Community Outreach

Federal law requires schools to teach about the Constitution on or near September 17, the date the Constitution was signed in 1787. The U.S. Constitution embodies the United States' founding principles, including the rule of law. Constitution Day resources are available on the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center web site. (Michigan has had four constitutions in 1835, 1850, 1908, and 1963. For information about the State Constitution, visit the Michigan Legislature. 

 

Additional resources are available at uscourts.gov, the Center for Civic Education, the National Constitution Center, the State Bar of Michigan, and icivics.

 

While the Supreme Court normally hears oral argument at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, Supreme Court justices and staff are traveling to various communities as part of "Court Community Connections," which the Supreme Court started in 2007 as a public education program aimed principally at high school students. The goal is to help students understand the appellate courts and Michigan's judicial system.

 

The Court's initial visit was to Lapeer, followed by Hastings in Barry County, Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Centreville in St. Joseph County, Cooley Law School in Auburn Hills, Lake Michigan College in Berrien County, Siena Heights University in Lenawee County, the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, and the Tuscola County Tech Center in Caro. Marshall hosted the Court's visit in May 2012, and Grand Rapids hosted in October 2012 at the Gerald Ford Museum. Midland welcomed the Court in April 2013 at the Midland Center for the Arts, and Mecosta and Osceola counties will host the Court in Big Rapids in October 2013.

 

To prepare for oral argument, students meet with local attorneys, who discuss the case that the Court will hear. After the argument, students participate in a debriefing session with the attorneys who argued the case.

 

Contact the Public Information Office at 517-373-0129 or 517-373-0714 for additional information.

 

During Juror Appreciation Month each July, the Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court urge judiciary, attorneys, citizens, schools, businesses, and media of Michigan to use this occasion to preserve and strengthen the jury system and to express appreciation for fellow citizens who answer the call of duty. Additional information is available on the Juror Appreciation page.

Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law, underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share. Resources to help with Law Day planning are available on the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center. Additional resources are available through the Michigan Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

 

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year, Michigan holds Adoption Day activities. More information about this special event is available on the Michigan Adoption Day page.