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U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui’s bright neon Nike sneakers and colorful bow ties consistently catch the attention of the countless students he meets with, but it’s the open dialogue he fosters that broadens their perspectives about the legal system and the role of the Judiciary.

“Young people have real concerns about the Judiciary, particularly the criminal justice system,” said Faruqui, who sits on the federal bench in D.C. “Judges, attorneys, and non-attorney court professionals have the opportunity and, I believe, the responsibility to address the issues they raise. Without information, the students are susceptible to misinformation and stereotypes.”

Judges across the country are engaging with students of all backgrounds to deepen their understanding of the court system and teach them valuable legal and life skills through the Judiciary’s national program, Candid Conversations.

During the discussions, students share their questions, opinions, and perspectives on current issues as a part of the program. Their thought-provoking questions are not answered with platitudes or soundbites. Judges take a collaborative approach, asking students for their opinions and feelings as they work through complex issues together.

Faruqui embraces the candid aspect of the conversation to meet students where they are. He speaks about coping with his father’s sudden death while he was in high school, and how his mother, a community college graduate, bravely raised him on her own while twice battling cancer.

“There was a time when I could not have imagined sharing such personal stories about myself with rooms of people I don’t know,” Faruqui said. “But I find being open and honest about my upbringing and eventual path to the bench humanizes the Judiciary and breaks through students’ preconceived notions of who can join our team, be it as a judge, probation officer, IT specialist, accountant, etc. There is no one set path.”

Throughout December, federal judges, attorney volunteers, and court professionals across the country will visit classrooms, virtually and in-person, to help students discover the impact of the Bill of Rights on their lives in recognition of Bill of Rights Day, which is Dec. 15.

The Bill of Rights Day Candid Conversations program centers on a three-minute discussion-starter video, “Students Sound Off About the Bill of Rights,” which sets the stage for students’ questions and comments.

To request a high school visit for 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