Fair & Impartial Courts Benchmarks
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Constitution Revision Commission webinar
In this Benchmarks webinar titled “Examining the Issues, Evaluating Proposals: 2017-2018 Florida Constitution Revision,” Annette Pitts, executive director of the Florida Law Related Education Association, and Judge Augustus Aikens, chair of the Constitutional Judiciary Committee, discuss how the Florida Constitution can be amended while focusing on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and proposals that will be on the 2018 General Election ballot. After viewing the webinar, members can take the presentation, available at www.floridabar.org/Benchmarks, to their community clubs and civic groups. Course number 1804926N. 1 Hour General credit. Login to report CLE credits online member.floridabar.org.
Benchmark Activities
Benchmarks Toolkit
We’re glad you want to make Benchmarks presentations! This Benchmarks Toolkit will help you get started!
Attorneys who become trained in Benchmarks – by attending a seminar – are eligible to earn CLE credits. Sign up with the Speakers Bureau to learn about presentation opportunities. To order free Constitution pamphlets for your presentation, call (850) 561-5834.
Tools included are:
- Why Benchmarks Matters
- Suggestions for groups to contact
- Benchmarks contact form for civics groups
- A Listing of Benchmarks activities
- Tips for making a good Benchmarks presentation
- An evaluation form to give to groups
- Information on how to apply for CLE credit
If you have questions, please contact Zannah Lyle at The Florida Bar at [email protected] or (850) 561-5669.
‘Benchmarks: Raising the Bar on Civics Education’ offers attorneys activities they can use when they are invited to speak to adult civic and community groups. Increasing public awareness of how the government and courts work is a critical mission for The Florida Bar. An informed public is the best defense of the rule of law and a fair and impartial judiciary. Benchmarks activities are available online, grouped in three categories:
Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Presentations test basic knowledge about how government works; review the rights included in the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution; explore how a judge would weigh the constitutionality of a law being challenged; and delve into two case studies that illuminate the workings of the courts.
- Could you Pass the Test?
- What’s Not in the Bill of Rights?
- Is it Unconstitutional? The Case of the Scarlet Tag
- Case Study: Is It Reasonable?
- Florida v. Jardines
Courts and the Judicial Branch
Presentations include an examination of the role of juries and an exploration of the different levels and functions of state and federal courts.
- The Role of Juries
- Sorting out the Courts
Presentations include a primer on the 2018 Constitution Revision Commission as well as an examination of U.S. voting practices historically and currently.
- Every 20 Years – Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission
- Who Has the Right?
Request a Speaker or Become a Speaker
To request a speaker for your group, please fill out the online request form.
Attorneys can become Benchmarks speakers by attending a Benchmarks training, which are held locally by voluntary bar associations as well as at Florida Bar meetings. When training is completed, sign up with The Florida Bar Speakers Bureau. Presenters can earn one ethics credit hour for each presentation for up to three presentations in a three-year reporting period. Questions, please email: [email protected] Form to apply for credit.
Evaluation of Presentation
Thank you for participating in a Benchmarks seminar. Please fill out the evaluation form and give it to the seminar coordinator or email to [email protected]
News and Events
Informed Voters-Fair Judges Project
The Informed Voters-Fair Judges Project of the National Association of Women Judges focuses on increasing the knowledge of citizens regarding the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary. Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente serves as state coordinating committee co-chairperson for the initiative.
Learn more about the Informed Voters Project and download materials for presentations.
Constitution Pamphlet
Benchmarks speakers may request up to 50 copies of the Constitution Pamphlet, which also contains the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Send requests to [email protected] or call (850) 561-5834.