Democracy, civics and active participation in the community are not things with which we are born — they must be learned. Which is why Classroom Law Project brings vital and engaging civics and law-related education programs into Oregon schools, teaching students at all grade levels the values and skills essential to being a participating citizen in our democracy. Each year, our innovative, timely, practical and fun programs involve and inspire over 400 teachers and 12,000 students from 250 schools in 75 Oregon communities.

 

Please join us in celebrating
The Honorable Jean Kerr Maurer!

The annual Legal Citizen of the Year Award Dinner takes place on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at The Governor Hotel in Portland. From courtroom to the classroom, the Honorable Jean Kerr Maurer raises the bar for civics education with her integrity, advocacy, and commitment.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!

 

Tickets Fore Charity

Tickets Fore Charity is a fundraising opportunity through West Coast Bank for Portland Area non-profits. Organizations participate by selling tickets to the 2010 Safeway Classic and keep 100% of the money raised from their sales!

Come and enjoy the best in women’s golf at the internationally renowned Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club anytime between August 16-22, 2010 AND support Classroom Law Project at the same time! Weekly ground tickets are only $25 each (regularly $35 at the gate).

To purchase tickets:

  • Download, print, and mail/fax the paper order form.
  • Use the online form at www.tgfigolf.com (make sure to select Classroom Law Project from the charities drop down list!)
     

    Congratulations to Lincoln High School!

    Lincoln will represent Oregon at the We the People National Finals in Washington, D.C. (April 24-26)

    • 1st Place – Lincoln High School (Portland)
    • 2nd Place – Grant High School (Portland)
    • 3rd Place – Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego)
    • 4th Place – Franklin High School (Portland)
    • 5th Place – Junction City High School (Junction City)
    • 6th Place – Pendleton High School (Pendleton)

    Click here to view and/or purchase pictures from the competition! (password: ClassLaw)

     

    What is democracy without the voice of informed citizens?

    Learn about exciting programs that will engage and inspire your 5th–12th grade students

    A two-day workshop designed to introduce engaging curricula and strategies aligned with Oregon Content Standards.

    Participants will learn how to help students develop positive attitudes about authority, justice, and the rule of law; think about the common good; and take action to express their commitment through voting, volunteerism and petitioning the government for change.

    Click here for more information!

     

    Project Citizen: Standards rich, project based, interdisciplinary – and FUN – curriculum

    A Workshop for Teachers grades 5-12 (all subject areas)

    Project Citizen is an interdisciplinary curriculum for upper elementary, middle and high school students, designed to teach responsible participation in local and state government.

    Students work cooperatively to identify a public policy problem in their community, evaluate possible solutions, and develop an action plan for local government leaders to use in addressing the problem. The work culminates with a class portfolio and mock hearing.

    Takes place Saturday, February 6 from 9am – 4pm at the Oregon State Bar in Tigard.

    Click here to learn more and sign up!

     

    Want to be a Mock Trial Judge?

    In this courtroom the law degree is optional.

    Assess and critique high school mock trial teams at competition. All that’s needed is the ability to be impartial and provide constructive feedback. The commitment is only one morning, afternoon, or evening.

    Regional Competition: Saturday February 27 (throughout Oregon)
    State Finals: Friday & Saturday, March 12-13 (Portland)

    Download the flyer for more information.

    Click here to sign up!

     

    CLP Receives National Coverage!

    Jina Moore, reporter for the Christian Science Monitor, spotlights Classroom Law Project in the newspaper’s December 6, 2009 issue.

    Moore provides a strong case for the importance of civic education and dispenses enthusiastic praise for CLP and its programs that continue to inspire and engage students after 25 years.

    Six sophomores at Grant High School sit, shoulders slumping slightly, before two lawyers. The room fills with nervous expectation. Here, the Constitution is a competitive sport, and students need to dazzle: They will have six minutes to explain to these local lawyers the context, and every important detail, of an 1819 Supreme Court case – McCulloch vs. Maryland, a landmark case in which Chief Justice John Marshall expanded the power of the court with the stroke of his pen. They need to be smart, but also to be witty to tie this old history to current affairs and to showcase teamwork. It’s a lot to carry on one’s shoulders – hence, perhaps, the slumping.

    Read the full article at www.csmonitor.com.

     

    CLP’s 08/09 Annual Report IS your Democracy Owner’s Manual

    Congratulations on your democracy.

    With proper care and maintenance it will give you centuries of vital service and continue to produce valuable byproducts, including freedom, opportunity and hope.

    It is strongly recommended by the manufacturer that you identify an approved service and support system to help maintain your democracy…

    Read more →

     

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Court Tour Guide, Mock Trial Coach, We the People Judge…CLP is always looking for a few good women and men to make our programs as valuable as possible for the thousands of teachers and students we work with every year.

    Whether you are an attorney or not, if you have an hour to spare or all the time in the world, we would love to hear from you!

    Read more →

     

    Now accepting requests for Court Tours!

    The Courthouse Experience Program (Multnomah County) provides students with an authentic opportunity to learn about the justice system by observing real cases and court procedures.

    Read more →

     

    Customize Your Email Updates!

    Stay informed about CLP’s programs, new workshops, and coming events. When you sign up for email updates, you can specify which programs are of interest to you, update your contact information, and more.  Click here to sign up or edit your preferences…