Brief Overview
Our District Court is a participant in the Third Circuit Courts and Community Committee, which is a Third Circuit Judicial Council Committee formed in April of 2014. The mission of the Courts and Community Committee is to connect the courts in our Circuit to their respective local communities by embracing initiatives that bring teachers, students, parents, lawyers, community leaders, and other civic participants into the courts to interact with judges and the justice system. Programs will be designed to improve an understanding of the role that the judicial system plays in our democracy.
Activities
Judge Chats
In the past year, Judges of the District Court have participated in the “Judge Chats” program at the National Constitution Center (NCC) in Philadelphia. The Judge Chats allow students and judges to engage in an open and informative dialogue about judging and the judicial system. Judges talk to students and teachers about interpreting law and the implications of the Constitution on everyday life.
Mock Trials
In May of 2016, Chief Judge Leonard Stark welcomed fourth, fifth and sixth grade students from First State Montessori Academy Charter School to visit his chambers to perform a mock trial in the cases of “Dogs v. Cats” and “Muffins v. Cupcakes.” Prior to the mock trial, Judge Stark and his chambers’ staff provided a tour of the courtroom and chambers. Chief Judge Stark spoke with students about the proceedings in federal courts and the duties of federal judges. The students were also given a tour by the U.S. Marshals which included access to the Marshals’ processing, detainee, and surveillance facilities. Students then formed groups in which students performed the role of judges, jurors, attorneys or witnesses. The mock trial included opening statements, examination of witnesses, rulings on objections and juror deliberations.
Third Circuit Essay Contest
In commemoration of Law Day, the Courts, Community, and Rule of Law Committee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals hosted an essay contest for fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students within the Third Circuit, which is comprised of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On May 6, 2024, the District Court of the District of Delaware held a public ceremony in Judge Maryellen Noreika’s courtroom in the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building where the students from each of the four winning classes read their respective essays. Judge Maryellen Noreika was joined by Bankruptcy Judge J. Kate Stickles, Magistrate Judge Sherry Fallon and Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke. The Judges presented congratulatory remarks to the students on the excellent quality of the submissions and the impressive presentations by the student speakers. All essay submissions were outstanding and reflected the thoughtfulness and effort the students and teachers dedicated to this contest.
The District Court extends sincere thanks to the participating students and teachers, and the Courts, Community and Rule of Law Committee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
