Fairfax High, VA Contact: Dr. Linda Karen Miller American Government Teacher Fairfax High 503 Brethour Court, Sterling, VA 20164 E-mail: Lindycop@aol.com SEMINARS ON THE JUSTICE SYSTEM Activity Summary: Students at Fairfax High School participated in a series of seminars over three days to celebrate "Law Day". Although the seminars were mainly for senior government students, other students did attend. Due to block scheduling, the seminars were spread over two days. On the first day students receiving awards from the Center for Civic Education for outstanding achievement on the We the People exam were honored by their 11th District Virginia Congressman Rep. Tom Davis and 11th District We the People coordinator Dr. Linda Miller. Fifty-four students received awards. Student photographers who received awards for "Images of Freedom" were also honored. They received Olympic style medals for their achievements. After remarks from Rep. Tom Davis, students and parents were treated to a reception sponsored by Close Up Foundation. Next on the first day the students heard Steven Gerber speak on the international criminal court. He is the Director of the International Criminal Court Project of the World Federalist Association and gave the students a perspective on international justice. He was introduced by Model United Nations student Habib Egquizabher. The session was also attended by the Model United Nations Club and they engaged the speaker in a lively discussion. Last on the first day a panel of international students presented their insights on justice in their own native countries. The panel was moderated by Dr. Shelley Gutstein, ESL department chair. The students were from Iran, Bolivia, Turkey and the People’s Republic of China. Two of the students participated in the panel last year. The student panelists were presented "We the People" T-shirts. On the second day May 4, students heard Judge Howe Brown speak about the local judiciary. He is a judge of the 19th Circuit Court in Fairfax County. Next on the second day the students heard United States Marshal John Marshall speak about his father the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Students were given personal insights into what struggles Marshall went through to promote civil rights as well as his work on the Supreme Court. Last on the second day government and journalism students were given insights into freedom of the press as David Marin, political editor of the Connection newspapers spoke about the "Legacy of John Peter Zenger". Due to conflicts in her schedule, Attorney General Janet Reno was unable to attend the seminars so she invited the students down to her office on May 7 to discuss her role in preserving the rule of law. SELECTION CRITERIA PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE RULE OF LAW About 400 students and 50 parents and 12 teachers were engaged in activities focusing on the rule of law from the judicial aspect. THEME OF CELEBRATE FREEDOM The activities all focused on some aspect of the judiciary whether it was state, federal or international. EXTENT OF OUTREACH The event was covered in the school newspaper and in the local connections. Although CSPAN said they might come out for John Marshall, they did not. EFFECTIVENESS OF PARTNERSHIP The program continues to foster a relationship with We the People. It started a new partnership with the Close Up Foundation who gave a $411.13 grant to cover some of the expenses. Also with about 50 parents attending the awards ceremony, it fostered good will in the community. EFFECTIVENESS OF APPROACH The students commented that they liked meeting the public figures and chatting with them. FOLLOW UP Students will continue to have a better understanding of the judiciary because of the seminars. Some students may also become more involved in Close Up activities. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization