Increasing public understanding of the justice system is central to the mission of the American Judicature Society. As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (Ret.) noted in a recent article, “the long-term solution to the politicization of the judiciary process is education.”

Here you will find information about outstanding materials and innovative models for educational programs, updates about new and noteworthy efforts, and links to additional resources.  If your organization offers educational programs on the judiciary that should be considered for inclusion here, please contact us.
 

Public Education Spotlight

Local Bar Creates Website on Oregon Courts The Multnomah Bar Association has created a new website aimed at informing citizens about Oregon courts, preserving the impartiality of the judiciary, and opposing potential threats to the justice system. The website currently highlights the impact that two proposed statewide tax measures would have on Oregon courts. Click here to view past Public Education Spotlight programs.

What's New in Public Education

New Lesson Plan on Judicial Independence AJS is pleased to announce the availability of the third lesson plan in its High School Curriculum on the Judiciary. The new lesson plan—Judicial Independence—helps students understand the concept of “judicial independence,” why it is important for our courts, and how it can be threatened. Funding for the development of the High School Curriculum on the Judiciary was provided by the Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence.  Click here to view the new lesson.