Office of Communications and Public Affairs
2011-D Commerce Park Drive
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-260-1488
Media Advisory
Judges Help Montgomery County High School Students Learn about the Law
(BALTIMORE –March 26, 2014) Some of Maryland’s judges will step away from the bench and into the classroom on Wednesday, April 9, to help local students learn about law and society. The Civics and Law Academy will be held that day, and 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 April 9 session of the Civics and Law Academy will be held at Montgomery County’s Northwood High School, and will include approximately 100 students. The leader of the state’s court system, Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, will meet with the students at the start of the day’s program.
“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 sponsors the program with the Maryland State Bar Association, the Citizenship and Law-Related Education Program, and the American Bar Association. Montgomery County Public Schools and the Bar Association of Montgomery County are partners in the April 9 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 solid understanding of the law, which helps them develop civic competency. Academy sessions are held during the school year at various locations in Maryland.
| WHAT: | Civics and Law Academy for Northwood High School |
| WHO: | Judge Pamila J. Brown, Chair, Maryland Judiciary Public Awareness Committee |
| WHEN: | Wednesday, April 9, 2014 |
| WHERE: | Northwood High School |
| CONTACT: | The media are invited to attend. Call the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, 410-260-1488, to attend and to discuss the use of cameras and/or electronic devices. |
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