Free, to be fair: Courts celebrating America @ 250
Introduction
Courts have a unique opportunity to engage their communities through education and outreach during America's 250th anniversary.
This handbook provides practical ways for courts to celebrate this milestone while strengthening public trust. It offers outreach and engagement ideas, along with messaging frameworks and examples that courts can tailor to local needs and existing programs.
Many of the approaches build on familiar civic education and community engagement activities. The handbook also features examples shared by courts nationwide to help inspire your own planning and implementation.
Who this is for:
- Court communicators
- Court staff involved in community-building & outreach activities
- Court leadership
Getting started
Brainstorm
- Think about opportunities to build on existing activities.
- Gather ideas for new projects just for the 250th anniversary.
- Identify groups you want to engage and why.
Refer to our list of potential ideas and spotlight courts for inspiration.
Communicate
• Find themes and messages that will resonate with your desired audience.
• Explain why you do what you do, not just what you do.
• Engage in two-way conversations with community members.
• Tell stories about everyday justice, rather than focusing only on high-profile cases.
• Emphasize fairness, transparency, accountability, and service in all communications.
• Show how courts help solve real community problems.
See our tips and suggested themes and messages.
Promote
How will people find out about your activity?
• Don't assume that an announcement on the court website or newsletter will reach your intended audience.
• Consider finding new community partners to help deliver your message.
This could be an opportunity to develop new channels to communicate.
What states are planning
Here are some examples of how courts are commemorating America's 250th anniversary. Share your project plans to help inspire others!
Off-site oral arguments
The Wyoming Supreme Court hosted oral arguments in the iconic historic Supreme Court at the Wyoming State Capitol to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary and highlight the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary. Indiana's Court of Appeals conducted oral arguments at the Indiana History Center and incorporated a museum tour and historical exhibits to its existing Appeals on Wheels program.
Court media
The Ohio Supreme Court developed an extensive America 250 webpage that includes a calendar showcasing upcoming events around the state and Ohio Judicial Firsts. In North Carolina, the "American Revolution to Digital Evolution: 250+ years of North Carolina Justice" brings history to life using an interactive timeline as part of the branch's Celebration 250 campaign.
Jury service
A circuit court judge's YouTube juror speech connects jury service to civic virtue and the symbolism of the Virginia state seal, with a video introduction from the circuit court clerk tying jury service to America's 250th anniversary.
Partner collaborations
The Arizona Supreme Court, State Bar of Arizona, and Superior Court in Maricopa County celebrated Rule of Law Day with than 500 attorneys from around the state reaffirming their oath to the practice of law and their commitment to upholding the rule of law according to the Arizona and U.S. Constitutions.
Declarations & proclamations
In states like South Carolina and California, chief justices joined members of the executive and legislative branches to issue joint statements to commemorate the 250th anniversary, highlight the enduring importance of the nation's founding ideals and affirm their continued commitment to those principles.
Educational resources
To help prepare students and teachers for the America 250 celebration, the Iowa Judicial Branch and Iowa State Bar Association created a 2025 Constitution Day one-stop resource sharing a constitutional case argued before the Iowa Supreme Court, educational videos, and podcasts about the Iowa Constitution and the courts.
Engage with NCSC civics education resources
No need to reinvent the wheel. Use our guidance as a starting point for your local initiative. From videos to guides, our resources are built to promote the importance of a free and fair judiciary. Speakers bureau information is coming soon.
Looking for a speaker for your 250th event?
We can connect you with speakers who can complement your anniversary event.
Additional resources for America's 250th
See how other organizations are celebrating this milestone in American history.
Explore more
Beyond civics education: A health & wellness guide for public trust
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