Walking in their shoes: the 2006 Justice Teaching Institute.

The Florida Justice Teaching Institute is funded by The Florida Bar Foundation and The Florida Bar with in-kind assistance from the Supreme Court of Florida and the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. Teachers then return to their school districts to organize their own local teaching institutes involving judges in their own judicial circuits.

Teachers from throughout Florida experienced justice "first-hand" at the 2006 Justice Teaching Institute, hosted annually by the Supreme Court of Florida. Each of Florida's seven Supreme Court justices served as faculty during the institute as teachers analyzed the constitutional dilemmas involving the Fourth Amendment. The case, Hilton v. State of Florida, addressed whether a person's right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures is violated when a vehicle is stopped by the police for a cracked windshield regardless of whether the crack created any immediate danger.

Teachers learned about the case and its constitutional issues through sessions with judges, police officers, attorneys, and the Supreme Court justices. The training provided a balance of academic and clinical experiences designed to prepare teachers to effectively teach about the courts and the administration of justice. Twenty-four participants representing 12 judicial circuits attended the institute.

The institute began with an exercise on the Florida Constitution and Code of Judicial Conduct. "In doing this, teachers received a quick introduction to the structure and function of the judicial branch in Florida as well as the role and responsibilities of judges," stated Judge Michael Genden, from the 11th Judicial Circuit and this year's Justice Teaching Institute facilitator and mentor judge.

Teachers were introduced to a variety of teaching methods as they learned about the appellate process. Annette Pitts, executive director of The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc., demonstrated effective strategies for teaching controversial issues.

Simulations, case studies, Supreme Court conference activities, and re-enactments, were used. Additionally, teachers explored the trail of justice using the Hilton case. Participants began with a police traffic encounter and then moved into the circuit court for a motion to suppress hearing with Second Judicial Circuit Public Defender Nancy Daniels and State Attorney Willie Meggs simulating the motion to suppress hearing.

"This really brought every thing together for me," said Melanie Harden, a teacher from Polk County. Teachers learned the appellate process by following the case through the courts. "The unique element of the Justice Teaching Institute model is that teachers research and trace a real case through the system," stated Annette Pitts. "They prepare to argue the case in the Supreme Court and serve as the petitioner, respondent, and justices during the institute."

As a final application, teachers observe the real oral arguments in the case scheduled to be held at the Supreme Court during the Justice Teaching Institute.

"This is the very best institute I have ever attended," stated Judy Jones, a teacher from Tampa. "The planning and implementation were flawless," she added.

Teacher evaluations revealed a substantial increase in knowledge as a result of the institute. Additionally, teachers reported the institute increased their trust and confidence in the courts. One teacher wrote, "Our week's activities reinforced my belief that the law and the Constitution are two of the best instructional tools we have."

Paula Lesko was amazed at the opportunities she experienced during the institute, "I never anticipated that I would have the opportunity to meet and benefit from the wisdom of each and every Florida Supreme Court justice." Lesko added, "Thank you for supporting my belief that middle school teachers provide a critical bridge to high school in the study of civics."