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Media Advisory
Judges Help Bring Civics to Baltimore High School Students

(BALTIMORE – Feb. 27, 2014) Today, Thursday, Feb. 27, judges from Maryland’s courts will join in an effort to help local students learn about law and society. During the Civics and Law Academy that day, high school students will meet face-to-face with judges and other legal professionals to discuss a variety of topics, including juvenile rights, criminal law, free speech, and the law in the technology age.

The Feb. 27 session of the Civics and Law Academy will be held at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School, 3500 Hillen Rd., Baltimore, and will include approximately 100 students.

Court of Appeals Judge Shirley M. Watts will meet with students during the program. Judge Watts is the newest member of the state’s highest court and represents Baltimore City. She was appointed last summer by Gov. Martin O’Malley.

“It’s easy for young people to feel like they are not part of ‘adult’ society, but the topics we discuss are all issues students deal with every day,” said Judge Pamila J. Brown. Judge Brown, who sits on the District Court in Howard County, heads the Judiciary committee that hosts the program in partnership with the Maryland State Bar Association, the Citizenship and Law-Related Education Program, and the American Bar Association. Baltimore City Public Schools and the Bar Association of Baltimore City are partners in the Feb. 27 program.

“Students need to have an understanding of law and legal issues if they want to function in society,” Judge Brown said. “The Academy provides a chance for young people to take part in an intensive program to start to gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to participate fully and effectively in our pluralistic, democratic society.”

The Civics and Law Academy is designed to help high school students gain a better understanding of the law, which helps them develop civic competency. Academy sessions are held during the school year at various locations in Maryland.

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