The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) launched a public awareness campaign several years ago to educate the public about how the courts work. The central effort of this campaign was to develop a series of graphic novels, called Justice Case Files, which engage the reader while giving insight into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public, and why courts are so important to a democratic society.

The story lines and content were developed by judges, court administrators, and other legal professionals. Two Virginia social studies teachers developed comprehensive lesson plans for each of the first three books.

Justice Case Files 1: The Case of Internet Piracy tells the story of Megan, a college freshman charged with downloading music, and her grandmother who has received notice that the city plans to take her house through eminent domain.

Justice Case Files 2: The Case of Identity Theft tells the story of the Garcia family, whose identity is stolen through an email phishing scam.

Justice Case Files 3: The Case of Jury Duty tells the story of Matthew Foley, an 18-year-old who has been summoned for jury duty on a case that involves underage drinking and driving. Through Matt’s story, readers learn how meaningful jury service is, how the jury system is a source of accountability for courts, and how our society benefits from the right of a jury of your peers.

A fourth book in the series will launch in Summer 2012.

Justice Case Files 4: The Case of the Missing Controller  is a narrative coloring book that tells the story of Tyler, who says his friend broke his controller. Tyler's mom takes him to court to show how he can pursue justice.   

To order:

Costs for JCF 1, 2, and 3 is $1.25 per copy for all orders of 50 books or more.  To order books, contact January Serda, or call 757.259.1854.

TEACHERS in Florida, South Carolina and Texas, whose book requests are being underwritten by law firms in your state, please sign up at www.ncsc.org/ordernovels

Please note: Book orders from Florida, South Carolina and Texas are distributed two times a year:

• August – Teachers signing up between January and July will receive their requested books in August.
• January – Teachers signing up between August and December will receive their requested book in January.

If you are a teacher in South Carolina, Florida, or Texas and need the books sooner than one of these dates, please email January Serda or call her at 757.259.1854.