Educational resources for kids
The Wisconsin Court System, or judicial branch, is one of three branches of state government. The judicial branch interprets the laws and settles disagreements. The legislative branch (external link) makes the laws and the executive branch (external link) enforces the laws.
Activity book
One day you may go to a courthouse as a witness, juror, visitor, or for some other reason. The activities in "What's Happening in Court?" (2001) explain what happens in court, who works there, and what the rules are. Learning about the courts is an important way to prepare yourself to be a responsible citizen. (This popular booklet was adapted from a publication created in 1999 by the California Office of the General Counsel, Administrative Office of the Courts).
Links for kids
Note: Most of the following sites are not maintained by the Wisconsin Court System.
Learn more about Wisconsin government:
- Wisconsin Courts (judicial branch)
- Wisconsin Governor (executive branch)
- Wisconsin Senate (legislative branch)
- Wisconsin Assembly (legislative branch)
- Wisconsin.gov (state portal site)
Learn more about United States government:
- FirstGov for Kids (with links to federal agency kids' pages)
- Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
- iCivics (designed to teach students civics)
- President of the United States (executive branch)
- United States Supreme Court (judicial branch)
- United States Federal Courts (judicial branch)
- United States Senate (legislative branch)
- United States House of Representatives (legislative branch)
- USA.gov (United States government portal site)