About the Federal Courts
Infographics as Handouts and Videos as Discussion Starters
Downloadable infographics offer simplified visuals that break down abstract concepts and difficult-to-describe court structure and functions. Print them as handouts for use in classrooms and courtrooms with students and adults. Four-minute videos are excellent discussion starters with different audiences, especially when time is short.
About the Big Picture:
- Separation of Powers– Infographics Handout
- Downloadable, 43-Page Booklet: Understanding the Federal Courts
- Downloadable, 9-Page Court Basics Handout: Understanding the Federal Courts
- Video: 5-Minute Court Shorts – Impartial Judiciary
About How Courts Work: Infographics Handouts
- Structure of Federal Courts
- Cases Heard in Federal Courts
- Comparing Federal and State Courts
- Pathways to the Supreme Court from Federal and State Courts
About Federal Judges: Infographics Handouts
About Criminal Cases
- How a Criminal Case Moves Through the Courts
- Federal Courts: Steps in a Criminal Trial
- Grand Jury vs. Trial Jury
- Video: 5-Minute Court Shorts — Jury Service
- Video: 5-Minute Court Shorts — Right to Counsel
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
- Naturalization Ceremonies from Coast to Coast
- Supporting Video: 2014 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
- How Students Can Participate in Naturalization Ceremonies
- Supporting Video: 2015 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Celebrating Constitution Day & Citizenship Day: September 17, 2016
The FBA was honored to participate — along with Chief Judge Cole from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and Federal Judges from across the country, at the naturalization ceremony held at the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland, Ohio-as part of the national celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. See a video that celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
About the Federal Judiciary
In a series of four-minute, first-person videos, judges talk about what they’ve learned from adversity on their pathway to the bench. An activity on judicial selection prepares students to be astute observers of how nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court and for federal judgeships go through the nomination process.
Resources produced by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. For more, go to http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources.