Judges from Maryland's courts will engage with Howard County high school students on November 8 to enhance their understanding of law and society. The event, part of the Civics and Law Academy, will be held at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia. Approximately 100 students from Wilde Lake, Hammond, Atholton, and Reservoir high schools are expected to participate.
The program aims to discuss topics such as juvenile rights, criminal law, free speech, and the impact of technology on the law. Judge Pamila J. Brown of Howard County District Court emphasized the importance of civics education: “You can’t hope to function in our society, which is based on the rule of law, if you don’t learn civics.”
Judge Brown leads the Judiciary committee responsible for hosting this initiative alongside partners including the Maryland State Bar Association and other educational organizations. She noted that "students are active members of our society and therefore need to have an understanding of law and legal issues."
The Civics and Law Academy is designed to help students develop civic competency through a deeper understanding of legal matters. Sessions are conducted throughout the school year at various locations across Maryland.