Summer Law Programs for Junior High & High School Students & K-12 Educators

Junior High and high school students can learn more about Michigan courts, and explore legal careers, during two week-long sessions offered by the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center this summer.

The Learning Center's summer offerings are not limited to students; a seminar for K-12 educators will focus on the Michigan judicial system, law-related resources, and curriculum ideas aligned with new Social Studies Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs).

The two student programs, entitled "Exploring Centers in the Law," will be offered at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. The high school program, for students entering 10 through 12 in fall 2008, is scheduled for June 23rd-27th from 9am to 12:30pm each day. Students entering grades 7 through 9 in fall 2008 are eligible for the junior high program, which is scheduled for July 14th-18th from 9am to noon daily.

The program hopes to achieve giving students a real-life view of legal careers.

Students in the junior high program will explore a range of law-related careers through tours and activities. Participants will meet the judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals, and observe proceedings at Lansing's 54A District Court.

Participants in the high school program will prepare for and participate in a "moot court," similiar to arguments before the Michigan Supreme Court. Participants will hear from Justices, lawyers, and other legal professionals.

Registration for each program is limited to 20 students, selected on a first-come, first-serve basis; the application deadline is May 16th, 2008. The registration fee is a $75 donation to the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society Learning Center Fund.

The K-12 educators' program is scheduled for August 19th from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Presenters will include representatives of Michigan courts, Michigan State Police, Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, Michigan Department of Education, and Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. Participants will also tour the Learning Center, the Michigan Supreme Court courtroom, and the Michigan Court of Appeals courtroom in the Hall of Justice. Representatives of Lansing-area museums and other sites of interest will be on hand to describe their school tours and programs. The program is partially funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Registration is limited to 75 educators. The cost is $15 and includes parking, luncheon, and handout materials. The application deadline is June 30th, 2008.

All sessions will at the the Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 West Ottawa Street, Lansing. Contact Rachel L. Drenovsky at drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov or 373-5027. Additional info? http://courts.mi.gov/plc/