Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions

 
CD3 participants review their arguments before the mock hearing as part of the Johnson Institute Scholars conference for teachers..

Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions (CD3) is a national program designed by the U.S. Courts to give students the opportunity to come into federal courts and participate in legal proceedings inspired by Supreme Court cases that feature situations in which they might find themselves. The Johnson Institute works with the Middle District of Alabama to facilitate CD3 workshops at the Frank Johnson Courthouse in Montgomery.

Students participating in CD3 have the opportunity to interact with and address questions to judges and attorneys and to learn about their experiences in the legal profession. Students gain skills in decision-making, civil discourse, and analysis of potential legal repercussions of their actions and decisions. Additionally, students have the chance to present arguments to the judge as student attorneys and to discuss and deliberate the cases as jurors. These experiences equip students with invaluable skills that will serve them as they navigate through life. 

A teacher presents her case to the judge during a CD3 workshop as part of the Johnson Institute Scholars conference.

For more information about CD3 or to download handouts, click here.

If you would like to bring a group to the Frank Johnson Courthouse for a CD3 workshop, or if you are an attorney who would like to volunteer to coach the students, please fill out the appropriate form below.


Register for a CD3 Workshop

If you would like to bring a group to the Frank Johnson Courthouse in Montgomery for a CD3 workshop, please fill out the form below. A representative from the Johnson Institute will be in touch with further details.


Register as a Volunteer Attorney for CD3

If you are an attorney and would like to help with CD3, please fill out the form below. A representative from the Johnson Institute will be in touch with more information.