Media Advisory

Judges Help Bring Civics to Worcester High School Students

(NEWARK, Md. – October 1, 2014), On Tuesday, October 7, judges from Maryland’s courts will join in an effort to help students learn about law and society. During the Civics and Law Academy that day, Worcester County high school students will join 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 October 7 session of the Civics and Law Academy will be held at Worcester Technical High School in Newark, and will include approximately 120 students from Worcester Technical, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and Stephen Decatur high schools.

“It is easy for young people to feel like they are not part of ‘adult’ society, but the topics we discuss are issues that students deal with every day. As a result, the students raise interesting points and ask great questions,” 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. Worcester County Public Schools and the Worcester County Bar Association are partners in the October 7 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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