Hon. Judith S. Kaye and Roy Reardon, Esq. at Bard. Spring, 2012

Former Chief Judge of the State of New York Judith S. Kaye and Roy L. Reardon, Esq. at Bard. Spring, 2012

INTRODUCTION

The Teach & Learn section of the Historical Society’s website aims to make available the learning resources we have developed with educators and schools. We also include recommended outside resources that are consistent with our mission of education, and often referenced by our education partners! Our resources focus on teaching students about the legal system, how the courts operate, the roles of judges and lawyers in society, and the larger concepts of Justice and the Rule of Law. We utilize the unique lens of the legal system in New York State to further these initiatives.

Our focus regards expanding students’ knowledge of civics. We seek to answer questions about how the courts work; what the role of lawyers and jurists is; and what it means to be a plaintiff or defendant. Our goal is to promote critical thinking about the themes of Justice, the Rule of Law, and the New York State and United States Constitutions in promoting and safeguarding democracy, equal justice, and access to the law.

As we continue to create projects with our education partners, we will update reference materials with new courses, syllabi, and lesson plans. However, we also want your input. If you’ve adapted these materials to fit the needs of your specific classroom, we want to hear from you! We invite you to email us at the Historical Society of the New York Courts.

For more information about our resources, click on a link below.