(SALISBURY, Md. – November 4, 2015), On Thursday, November 12, Maryland judges, attorneys, and other justice officials will help students learn about law and society during the Civics and Law Academy in Wicomico County.  During the session, students from James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury will meet with judges and other legal professionals to discuss juvenile rights, criminal law, free speech, and law in the technology age. The media are invited to attend.

The November 12 session of the Civics and Law Academy will include approximately 90 students.  District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey will be the plenary speaker for the event.

“If people want to function in society, they need to have an understanding of law and legal issues,” said Chief Judge Morrissey.  “The Academy provides a chance for young people to take part in an intensive program to start to gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to participate fully and effectively in our pluralistic, democratic society.”

“We are looking forward to a lively discussion. These are issues that students deal with every day, so they ask great questions and raise interesting ideas,” said Judge Pamila J. Brown, who sits on the District Court in Howard County and is president of the Maryland Bar Association.  The Civics and Law Academy’s hosting partners include the Maryland Judiciary, Maryland State Bar Association, the Citizenship and Law-Related Education Program, and the American Bar Association.  Wicomico County Public Schools and the Wicomico County Bar Association are partners in the November 12 program.

The Civics and Law Academy is designed to help high school students gain a better understanding of the law, how our government works, and the roles of citizens in a democracy.  Academy sessions are held during the school year at various locations in Maryland.

WHAT:
Civics and Law Academy for students from James M. Bennett High School in Wicomico County
A partnership of the Maryland Judiciary, Maryland State Bar Association, Citizenship and Law-Related Education Program (CLREP), and, for the November 12 session, the Wicomico County Bar Association and Wicomico County Public Schools

WHO:
District Judge Pamila J. Brown, Howard County District Court, who heads the Civics and Law Academy effort for the Judiciary
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, plenary speaker

WHEN:
Thursday, November 12, 2015
9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

WHERE:
James M. Bennett High School
300 E College Ave.
Salisbury, MD 21804

MEDIA CONTACT:
The media are invited to attend.  Call the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, 410-260-1488, to attend and to discuss the use of cameras and/or electronic devices.

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