Teachers learn about judicial system

By MEA-MFT Member Angela Mclean, Anaconda

May/June 2008 - Question: What do you get when you put one federal judge, 12 Montana attorneys, 20 Montana teachers, and the president of MEA-MFT in a room together?

Answer: You get the first-ever Montana Judicial Institute! In February, 20 teachers from across the state met at the University of Montana to participate in the institute. U.S. Federal Judge Donald Molloy orchestrated the event with help from the institute chair, attorney Mike Cok of Bozeman; teacher and MEA-MFT member Jennifer Copley of Missoula; and President Eric Feaver of MEA-MFT.

The institute was organized to raise awareness of the judicial branch and its important role in government by getting information to teachers on the front lines.

During the three-day institute, experts addressed a variety of topics. "The War on Terror v. Individual Liberties" was presented in debate form by U.S. Attorney Bill Mercer and Professor Jim Taylor of U of M. Wendy Holton, a U.S. federal magistrate, presented "The Anatomy of a Civil Case."

Maylinn Smith of the U of M Law School presented an important discussion on tribal law. Considerable time was spent on the timely issue of judicial independence and widespread threats to the immunity of federal and state judges by the executive or legislative branches, politics and money.

Seasoned trial attorney Russ Herman of New Orleans focused on the importance of trial by jury. He noted that this once-fundamental right is currently under fire in the U.S.

Mr. Herman expressed his concern that in many places around the world where trial by jury was once a basic right, it is now nonexistent. This riveting presentation allowed teachers to record many historical instances where the judiciary has been under attack so they may relate them to their students.

The summit engaged teachers and lawyers from Butte to Roberts and from Kalispell to Billings in a meaningful and relevant study of contemporary issues confronting the judiciary and society as a whole. These issues must find their way into the classroom so students can stand up and advocate for their fundamental liberties as provided by the courts.

The institute may become an annual event where educators and members of the legal community continue to collaborate to teach Montana's youth. "The first Judicial Institute was an incredible, first-class professional development opportunity," Eric Feaver said.

"Every participant left better informed in the rule of law and the role of the judiciary in our complex system of government. I am confident participants will develop and deliver tremendous lesson plans the institute inspired. I hope the institute grows into an annual event."