History and Overview

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LRE History

  • In 1998 – Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) requested that the Nebraska State Bar Foundation (Foundation) assume all of the $100,000+ Law-Related Education (LRE) programs.
  • Foundation Board had a retreat and determined that LRE fits within its mission and cooperatively agrees to assume all the administrative and financial responsibilities of the LRE programs.
  • Foundation changed from a grantmaking organization to a programmatic organization.
  • Created LRE programs in cooperation with the Supreme Court: Law Day Essay Contest, Law Day Job Shadowing and Constitution Day.
  • Foundation added LRE programs as funding (Federal or otherwise) permits, e.g. We The People: The Citizen & the Constitution (WTP:CTC) is funded by Federal funds.
  • Foundation responded to national organizations requests to offer specific programming (e.g. Center for Civic Education requested the Foundation assume the administrative duties of the WTP:CTC program).

Judicial Outreach History

  • In the 1980’s the Supreme Court began the Mock Trial program for high school students. After the initial couple of years, the Court gave the program to the NSBA under the direction of Law-Related Education Director, Tom Keefe. The program was institutionalized across the state and several complimentary programs were added.
  • The Office of the State Court Administrator participated in very little LRE until approached by the Bar Foundation to co-sponsor Law Day programming. Following the Law Day Essay Contest success, the Court and Foundation expanded the program with the 5th grade Job Shadowing and Constitution Day programs.
  • Local trial courts remained active in mock trials, county government day and other youth outreach programs throughout the administrative changes.
  • Current community programs endorsed and supported by the judicial branch:
    • Press (reporter) education
    • Law Day Essay Contest
    • 5th Grade Job Shadowing
    • Constitution Day
  • Various program-specific and general educational materials continue to be written and distributed. Occasionally, one-time specialty programs such as “Year of the Juror” programs are developed.
  • Studies are showing that an increasing number of Americans report that their knowledge of the court system comes from the media, specifically from television news. Those who report that their knowledge was gained through the education system has correspondingly declined. The lack of knowledge is reflected in the work of both reporters and editors.

Committee Composition

  • General Committee – This “master” committee would be responsible for providing guidance to the subcommittees and establishing overall goals. Each committee member would also be involved in one subcommittee.
  • LRE Programs Subcommittee – This subcommittee would review the current programs including Mock Trial, We The People, Law Day Essay Contest and Job Shadowing, Constitution Day, Teen Parents & the Law, the Law & Learning newsletter, the Reaching the Age of Majority booklet, etc.
  • The subcommittee would also make recommendations to the Foundation Executive Committee and or Supreme Court for new programming opportunities that would further judicial outreach.
  • Media Subcommittee – This subcommittee would develop materials for a spokesperson to communicate with the media; recruit lawyers statewide to act as spokespersons if necessary; educate members of the media (reporters and editors) and journalism classes (high school and post secondary) about the role of the judiciary.
  • The subcommittee would also consider a long-term goal of reviewing existing materials and developing informational materials for the media or other members of the public.
  • Website Subcommittee – This subcommittee would ensure that educational information can be found electronically and ensure that the Court’s educational information can be linked or found on the Foundation website.

PEOPLE Committee Member Composition

  • Consider other interested members of the judiciary and Foundation;
  • Consider having a representative from the League of Women Voters;
  • Consider the pros and cons of having a member of the media or Press Association.

Goals – Bench and Foundation

  • To inform and educate the public about the legal/judicial system in a proactive manner (overall goal);
  • To educate members of the media about the legal process;
  • To build relationships with the media to encourage “fair” reporting on specific cases;
  • To offer regular training/seminars for members of the media;
  • To offer professional development for Nebraska teachers;
  • To provide LRE programs for teachers that will involve students in active learning about the legal system.