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
- Opportunities to build on existing activities
- New projects just for the 250th anniversary
- Groups you want to engage and why
Refer to our list of potential ideas and spotlight courts for inspiration.
Communicate
• Themes & 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 early examples of how courts plan to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. Share your project plans to help inspire others!
Traveling oral argument with a twist
The Court of Appeals of Indiana is partnering with the Indiana Historical Society to add a museum tour and historical exhibits to its existing Appeals on Wheels program.
Dedicated internal & external webpages
States like Ohio and North Carolina have developed dedicated webpages and websites to share historical timelines and facts.
Historical video series
The New Jersey Courts is producing a series of short videos that highlight connections between the New Jersey Courts and key figures of the American Revolution.
Coupling 250th anniversary with court milestone
The Kentucky Judicial Branch is connecting the nation's 250th anniversary with a yearlong campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of unified courts featuring videos, public events, and educational partnerships.
Partner collaborations
A planning committee in Vermont is considering local 250th anniversary events at county courthouses in conjunction with county bar associations and historical societies and hosting a naturalization ceremony at the Vermont Supreme Court in early July.
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.
Additional resources for America's 250th
See how other organizations are celebrating this milestone in American history.
Explore more
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary
Discover how state courts are planning for America's 250th anniversary and taking the opportunity to emphasize the impact of state courts in meaningful ways.
Beyond civics education: a health and wellness guide for public trust
Engage with us
Join us in strengthening the rule of law, expanding access to justice, and supporting the vital work of state courts.