Public Outreach and Communications – Annual Report 2024

Focus on Court Literacy and Understanding

Throughout 2024, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) offered a portfolio of programs that courts could modify and customize to meet the needs and interests of their communities. The programs are aimed at preserving public trust and confidence in the federal courts and enhancing the public’s understanding of their role in American democracy.

The programs are interactive, providing opportunities for students and members of the public to engage with judges, attorney volunteers, and court professionals in courtrooms, classrooms, and community spaces. Programs were offered to students from middle school through law school and to adults enrolled in community colleges and lifelong learning programs. The objectives are to have participants learn and practice legal skills as life skills – civil discourse and deliberation, question formulation, and evidence-based decision making. Classroom- and courtroom-ready programs and resources that are compatible with national social studies standards and best practices are available on the Judiciary’s public website, uscourts.gov. 

In an effort to bring communities into the courts, a growing number of federal courts have established learning centers with programming for all ages. Recent additions planned or recently opened are in Boston, MA, Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, and the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. These sites join a network of centers established in courthouses in St. Louis, MO, Sacramento, CA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, IN.

Courts around the country also offer programming for Constitution-related observances including Law Day in May, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day in September, and Bill of Rights Day in December. The AO’s Bill of Rights Day Program is led by a judge, attorney volunteer, and a non-attorney court employee visiting a classroom to teach students about the daily impact of the Bill of Rights on their lives and careers in the courts.

To deepen students’ exposure to the legal community and law-related careers, courts have established summer programs that range from one day to several weeks, some of which include internship and mentorship components. Teachers’ institutes invite educators into courts for behind-the-scenes engagement that offers insights and understanding beyond textbook knowledge.

Outreach Through Video Storytelling

To deepen students’ exposure to the legal community and law-related careers, courts have established summer programs that range from one day to several weeks, some of which include internship and mentorship components. Teachers’ institutes invite educators into courts for behind-the-scenes engagement that offers insights and understanding beyond textbook knowledge.

The AO produced several video and narrative projects in 2024 that highlighted the stories of judges and court leaders. This work underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to representation and inclusion. 

Moments in History: Mendez v. Westminster

To mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, a new Moments in History video focused on the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster. The case involved 8-year-old Sylvia Mendez and her family’s fight against school segregation, helping to pave the way for the Supreme Court’s historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling.  

Judge Raymond Lohier’s Story for Black History Month  

For African American Heritage Month, Second Circuit Judge Raymond Lohier shared his compelling journey to the federal bench. He reflected on his immigrant background, the influence of his culture, and the importance of diverse perspectives in ensuring fairness. 

Judge Aleta Trauger’s Story for Women’s History Month  

For Women’s History Month, Judge Aleta Trauger, of the Middle District of Tennessee, recounted her trailblazing career and commitment to justice and equality.

Judge Sunshine Sykes for Native American History Month

For Native American History Month, California Central District Judge Sunshine Sykes, a member of the Navajo Nation, discussed her mentorship of Rose Saubel, a Native American intern in her chambers. Saubel said that Sykes inspired her to dream bigger.