Education Outreach

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Educational Outreach

Helping the public understand the judicial system is an important goal for the Maryland Judiciary. To help reach that goal, the Maryland Judiciary offers a number of services designed to let you know exactly what occurs in the judicial system, including:

The Maryland Judiciary’s Constitution Day Web page – Constitution Day is celebrated each year on September 17 to commemorate the date of the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. Schools that receive federal funding are required, by law, to observe the day. Visit this page to learn more about our system of government and the Constitution of the United States.

The Maryland Judiciary's Bill of Rights Day Web page: The first 10 amendments to our Constitution – what we know as the Bill of Rights – were ratified by December 15, 1791. Discover more by visiting these educational links.

COURTROOM TOURS: One of the best ways of understanding a courtroom is by watching a trial unfold in person. Tours are available for groups looking for such an experience. These tours can include visiting the local District or Circuit. There are also opportunities to sit in on an appellate case heard in front of the Court of Special Appeals or the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. Also, opportunities to speak with a judge about the judicial process can be arranged. For more information, please contact the Court Information Office at 410-260-1488.

SCHOOLS IN THE COURTS PROGRAM - Twice a year, Anne Arundel County District Court Judge Vincent A. Mulieri opens his courtroom to area students as part of a three-hour program designed to educate students about the legal system while warning them about the consequences of making the wrong choices – namely drinking and driving, drug use, and other crimes. After watching live, unscripted cases, the students have the opportunity to discuss such issues with community leaders, judges and actual drunk driving offenders about making proper decisions in life.

MOCK TRIAL IN THE CLASSROOM: Teachers looking to offer students a unique perspective of the judicial process can download all the materials they need to stage a 1-2 day mock criminal jury trial in their classroom. For middle and high school students, a mock trial affords a look inside a courtroom and a better understanding of how our justice system operates.

The trial provides roles both large and small for 17-35 students. The names and circumstances of State of Maryland v. Chris Smith are made up, but the issues are real, the problems facing the jury are realistic, and a judge has reviewed the trial to ensure that it accurately portrays what happens in a courtroom. In addition to teaching what happens during a trial, it should provide plenty of discussion topics about the law, the legal system and the constitutional rights of individuals. Most important, it allows students to confront the same kinds of decisions that citizens face when they serve on juries; weighing facts and arguments and trying to make the right decision about the innocence or guilt of a defendant. For more information see the Mock Jury Trial site, or if you have any questions, email the Court Information Office or phone at 410-260-1488.

2008 Mock Trial Championship

American Judicature Society's High School Curriculum on the Judiciary, a two-lesson unit for high school seniors. One lesson, The Supreme Court, involves research and students role playing U. S. Supreme Court justices, their clerks, and opposing attorneys. The second lesson, Court Procedure, requires students to role play witnesses, attorneys, detectives, CSI team members, jurors, a court clerk, journalist, photographer, and others.

MARYLAND JUDICIARY SPEAKERS BUREAU: The Speakers Bureau provides the Judiciary with a vehicle to effectively communicate openly with most community groups, including civic organizations, professional associations and schools. Some ideas for topics include:
Alternative Dispute Resolution • The Appeals Process • Bail Review • Domestic Violence • Traffic Court • Sentencing In Maryland • Jury Trials • Judge’s Role in a Civil Case • Judicial Independence • Juveniles in Court • Branded D.U.I • Partners in Justice

The Speakers' Bureau will match your request with the judge and/or court official that best matches the topic or area of interest to your audience. However, judges are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct, and therefore, are unable to address certain matters, such as pending litigation.

You may use the Speaker Request Form when requesting a judge or court official to speak at your engagement or event. When making a request, be sure to include the following information:

Your name, address and phone number
Name, date, time, location and brief description of the event
Name, address, phone number and brief description of the organization
Audience profile and size of the audience expected
Will there be any political, commercial or fundraising purpose of the presentation
Speech topics and length desired
Request for a specific speaker
Audio/visual equipment can/cannot be provided

Your request for a speaker can be sent by fax, mail, email or phone to:
Maryland Judiciary Speakers Bureau
Court Information Office
Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeals Building
361 Rowe Blvd.
Annapolis, Md. 21401
fax at 410-974-5291
phone at 410-260-1488
email at Court Information Office (cio@courts.state.md.us)

KIDS PAGE: The Kids’ Page web site offers an interactive lesson illustrating the various parts and roles of the court system in language designed to reach students in grades K-8.