Judge Quattlebaum speaks to students in Greenville County, SC.
Courts4Civics spotlights judges throughout the Fourth Circuit who have participated in civics education outreach. We recently interviewed Judge Quattlebaum about his experience.
How have you participated in civics education outreach?
My involvement in civics education outreach relates to my volunteer work for the YMCA of Greenville, SC. Having completed serving as chair of the Y’s board, I continue to look for ways to serve that organization. The Y has a Youth
in Government program that I thought would be a good fit for civics education. Through that program, I worked with the Y to identify schools that were interested in having me speak on civics education, focusing on our judicial system. Last year, I
spoke to five different high schools in Greenville County. The schools themselves were economically diverse, with some located in more economically prosperous areas of the county and others situated in less prosperous areas. At some schools,
I spoke to only one class. At others, I spoke to multiple classes. These classes ranged from standard grade-level courses, such as ninth grade history, to advanced placement courses, such as AP Government.
Do you have any memorable moments or feedback from your time meeting with students?
The most memorable aspect of my civics education experience, and my most pleasant surprise, has been the students’ participation level. From the standard classes to the advanced placement classes, I have found that the students really enjoy
sharing their thoughts about our legal system.
What key message do you hope to share with the students
My primary message centers on the role of judges in our government. Judges apply and interpret laws impartially, neutrally and fairly. Judges are not politicians in robes attempting to advance specific agendas or cater to certain constituents. As
judges, we decide the cases before us based on the law and facts of the case, not our personal preferred outcomes. I emphasize that I have made decisions that I might not personally prefer because the law compelled me to. Other
judges with whom I work do the same thing, striving to ensure that justice is administered according to the law, not anyone’s personal opinions.
Why do you view education about civics and the judicial system as important for students?
As James Madison famously said at our founding, the judicial branch of our government lacks the power of the purse or sword. It depends on the public’s confidence. It seems that all too often, politicians and the media portray the judicial
system as political. I think the public is getting the wrong message. I think it’s important for students to understand that judges take an oath to follow the law, and not their political preferences, in making decisions. And
it’s important for judges to uphold that oath. If judges do not, or if the public thinks they do not, the trust in our judicial system will erode—and with it, the rule of law, which is so important in our country.
Do you have any tips for other judges participating in future civics education outreach?
Many courts and legal organizations have helpful materials for civics education. For example, the Fourth Circuit has excellent resources that provide a great place to start and make teaching civics education an easy lift. But I prefer to talk
about my own experience with the legal system and to try to connect it with what students might have experienced. I also try to foster discussion during my presentations, as opposed to giving a speech or lecture. I have found that, if
presented effectively, what we as judges do is interesting to the public, including high school students.
How is involvement in civics education rewarding for judges? It’s very rewarding. My work in civics education has generated optimism about our future. High school students know so much more than I knew at their age.
And, at least in my experience, the students are eager to listen to and discuss issues related to our judicial system. I’ve had a lot of fun speaking about civics at high schools in Greenville County. This coming school year, I am
looking forward to visiting additional schools as I work with the Y to broaden the civics education program.
A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., is a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Prior to his appointment to the Fourth Circuit, Judge Quattlebaum served as a United States district court judge for the District of South Carolina. Before joining the federal bench, Judge Quattlebaum was a partner of the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. While in private practice, Judge Quattlebaum was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He remains a judicial member of both organizations. Judge Quattlebaum has also served as President of the South Carolina Bar.
If you or someone you know is a "Civics Champion," please reach out to be featured in a future newsletter: civics@ca4.uscourts.gov.