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

Teachers Law School Chattanooga

A total of 14 teachers around the area participated in the Teacher Law School program on November 14, 2019. Judge Curtis L. Collier spoke to the group about Federal Courts. The teachers observed several sentencing hearings before Judge Travis McDonough. One of the highlights of the program for the teachers was the opportunity to participate in a mock voir dire presided over by Judge McDonough. The teachers participated as members of the jury pool. AUSA Kyle Wilson (former law clerk to Judge Mattice) represented the government. Clay Whittaker (CJA panel attorney) represented Defendant Travis Thompson (current career law clerk to Judge McDonough). Following the voir dire event, the group had a Q&A with Judge McDonough and Judge Lee about things they observed during the hearings and mock voir dire. Professor Kody Cooper from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga campus also gave a presentation to the group on Judicial Supremacy and its Challengers.

Lincoln Memorial Duncan School of Law

Judge Newman Speaking to Dayton Public School Students

This October and November, Judge Newman and his chambers staff are speaking to Dayton Public School students from all six DPS high schools. Here, Judge Newman and his career law clerk Mike Rhinehart pose with DPS students from the David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center along with Kelvin Glover from U.S. Probation and Marie Sebatware from U.S. Pretrial Services.

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.”