by Michelle Kaminsky
Duke staff are invited to a Civics Break session hosted by the Bolch Judicial Institute on November 19. Register here »
At a time of heightened attention on the courts — and record-high threats against judges — the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School has launched a new initiative to improve understanding of the judiciary and promote civic engagement.
Civics Break is a nonpartisan civics education program designed to provide an overview of the rule of law, the role of courts in the U.S. democratic system, the work of judges, and the impact of the judiciary on our daily lives. Following a successful pilot phase that reached nearly 2,000 participants nationwide, the Institute is now making Civics Break freely available online for viewers, community groups, businesses, and educators.
The program is available in two forms: three, 20-minute video sessions that are freely available online, and three PowerPoint decks with scripts that can be presented in a workplace or community group setting. The course is suitable for both expert and non-expert presenters, and the content is designed to be accessible, easy to use, and relevant for adult and older teen audiences.
“Polls consistently show that Americans lack basic civics knowledge, and that the judiciary is the least understood branch of government,” said Melinda Myers Vaughn, deputy director of the Bolch Judicial Institute. “And yet our courts make important decisions that affect our daily lives. We developed Civics Break to provide concise, relevant information to help people understand what judges do, how they do it, and how all of us can get involved in our judicial branch. And we tried to make it as easy as possible for people to participate — all you need is a laptop and a lunch hour.”
Duke University staff are invited to experience Civics Break firsthand during a lunchtime session hosted by the Bolch Judicial Institute on November 19 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Register here.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Civics Education
Launched in May 2024, Civics Break responds to a notable gap in civics education: materials that focus specifically on the judiciary and are tailored for adult learners.
“There is a lot of high-quality civics material available online,” said retired federal judge Paul W. Grimm, the David F. Levi Professor of the Practice of Law and director of the Bolch Judicial Institute. “But the vast majority of resources are developed for middle and high school learners, and few directly address the judicial branch, how judges and courts function, and why they matter to people’s rights, responsibilities, and everyday lives. As people hear more and more news about the courts, they are looking for nonpartisan, authoritative materials that can answer their questions.”
Through four pilot presentations — presented to Duke staff and students and employees of a national corporation — the Institute developed a curriculum that is engaging, educational, and nonpartisan, encouraging civic participation while remaining grounded in facts.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “Great presentations in easy-to-understand language,” one participant commented. “I didn’t need a law degree to walk away with a better understanding of how our courts work.”
“I really enjoyed learning more about our judicial system,” wrote another participant. “I know it’s not directly related to [my job], but it is part of the bigger picture of how our country and culture [are] organized.”
As presented in the pilot program, each Civics Break session included three, 25-minute live presentations (in person or via webinar) followed by a question-and-answer period. The program concluded with a fourth session featuring an open Q&A with two judges. Hearing directly from judges proved particularly popular with participants.
“It was so encouraging to hear [the judges’] passion for their vocations and the care with which they approach their roles,” one participant wrote. “It also is balm to hear how nonpartisan their deliberations (and those of their colleagues who they trust) can be. Could do that every lunch hour!”
Participants also praised the program’s balanced tone that engaged with current events without partisanship or political overtones. “Great job of stating the facts and not answering the questions or presenting the information leaning toward one political party or the other,” wrote another participant.
Broadening Access and Civic Engagement
The Bolch Judicial Institute is now creating tailored presentations for partner organizations as it works to expand Civics Break to other companies, bar associations, and community groups.
“We know many judges and lawyers want to participate in delivering civics education, but putting a course or a presentation together takes time that people don’t often have,” said Grimm. “We designed Civics Break with their needs in mind. Anyone can use this program — you can just show a video and then lead a conversation afterward. It’s a ‘plug and play’ course that we hope will make it very easy for bar associations, judicial groups, general counsels, and others to bring civics into their communities.”
In addition to offering live presentations of the course or support for organizations that want to use the Civics Break curriculum in their own presentations, the Institute offers self-paced video modules and self-guided materials on its website. Participants can earn a certificate of completion and take part in periodic giveaways for Civics Break merchandise.
Looking ahead, the Institute aims to expand course offerings and investigate a comprehensive civics certification program for adult learners.
“Civics Break is a small first step toward addressing the shortage of accessible civics education for adults,” said Vaughn. “Based on the feedback we’ve received, we believe it’s a meaningful one — and right on time.”
Explore Civics Break and access learning materials at judicialstudies.duke.edu/civics-break. To discuss bringing Civics Break to your company or organization, contact Melinda Myers Vaughn.
Michelle Kaminsky is senior editor and writer at the Bolch Judicial Institute and managing editor of Judicature.