Courts4Civics spotlights judiciary employees throughout the Fourth Circuit who have participated in civics education outreach. We recently interviewed Jasmine Little about her experience.
Tell us about yourself and your civics education outreach?
My name is Jasmine Little, and I am a career law clerk to Magistrate Judge Joi Elizabeth Peake in the Middle District of North Carolina, and serve as the Civics Coordinator for the Middle District of North Carolina’s Civics Initiative. Our Civics Initiative was launched in 2017 as part of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts’ nationwide civics outreach program for middle and high school students. Since then, we have worked with approximately 1,500 students from elementary, middle, high, and law schools in the Middle District of North Carolina. The Civics Initiative provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to participate in hands-on programs at our federal courthouses in Greensboro and Winston-Salem and, if schedules permit, at schools. These programs are designed to broaden and deepen the students’ understanding of the roles of the federal judiciary and the Constitution in their lives and communities.
What are your typical methods of outreach?
I connect with teachers by (1) sending emails to superintendents and social studies coordinators requesting they provide our information to teachers in the school districts in our District; (2) attending teacher development days and doing sample presentations for participating teachers; and (3) asking teachers who have previously attended to share their experience with the program with colleagues. I get a number of inquiries that include a line that essentially says, “My co-worker told me about your civics program, and I would like to find out how to bring my students to participate.”
Can you share any memorable moments or feedback from your time meeting with students?
At one of our events in a school, we noticed a student who was reserved and not eager to engage at the beginning of the program. But when U.S. District Judge William Osteen, Jr. asked for a student volunteer to wear his robe and announce the final outcome of the mock trial, the quiet student eagerly volunteered. After handing down the determination, the student looked at himself and stated, “I could be a judge.” It was a truly touching moment!
What key messages do you share with the students to whom you speak?
One thing I like about our programs is that it shows that there are many different components and parts involved in the operation of federal courts. Students hear from judges and attorneys, but they also interact with others including staff members from the clerk’s office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, our IT Department, the U.S. Probation Office, our Court Security Officers, law clerks, and more!
Why do you view education about civics and the judicial system as important for students?
I think it is important for students to have interactions with the federal courts in a positive light. Interacting with members of the court demystifies the judicial system for students and allows them to take concepts they have learned in class and put them into practice so they are able to conceptualize how different constitutional concepts can play out in ways that affect them.
Do you have any tips or tricks for others participating in future civics education outreach?
(1) Familiarize yourself with your audience. The programs that I suggest to teachers depend on the class that is joining (grade level and class subject). (2) If you are doing interactive groups or mock arguments, send preparation materials to the teacher prior to the program and suggest the teacher assign them to roles ahead of time. (3) Focus on matters or create hypotheticals that are relatable. For example, we have an interactive program that focuses on the search of a backpack at school or violation of a school policy. Students seem to get more involved when the matters discussed are relatable.
