A National Initiative
SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER
Courtroom simulations for high school and college students
CIVIL DISCOURSE & DIFFICULT DECISIONS
A unique opportunity for students to experience civil discourse and difficult decision making.
Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions is a national initiative of the federal courts that brings high school and college students into federal courthouses for legal proceedings that stem from situations in which law-abiding young people can find themselves. These court hearings (not mock trials) are realistic simulations. In some cases, all students serve as jurors who listen to the student attorneys’ arguments, then actively deliberate in the courtroom. Students are jurors in Elonis v. U.S. and New Jersey v. TLO. In other cases, all students serve as judges who ask questions of the student attorneys, then have a case conference to come to a decision. Students are judges in Tinker v. Des Moines.
The Five Differentiators of this Program.
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The Courtroom Experience is a Realistic Hearing on a Timely Issue
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The Focus is on Jury Deliberations Involving All Students and Learning Styles
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Students Observe, Learn, Practice Civil Discourse Skills with a Judge and Lawyers
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Participants Analyze Everyday Decisions That Could Have Long-Term Consequences
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Students Have a Candid Conversation with a Judge on Any Topic of Concern
Celebrating The Bill of Rights Birthday with Elementary 5th Grade
Each year we celebrate the Bill of Rights Birthday in our local elementary schools.
Roles & Resources
TIME COMMITMENT
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LEARNING OBJECTIVE
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Consulting
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