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When U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts speaks with students about the Judiciary, she sees future jurors, judges, lawyers, lawmakers, and – most importantly – engaged young adults who have a stake in the nation’s legal system.

“In these conversations, judges and lawyers are well-positioned to model and teach civil discourse skills that we use every day in courtrooms across the country,” said Counts, who serves in the Western District of Missouri. “Legal skills are life skills that students can take with them into many different settings, now and into the future.”

Some 800 students in Kansas City, Missouri, participated in recent conversations about the Constitution with federal judges and attorneys, as a part of the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) annual Civics Day.

Sept. 4 marked the fourth Civics Day, an FBA event offered to public schools in the city that is hosting the association’s annual meeting.

“We, as lawyers, are thankful to be invited into the schools when students are trying to understand contemporary legal issues and the impact of the Constitution on their lives,” said Danielle Atchison, the FBA chapter member in charge of organizing this year’s Civics Day.

Federal judges and attorneys from across the nation gathered at local high schools to facilitate candid conversations about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and their impact on the daily lives of students. Students also shared their questions, opinions, and perspectives on current issues. 

“Students come prepared with thought-provoking questions and comments that invite us to drill down into issues of concern to them,” said Andrew Loewenstein, a West Palm Beach, Florida attorney, and the national point person for the event, which started in 2020. “They want to share their opinions and ask questions about the Constitution and the federal courts.” 

In December, federal judges, attorney volunteers, and court professionals also will visit classrooms, virtually and in-person, throughout the country to lead students in candid conversations programs in recognition of Bill of Rights Day, which is Dec. 15. To request a candid conversations program from a nearby federal courthouse, contact the federal courts’ national educational outreach manager, Rebecca Fanning.

Visit the educational resources section for additional programs and activities.

Related Topics: Public Education