Federal Judge Richard W. Story Calls on Law Students to Enhance Civics Education in Georgia
On August 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story of the Northern District of Georgia publicly urged law students to play a pivotal role in bolstering civics education amid growing concerns over declining civic knowledge among American youth. In a feature published by Law.com’s Daily Report, Judge Story highlighted a nationwide trend where a significant portion of citizens lack awareness of their constitutional rights and the judiciary’s functions. To combat this “civics deficit,” he initiated a novel program encouraging law students from Georgia’s top law schools to partner with high schools, teaching basic legal concepts, the Constitution, and the court system through interactive sessions and mock trials. This initiative, which he has financially supported, involves students from Georgia State University College of Law, Mercer University School of Law, and the University of Georgia School of Law collaborating with metro Atlanta public schools.
Judge Story’s call comes at a time when civics education is under renewed scrutiny, with national assessments like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showing stagnant proficiency rates of just 20–25% for civics among 8th and 12th graders since the early 2000s. His program aims to address this by leveraging law students’ expertise to make legal education relatable and engaging for high schoolers, potentially inspiring future careers in law, journalism, or public service.
Background and Judge Story’s Motivation
Appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2007, Judge Story has long been involved in judicial outreach. Observing the erosion of civic literacy—exacerbated by a focus on STEM and basic literacy in schools at the expense of social studies—he sought a grassroots solution. “I wanted to find a way to have a positive impact on the next generation of citizens, journalists, jurors, lawyers, judges, court professionals, and public officials,” Story stated in a U.S. Courts news release on August 14, 2025. He emphasized that law students, being closer in age and perspective to high schoolers, can bridge the gap effectively, conveying how legal principles apply to everyday life.
The program is not prescriptive, allowing each law school to tailor efforts to local needs, but Story insists on involving judges to “put a face on the Judiciary” and demystify the Third Branch of government. Financial support from Story has enabled expansions, including partnerships with surrounding schools to host workshops on civil and criminal matters, encouraging students to seek legal counsel when needed.
Program Details and Activities
Launched in response to the civics gap, the initiative has grown to include three major Georgia law schools. Key components include:
- Teaching Modules: Law students deliver sessions on constitutional rights, the structure of federal and state courts, and basic legal concepts. Topics cover how courts impact daily life, such as free speech, due process, and equal protection under the law.
- Mock Trials and Simulations: High school students participate in fairytale-themed mock trials (e.g., adapting stories like “Cinderella” to explore evidence and argumentation) or real-world scenarios. These are often judged by federal or state judges, including Story himself, fostering engagement and critical thinking.
- Career and Mentorship Focus: Programs highlight diverse career paths in the legal system, with law students serving as role models. For instance, at Georgia State University, participants envision “endless career opportunities” through interactions.
A standout event was the April 12, 2024, high school mock trial hosted by Georgia State University College of Law, where students practiced advocacy skills under judicial supervision. Attorney Duncan de la Feld, who participated as a law student in 2024, credits the program with affirming his passion for public interest law and equipping him with practical skills still used at Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
| Law School Partner | Key Activities | Impact Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia State University College of Law | Mock trials, Street Law outreach on civil/criminal matters | High schoolers “fired up and engaged”; connects students to legal careers |
| Mercer University School of Law | Interactive civics workshops, judge-involved sessions | Addresses local metro Atlanta needs; builds juror and citizen awareness |
| University of Georgia School of Law | Simulations on constitutional issues, mentorship | Emphasizes judiciary’s role; inspires future public officials |
Early feedback shows high school students leaving with a stronger grasp of when to seek legal help and greater enthusiasm for civics. “It’s great to see the high school students so fired up and engaged,” Story noted after judging a mock trial.
Broader Context and Judicial Support for Civics
Judge Story’s initiative aligns with a long-standing federal judiciary commitment to civics education, endorsed by the Judicial Conference of the United States. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has repeatedly called for such efforts, stating in his 2019 year-end report that “each generation has an obligation to pass on to the next… the tools to understand and improve [government].” Similar programs nationwide include:
- Summer Teachers Institutes: Federal courts in seven states (e.g., New York, Illinois) host professional development for K-12 educators, featuring judges discussing judicial independence and First Amendment issues.
- Mock Court Programs: Circuits like the Ninth and Sixth offer simulations and YouTube series on Bill of Rights Day, reaching thousands of students virtually and in-person.
- Internships and Contests: The Federal Bar Association’s Civics Essay Contest and programs like the Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship place diverse students in court settings.
However, challenges persist. A 2020 federal ruling in Rhode Island (A.C. v. McKee) dismissed students’ claims of a constitutional right to civics education, though the judge warned of “creeping authoritarianism” without it. Despite no enforceable right, judges like Story are stepping up voluntarily. The Biden administration’s proposed Civics Secures Democracy Act (2021, reintroduced) seeks $1 billion annually for civics, but progress is bipartisan yet underfunded—federal spending is just 5 cents per K-12 student on civics versus $54 for STEM.
Implications and Future Outlook
Story’s call underscores the judiciary’s role in countering polarization and disinformation, especially post-2020 elections. By involving law students, the program not only educates youth but also trains future lawyers in public service and outreach. As Story put it, these efforts help students “envision endless career opportunities” while reinforcing democratic norms.
For more on similar initiatives, visit uscourts.gov’s educational resources or the Federal Bar Association’s civics page. If you’re a law student or educator in Georgia, contact the participating schools for involvement opportunities. This grassroots approach exemplifies how federal judges are actively shaping a more informed citizenry.