D.M. Therrell High School Contact: Angela Bullard Davis Therrell High School 3099 Panther Trail, SW Atlanta, GA 30311 Web: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us./schoolsw/therrellw/Default.htm Bringing the State’s Supreme Court to School Project Description: On April 11, 2000, Supreme Court of Georgia justices came to Therrell High School in Atlanta to hear oral arguments in two cases. Prior to the event, volunteers from the Atlanta Bar Association taught special classes on court procedure at the school and were on hand that day to discuss with students what they had witnessed. Sponsorsing Entities: D.M. Therrell High School, a magnet program for law and government, the Atlanta Board of Education, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the Atlanta Bar Association. People Benefiting: The entire student body of over 900 students, plus faculty members, parents, and members of the bar Best Things about This Program: “This was the first time the state Supreme Court had visited a high school, and the significance of the occasion generated a lot of publicity that made the program exciting and well-received,” according to Angela Bullard Davis, magnet coordinator for Therrell High School. Following oral arguments, all seven justices ate lunch in the cafeteria with the students. “The students were able to speak with the justices informally and see them as individuals. This, more than anything else, personalized the judicial system for them.” says Davis. “In addition, segments of the argument were broadcast on our public television station and we produced a video that will be used for instruction about the judicial system.” Secret of Success: Collaboration with the bench and bar and engaging our students with a series of lessons and activities beforehand. By the time of the actual oral arguments, the students were prepared and very interested in the two cases and what arguments the lawyers would make. How-to Advice Plan early, create a diverse planning committee, work closely with members of the judicial and legal community, and involve the students. Cost:   $10,000 Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization