On January 22, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia welcomed Roanoke-area high school students for its second Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program. The civics event, originally scheduled for November 2025, had been postponed due to the government shutdown, but fortunately winter weather did not cause any further delays.
Judge Kai Memmer and her chambers staff hosted more than 40 students from North Cross School in Roanoke, Virginia. The program centered on a fictional scenario based on the First Amendment case Elonis v. United States. As in the district’s first Civil Discourse program, the day began with a discussion about civility, during which students worked together to establish ground rules for respectful dialogue.
Students then stepped into the roles of judges, attorneys, and jurors to prepare for an oral argument simulation. The program was modified to allow for greater student participation, with eight students serving as attorneys, four as judges, and the remaining participants divided into two juror groups. A dedicated group of volunteer attorneys also participated, helping guide the students through the exercise and making the program a success.
Several members of the federal judiciary joined the
program, including Chief District Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon, District Judge
Thomas T. Cullen, and Senior District Judge Michael F. Urbanski.
This year’s program also introduced a new “meet
and greet” component, giving students the opportunity to speak directly with
members of the court community. Students asked questions and learned about the
work of the Clerk’s Office staff, probation officers, volunteer attorneys, law
clerks, U.S. Marshals, and judges.
Additional participants included Clerk of Court
Laura Austin, Chief Probation Officer Kim Falatic, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Ben
Caldwell, among others. The goal of the session was to introduce students to
the many career paths within the federal judiciary. The response was
enthusiastic, with students eager to learn more about the professionals who
support the work of the court each day.
We are already looking forward to our next civics
program scheduled for April 3, 2026, with students from Cave Spring High
School.