Educational resources for teachers
The Wisconsin Court System has developed a variety of programs and publications designed to help teachers present information on the justice system in a way that keeps students engaged.
For more information about any of these items contact Stephen Kelley, Court Information Officer.
Case of the month
The case of the month project provides high school teachers with some of the necessary tools to educate their students about the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Each month, during the Supreme Court's session, a "teachable" case will be highlighted. It will be chosen from the cases the Court will hear that month. Learn more about the case of the month here.
Children's activity book
The children's activity book "What's Happening in Court?" is full of activities and useful information to help children and their families who may be in court for any reason—whether they are visitors, witnesses, or directly involved in a case. Specifically the book explains what happens in court, who works there, and the rules of court.
This book was written in 1999 by the legal staff of the California Office of the General Counsel within the Administrative Office of the Courts. In 2001, Wisconsin judges, attorneys, and court staff tailored the book for Wisconsin and reproduced it with funding from the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Milwaukee Bar Association.
If you wish to reprint the book in quantity, please direct your printing company to the professional printing instructions.
Court with Class
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in cooperation with the State Bar of Wisconsin, invites high-school teachers from across the state to bring students to Madison for the award-winning Court with Class program. Since 1996, thousands of public, private and home-schooled students have benefited from this educational program, which runs from September to April each year. Learn more about the Court with Class program.
History tools
In the year 2003, the Wisconsin Supreme Court celebrated the 150th anniversary of its formation as a separate court with a variety of events and publications designed to tell the story of the state's highest court. The Wisconsin courts have many stories to tell. Legal lore, trivia, biographies, summaries of famous cases, and even a script for a play and an Emmy-award-nominated video documentary are available through this site. Learn more about these resources.
Judicial speakers bureau
The speakers bureau can help schools and community groups find appropriate speakers to talk about how civil and criminal courts work, careers in the law, the juvenile justice system, alternative dispute resolution, considerations in sentencing and other topics. Judges and court staff regularly speak to groups in their communities on a variety of topics. There is no charge for the service or for the speech.
To request a speaker or to find out more about this service, e-mail Stephen Kelley, Court Information Officer, or call (608) 261-6640. Be sure to include the following information in your e-mail:
- Your name and telephone number
- Name of your organization
- Date, time, and place of the event for which you would like a speaker
- Topics your group would like to learn about
- Approximate number of people you expect to attend the event