“A Focal Point for Education”
he mission of The Judicial Learning Center is to promote public understanding of the function and value of the judicial branch of government, especially at the federal level. The Judicial Learning Center is both a physical space and a not-for-profit corporation.
The physical space for The Judicial Learning Center is located in the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It is dedicated to promoting public understanding of the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law in American society.
Content for The Judicial Learning Center exhibit was developed in consultation with prominent educators, attorneys, museum experts, community leaders and judges to insure the displays further the mission of the Center. Taylor Studios, Inc. of Rantoul, Illinois designed, fabricated and installed the displays. Funding for the exhibits was provided by the not-for-profit corporation.
The Judicial Learning Center is the focal point for education activities in and through the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse. It was the first educational center in the country devoted to the judicial process in the federal courts, and is steadily becoming a national model.
The JLC exhibits focus on the importance of “The Rule of Law” and depict how and why the federal court system was created. The differences between state and federal courts are also outlined. Other JLC highlights include an exhibit on landmark Eighth Circuit cases and interactive displays which allow visitors to serve as jurors and preside as a judge.
Other Center sponsored activities include annual summer teacher institutes, Scout programs, Law Day, and Constitution Day.
Special thanks to Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C. for its generous underwriting support of this website. Special thanks, also, to Rachel Marshall, Director of Civics Education, United States Courts, and summer teaching fellow, Tracy Nondorf.
The Judicial Learning Center, Inc. is an independent Missouri not-for-profit corporation founded by leaders of the legal community.
The Judicial Learning Center opened on February 25, 2009 and was dedicated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor:
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