Resources for Students, Teachers, Kids
Helping the public understand the judicial system is an important goal for the Maryland Judiciary. To help reach that goal, the Maryland Judiciary offers a number of services designed to let you know exactly what occurs in the judicial system, including:Constitution Day website
![We the People](/https/www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/education/images/constitutionthumb.gif)
Bill of Rights Day web page
![Congress of the United States](/https/www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/education/images/bill_of_rights_thumb.gif)
Courtroom Tours
![Supreme Court of Maryland bench](/https/www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/education/images/courtroom1.jpg)
Schools in the Courts Program
Four times a year, Anne Arundel County District Court Judge Shaem C. P. Spencer opens his courtroom to area high-school students as part of a three-hour program called Schools in the Court. The program educates students about the legal system while warning them about the consequences of making wrong choices, such as drinking and driving, drug use, and other crimes. After taking part in role-playing during interactive scenarios, the students discuss legal issues and the advantages of making positive decisions with judges, community leaders, and actual drunk driving offenders. Students then remain in the courtroom to watch as unscripted cases are presented to the judge, which gives students an opportunity to learn about real-life consequences of thoughtless decisions. Additional information about the program can be found here.Mock Trial Competition
![Illustration of Judge on bench and student](/https/www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/education/images/judge-mocktrial.jpg)
Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau provides the Judiciary with a vehicle to effectively communicate openly with most community groups, including civic organizations, professional associations and schools.
Some ideas for topics include:
Alternative Dispute Resolution • The Appeals Process • Bail Review • Domestic Violence • Traffic Court • Sentencing In Maryland • Jury Trials • Judge’s Role in a Civil Case • Judicial Independence • Juveniles in Court
The Speakers Bureau will match your request with the judge and/or court official that best matches the topic or area of interest to your audience. However, judges are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct, and therefore, are unable to address certain matters, such as pending litigation.
You may use the Speaker Request Form when requesting a judge or court official to speak at your engagement or event.
When making a request, be sure to include the following information:
- Your name, address and phone number
- Name, date, time, location and brief description of the event
- Name, address, phone number and brief description of the organization
- Audience profile and size of the audience expected
- Will there be any political, commercial or fundraising purpose of the presentation
- Speech topics and length desired
- Request for a specific speaker
- Audio/visual equipment can/cannot be provided
Your request for a speaker can be sent by fax, mail, email or phone to:
Maryland Judiciary Speakers Bureau
Government Relations and Public Affairs
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
fax: 410-260-1749
phone: 410-260-1488
email: [email protected]