern District of New York’s long-standing program, the Southern District of Ohio’s Student Justice Institute has continued to expand its reach, with students from more than 18 school districts participating this year.

“We are grateful to the local high school students and to the Southern District’s judges, who uniformly support this important program,” United States Magistrate Judge Caroline Gentry said. The organizers of the DSJI—Judges Newman, Silvain and Gentry—thank Chief United States District Judge Sarah D. Morrison for her strong continued support of this civics initiative.

Dayton Civics Court Camp - July 22-23, 2025

Here’s a photo from our Dayton Civics Court Camp – yesterday, day one – the criminal day. Today is the civil day. It was a very successful undertaking and I was honored to be part of it!

Law & Leadership

On Monday, July 7, 2025, the Bankruptcy Court in Dayton hosted a group of high school students participating in the Law & Leadership Institute to discuss the bankruptcy system and becoming a bankruptcy judge. Also participating were former Bankruptcy Judge Guy Humphrey (now Master Docent of historic courthouse tours, which he gave afterward), Chapter 13 Trustee John Jansing, Chapter 13 Trustee’s Counsel Erin Renneker, Attorney Walter Reynolds (Porter Wright), and Kelly Johnson (Coolidge Wall).

Eastern District of Kentucky Civics Education and Outreach

On June 25, 2025, the Eastern District of Kentucky hosted a contingent of Laurel County students in London, KY. The students toured the courthouse, heard from the Chief Probation Officer, visited the US Marshals, and explored the courtroom space.