THE MARYLAND CIVICS AND LAW ACADEMY engages young people of middle school and high school age in Law and Justice learning about law and society. The purpose of the Academy is to prepare young people Participants examine the nature to be participants in our democratic society. and function of law in society and, In an Academy, knowledgeable, civically in particular, in American society. Civics active judges, legal professionals and They explore the ideal of justice, the educators share their expertise, experience, relationship of law to justice, and and enthusiasm for civic engagement with the operation of legal institutions. and Law young participants. Power and Empowerment Academy Why Civics and Law? Participants are introduced to the concept of power in politics Academies are designed to develop civic and government, focusing on the competency, which requires knowledge United States. Participants explore about law. Understanding of law and legal the purpose, authority, and limits issues is essential to understanding the of political power. Looking at functioning of government, culture, and power in the context of democratic society. By participating in an Academy, government, they consider how young people gain the knowledge, skills, “we the people” can be politically and values needed to function effectively engaged and empowered to in our pluralistic, democratic society participate in civic life. based on the rule of law.

Instruction The Academy provides participants with a minimum of eight (8) hours of curricular focus. Sessions will be scheduled according to the needs of the sponsors and instructors.

Judges may choose from six (6) different people in learning about law and societyEngaging young legal areas to explore issues of law and Maryland Judiciary civic participation within their curriculum, Offi ce of Communications developed by the American Bar Association. and Public Affairs mdcourts.gov/communications These areas are: 410-260-1488 OCPA 10/2010 Civics and Law Academy Rights and Responsibilities

Participants explore the concept of Constitutions and Constitutionalism individual rights and the challenges Participants examine the ideal of consti- in protecting and guaranteeing such tutionalism, the general principle that the rights. It identifies basic political and authority of government derives from the individual rights secured under the people and is limited by law, and the actual U.S. Constitution and the reciprocity of practices of constitutional governments. It rights and responsibilities, such as those contemplates how and why the U.S. Con- related to voting. stitution has changed over time and has been interpreted by the federal courts and American Identity and Pluralism amended through constitutionally estab- lished procedures. Participants also analyze Participants seek answers to the institutions and political/legal processes questions, such as “What does it critical to sustaining American civil society mean to be an American?” “What under the rule of law. does it mean to be a citizen?” “How is American identity forged in the context of a complex pluralistic Freedom and Equality society?” They examine how the legal standards and political ideals Power and Empowerment Participants explore two fundamental, enshrined in America’s founding highly cherished principles of American Law and Justice documents and symbols help form constitutional democracy—freedom and that identity. They also explore the Identity and Pluralism equality. ways the diverse values and beliefs Freedom and Equality Participants examine how the principles Americans hold influence our sense of Rights and Responsibilities are related. They study how individuals and national identity and the core norms Constitutions and Constitutionalism groups have secured freedom and equality of civil society. under law, which has sometimes involved using the law to challenge the status quo.

The Academy’s partners include the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association and the Citizenship Law-Related Education Program for the Schools of Maryland (CLREP ).

The Civics and Law Academy is an important toolneeded to promote public understanding of the courts and, thus, to a means of increasing the public’s trust and confi dence in the administration of justice. Judges are needed to volunteer to conduct sessions. To volunteer or for more information, contact the Offi ce of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488. PARTNERS