Courts in the Classroom
Supreme Court of Indiana
Division of State Court Administration
30 S. Meridian Street, Ste 500
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dr. Elizabeth R. Osborn
Coordinator for
Public History and
Education Programs

Pho: 317.233.8682
elizabeth.osborn@courts.IN.gov

Sarah Kidwell
Outreach Coordinator

Pho: 317.234.3055
sarah.kidwell@courts.IN.gov

 

2011 Outstanding Public
History Project Award
from the National Council
on Public History

More Awards

Courts in the Classroom > Lesson Plans & Materials > 2013 Civic Education Workshop 2013 Civic Education Workshop

Background

The release of Indiana's Civic Health Index showcased how important civic knowledge is to the development of active citizens, and how few civic education opportunities are available to most teachers and students.

The Indiana Supreme Court is committed to helping educators identify curriculum materials that will help fill this gap.  In April 2012, the Court hosted its first civic education teacher workshop.  That workshop focused on the free materials developed by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s iCivics project.
 
On Friday April 12, 2013, the Court will hold its second annual workshop.  This year’s program will focus on civic education material developed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).  The materials are called collectively, the “Justice Case Files."

Justice Case Files

A part of the National Center’s mission is to educate the public about how the courts work.  The graphic novels, called Justice Case Files, engage the reader while giving insight into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public, and why courts are so important to a democratic society.Justice Case Files
 
The story lines and content were developed by judges, court administrators, and other legal professionals.  Two Virginia social studies teachers developed comprehensive lesson plans for each of the first three books.

  • The Case of Internet Piracy, which weaves together two story lines — one civil and one criminal — to teach students and adults about downloading music and eminent domain.
  • The Case of Identity Theft, in which readers follow the Garcia family who has fallen victim to an Internet phishing scheme, and learn how the courts can protect victims of identity theft.  
  • The Case of Jury Duty, By following the story of Matthew Foley, an 18-year-old who has been summoned for jury service; readers learn about serving on a jury, how the jury helps keep courts accountable, and how our society benefits from the right to a jury trial. 

Workshop

The Court is planning this year’s Indiana civic education workshop for Friday, April 12, 2013.

The workshop will take place at the Indiana State House from about 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Participants will meet representatives from the National Center, explore each of the 3 graphic novels, create lessons using the materials, and meet with judges and lawyers to plan classroom activities.  Lunch is included.  In addition, representatives from local civic education organizations will be in attendance to distribute educational materials.  Professional Growth Point certificates will be mailed following the program.

To register for the civic education workshop, please contact Dr. Elizabeth R. Osborn, Assistant to the Chief Justice for Court History and Public Education at elizabeth.osborn@courts.IN.gov or (317) 233-8682.  Registration for the workshop will close on Friday, March 15.

Sponsors

Indiana Bar Foundation Logo   National Center for State Courts Logo

Photo Gallery

Resources

Jury Materials

Indiana Civic Education Organizations

Other Sources for Civic Education