Civics Break
Civics Break is a non-partisan course that examines the rule of law, how courts fit into the American democratic system, what judges do, and how courts and judges affect our lives.
Flexible for Working Adults
Civics Break is available for use at home, community groups, or in the workplace. You can view the videos on your own, watch and discuss them with your church or community group, or share them with your colleagues over a lunch break. To get started, we recommend downloading the Course Guide for instructions and sample discussion questions. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation hosted by the Bolch Judicial Institute, email us at bolchjudicialinsitute@law.duke.edu.
Module 1: The Rule of Law and the Foundations of the Judiciary
Click here to download the transcript with references.
Module 2: The Job of Judging
Click here to download the transcript with references.
Module 3: The Courts and You
Click here to download the transcript with references.
Start Here: Facilitator's Course Guide
Get the most out of Civics Break! Our Course Guide provides video descriptions, additional resources, and best practices for facilitating the course.
Civics Break is a non-partisan course that examines the rule of law, how courts fit into the American democratic system, what judges do, and how courts and judges affect our lives. It can be used in a variety of ways:
- WATCH ON YOUR OWN! The Civics Break course videos are free and accessible to anyone who is interested. If you watch all three sessions and complete our short quiz and survey, you can receive a certificate of course completion.
- SHARE IT WITH COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS! You can host an event to watch the videos with colleagues in the workplace or other community groups. The video series includes a short facilitator’s guide with question prompts to assist with discussion. We at Duke Law have hosted ‘lunch and learn’ events for our university colleagues to present the course over a series of lunch breaks. Everyone who completes the course can take the quiz and survey to receive a certificate of completion.
- CONTACT US ABOUT A LIVE PRESENTATION! Interested in having the Bolch Institute present the course to your group? We are happy to discuss live presentations facilitated by our team or provide the scripts and slide decks to present the course yourself. Email us for more information.
- JOIN A Q&A WITH JUDGES! The Bolch Institute can assist Civics Break program facilitators in arranging a Q&A session with judges for your group. These sessions can happen virtually or in person and are a terrific way to wrap up course. In addition, sign up here to be notified of opportunities to register for the next online Q&A session hosted by the Institute.
- GET CIVICS BREAK SWAG! Everyone who completes the quiz and survey at the end of the course will be entered into a monthly drawing to receive Civics Break swag!
Join a virtual Q&A!
Want to participate in a live Q&A with judges? Fill out our interest form to be notified of upcoming sessions!
Celebrate your achievement!
After you complete the Civics Break course, complete this Quiz and Survey to receive a digital certificate of completion!
Want to bring Civics Break to your group?
We are excited to help!
If you would like to learn more about scheduling an in-person (in Raleigh/Durham) or virtual Civics Break presentation for your workplace, email us at bolchjudicialinstitute@law.duke.edu. We also invite you to subscribe to updates on this program using this form, so you will be the first to know about updates and new content!
