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 Through the Courts4Civics initiative, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit promotes civics education in our schools and communities. Read on to find out about ongoing initiatives and to discover how you can get involved!
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 Voices in Action:
Practicing Civic Understanding Through Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions
On January 22, the Western District of Virginia hosted its second Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program with local high school students. The civics event was initially scheduled for November 2025 but was postponed due to the government shutdown.
Judge Kai Memmer and her chambers staff hosted a group of over 40 high school students from North Cross School in Roanoke, Virginia. They used a fictional scenario based on the First Amendment Case, Elonis v. United States.
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The students also saw the various roles that make the judiciary run. Along with meeting Chief Judges Dillon, Judge Cullen and Magistrate Judge Memmer, students met court staff, courtroom clerks, and local attorneys. The students received an insider look into the who and how of the courtroom. In particular, the students met Whitney Stier, a court reporter, who volunteered to transcribe the proceedings. Read more about the program and check out the transcript here |
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From Court to Classroom
Appellate Judge visited local high school in Greenville, South Carolina.
Judge Marvin A. Quattlebaum visited a local high school class back in October bringing the court to the classroom. By sharing real courtroom experiences, Judge Quattlebaum helped students better understand how civics education comes to life within the judiciary.
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Empowering Students to Think Critically, Argue Respectfully, and Lead with Confidence.
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Moot Court Competitions throughout the Circuit:
- On November 20, 2025, Judge Thacker sat as a guest judge at the Appalachian School of Law.
- On November 21, 2025, Chief Judge Diaz, along with Justice Amy Coney Barrett, participated as a judge for a moot court competition at Duke University Law School.
- On February 13, 2026, Chief Judge Diaz sat as a guest judge for the William & Mary Law School Spong Moot Court Tournament.
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Civics in South Carolina Courts
 Photo by The University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law (https://www.facebook.com/UofSCLaw/posts/the-university-of-south-carolina-joseph-f-rice-school-of-law-was-proud-to-host-a/1385542446908042/)
Civics in South Carolina Courts
Ten judges from South Carolina connected with students and community members through courthouse visits, classroom discussions, and civic programs.
Judges of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina have been actively engaging students and community members across the state through a wide range of civics and educational programs. In recent months, ten district and magistrate judges across the District’s divisions—including Anderson, Aiken, Columbia, and Charleston— participated in outreach efforts designed to increase public understanding of the federal judiciary, connecting with students ranging from elementary and middle school classrooms to high school, college, and law school programs.
Read about all of the civics events happening in South Carolina here! Shout out to Chief Judge Timothy Cain, Judges Bruce H. Hendricks, Sherri A. Lydon, Joseph Dawson III, Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., and Magistrate Judges Shiva V. Hodges, Kevin F. McDonald, Mary Gordon Baker, and Molly H. Cherry for all of their incredible work in civics education!
Bolch Institute: Understanding the Rule of Law
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The Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law released a new video in their Video Library about the Rule of Law. In their video "Don't Blame the Ref" the institute discusses how the rule of law affects, and protects, everyone. Check out the video here! |
49 New Citizens Welcomed in West Virginia
Chief Judge Albert Diaz and Chief Bankruptcy Judge B. McKay Mignault participated in a West Virginia Naturalization ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia. Visit the Courts4Civics website to read about naturalization ceremonies from the Fourth Circuit and see the full article here!
Constitution Day Poster Contest:
 The Fourth Circuit is hosting a poster contest inviting students in grades 9 through 12 to create an original graphic poster and written description of what the Declaration’s founding principles mean to you. Learn more about the contest guidelines and how to enter here!
Lewis F. Powell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse Portraits
 The Fourth Circuit's tradition of honoring judges with portraits began on December 15, 1923, when Senior Judge John C. Rose presided over a special session organized to receive the first four portraits in the collection.
It has grown to 32 portraits and includes works by many well-known artists who are represented in the permanent collections of museums, universities, and other institutions. Portraits are commissioned by law clerks or family and generally presented at a court memorial for the judge. Check out the new portrait sheets here
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Civics Roundup & Upcoming Events
- Judge Pamela Harris hosted law students in the Supreme Court Seminar at William & Mary Law School, taught by Professor Neal Devins, during the September 2025 court week to observe court proceedings and tour the building.
- Judge Barbara Keenan's chambers, along with Chief Bankruptcy Judge Brian F. Kenney, hosted a civil discourse program with students from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Virginia on March 19, 2026.
- Magistrate Judge Kai Memmer is hosting a civics program on April 3, 2026 with students from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Virginia.
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Help Us Spread the Word
Promote civics education by forwarding this email to a friend, colleague, educator, or family member!
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About Courts4Civics
An initiative of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Courts4Civics promotes civics education in our schools and communities, to create learning opportunities and to increase public understanding of how courts work to resolve disputes in our society and to protect our constitutional rights.
Stay connected with Courts4Civics program information and educational opportunities:
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