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2023 Public Reading of the Constitution



2023-2024 Civics Bowls

The Civics and Outreach Committee is excited to offer a Civics Bowl event for high school students!

The Court's newest civics program gives students a chance to develop their knowledge of civics and government with an in-class quiz show conducted by local judges and attorneys.

How It Works


Teachers receive questions for their students in advance of the quiz show. The questions parallel those in the naturalization exam.

The quiz bowl program is also available to student organizations, home school groups, and other educational organizations for high school students.

Find Out More


We would love to talk with you about our new program! If you have any questions, please contact Judge Shelley Rucker's courtroom deputy Tanya English at (423) 752-5104 or Chattanooga Division Manager Russell Eslinger at (423) 752-5200.

If you're ready to schedule a Civics Bowl for your class or organization, please click the link below to get started.

Civics Bowl Request Form

We look forward to hearing from you and working with you and your students to improve civics understanding in our community!



Teachers Law School


Previous Event Photos...

Comments from teachers:
"Awesome experience! I will definitely be sharing and utilizing your expertise in the classroom."
"What an amazing day! Thank you so much for this opportunity."
"Very enjoyable and productive day to take back to my students."

The Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee is pleased to host Teachers Law Schools presented by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Foundation in coordination with local chapters of the Federal Bar Association.

Middle and high school teachers are afforded the unique opportunity to hear from local federal judges, law professors, and prominent attorneys about he role and function of the federal judiciary in the American democracy through the Teachers Law Schools.

Teachers are equipped with a much better understanding of the third branch of government and are provided with teaching tools to assist in educating students about civics and law-related topics. This will help students better understand and appreciate the value, relevance and impact of the Constitution, our system of government and citizenship.

Selected teachers get a unique opportunity to not only hear from local federal judges and prominent attorneys but also the opportunity to engage in in depth and substantive discussions regarding the law, the American judicial system, practical realities of the civil and criminal law procedures and systems, and current challenges.

Teachers Law Schools have been held in Chattanooga and Greeneville. The next one is scheduled for Knoxville. The Committee plans to hold at least one Teachers Law School in the district each year.




Naturalization

The Eastern District of Tennessee hosts several naturalization ceremonies throughout the year. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Naturalization Ceremonies


Mock Trials

Please check back. We will be posting Mock Trial information soon.