News

Pennsylvania Courts Announce New Statewide Contests for Students

May 01, 2025

In celebration of Law Day, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission is launching a statewide initiative aimed at engaging students in grades K–12 through creative educational activities highlighting the importance of the judicial branch of government.

“By inviting young people to explore the courts through their own voices and talents, we’re helping them build a deeper understanding of the justice system and inspiring the next generation of informed, active citizens and leaders,” said Pa. Supreme Court Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy, chair of the Historical Commission. “Our goal is to make civics education accessible, engaging and empowering for all Pennsylvania students.”

The Courtroom to Classroom initiative is made up of a dynamic series of contests and interactive projects that include the following:

• Drawing Contest (Grades K-5) – Students are invited to illustrate what justice means to them. Whether it’s judges, courtrooms or symbols of justice, students are encouraged to let their imaginations soar and show what justice means to them – through art.
• Essay Contest – Students are invited to submit a 1-page essay responding to one of the following prompts:
  • (Grades 3-5) – Imagine you are a Justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. What would your day be like, and what kinds of cases might you hear?
  • (Grades 6-12) – How do decisions made by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court impact your community, school or family life?
•  Infographic Contest (Grades 6-12)– Students can combine research and design to create an engaging infographic that explains the structure and role of the judicial branch, focusing on how it interprets laws and ensures justice.
• Video Activity (Grades K-12) – Students are invited to produce short videos responding to one of the following prompts:
  • What do you think judges do?
  • Do you think you would make a good judge?
  • Why do we need judges?
• Flat Judge Project (Grades K-5) – Inspired by the “Flat Stanley” concept, this activity invites students to decorate a paper judge and take it on real or imagined adventures to learn more about the courts and the work judges do.
• Social Media Activity (Grades 6-12) –Students are invited to create a dynamic social media campaign focused on educating their peers and the public about the judicial branch using engaging posts and/or videos.

How to Enter:
Students can participate in any of the contests by submitting their work in one of the following ways:

• Online: Tag @PACourts on X or @pennsylvaniacourts on Instagram
• By Email: communicationsoffice@pacourts.us
• By Mail:
  AOPC Communications
  601 Commonwealth Avenue
  Harrisburg, PA 17120

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis, and winners may receive an official certificate of recognition from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

To learn more, visit www.pacourts.us/civics-ed.

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Media contact:  Casey Scheffler, 610-425-1712