As you may be aware, ISBA President Umberto Davi has made civics education for the public a priority for our association this year. This initiative is supported by many other leaders of the Illinois bench and bar. Additionally, recent legislation (Public Act 99-343, effective August 11, 2015) has added very specific civics prerequisites for obtaining a high school diploma.

The ISBA offers several opportunities for ISBA members to participate in explaining and advancing the role of the legal system in our governmental structure. The Lawyers in the Classroom program encourages lawyers to make presentations to schools in their area on various aspects of the judicial system to complement the curriculum in civics-related classes. The Courtroom in the Classroom program partners judges and lawyers in leading a classroom discussion regarding a U.S. Supreme Court Fourth Amendment case involving the search of a student without a warrant. The Courtroom in the Community program is a new initiative to stimulate civics education at the adult level by providing to civic groups a PowerPoint presentation on an actual case and its effect on the community. The ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational, with the assistance of attorney volunteers, provides an opportunity for Illinois high school students to learn what it is like to prepare and present a case before the Illinois courts.

We, as government lawyers, are uniquely positioned to aid the ISBA in its endeavors in the area of civics education. As legal advocates representing various governmental agencies, we can add a valuable perspective in the implementation of this goal. After all, civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens and how the government works.

I encourage all of our Newsletter readers to contact the ISBA and volunteer to participate in one or more of these worthwhile civics programs. Thank you for your time and talents. 