Civics education undoubtedly plays a vital role in maintaining a strong democracy, as a basic understanding of how government works is required for citizens to become active participants in society. As one of the three branches of government, the judiciary reflects the core values of American democracy while acting as one of its essential pillars.

Recognizing this, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court created the Commission on Judicial Independence (PACJI) in 2005. Among their chief tasks, they are charged with fostering a greater public understanding about the role of the judiciary and explaining the essential need of an independent judiciary in America. As part of their efforts, the material below was created as a resource for teachers, students and the public to learn more about the work, role and structure of the state’s courts.

Click on a topic below to learn more about the Pa. courts:

Role of the Courts

How the Courts Work

Our Pa. Court System

How a Case Progresses

Flat Judge Project

Explore Appellate Courtrooms

300th Anniversary Resources

Pennsylvania's Appellate Courts

• Supreme Court
• Superior Court
• Commonwealth Court

View the Pennsylvania Justice educational video.

Spanish transcript for Pennsylvania Justice video

Where in the world is your Flat Judge?

This is an awesome opportunity to learn about the courts in your community, around Pennsylvania or even in other states and countries!

What is the Flat Judge concept?

The Flat Judge concept is modeled after the adventures of Stanley Lambchop after he is squashed flat by a bulletin board while sleeping. He survives and decides to make the best of being flat. The Flat Judge is just waiting for you to take him or her on adventures you create as you learn more about the Judiciary, the role of judges and how they enforce laws.

There are two ways to participate.

1) First you can bring your flat judge with you on your travels as you learn about the courts, what judges do and what it means to go to court. Don’t forget to send us photos of your Flat Judge adventures. You can tag us on Facebook or Twitter @PACourts or on Instagram – @pennsylvaniacourts. Or send an email to CommunicationsOffice@pacourts.us.

Here are some examples of where to take a picture that involve the courts but use your imagination!

2) The second way to participate is to mail your flat judge to friends and family -- and then wait to see their pictures with the Flat Judge to see where they traveled related to the courts!

Mailing your Flat Judge in six easy steps:

Step 1 – Come up with addresses for friends and family and get ready to mail the flat judge. This can be within Pa., in another state or outside the country!
Step 2 – Print out the flat judge template, cut it out and color it to make it your own. Any way you want.
Step 3 – Write a letter with some explanation of what you want people to do with the flat judge. Give them some ideas and see what they do with it. Address the envelopes, put a stamp on the envelope and put in the mail. Don’t forget to put the flat judge in the envelope! (Download a sample letter)
Step 4 – Open the mail.
Step 5 – Track your flat judge’s travels. Use a map. Where in the state is your Flat Judge? (Download the map)
Step 6 – Write a thank you note to everyone who participated in your Flat Judge adventures. (Download a sample thank you note)

Don’t forget to send us photos of your Flat Judge adventures. You can tag us on Facebook or Twitter @PACourts or on Instagram – @pennsylvaniacourts. Or send an email to CommunicationsOffice@pacourts.us..

Suggestions?

Thank you for viewing the Pa. Judiciary’s civic education page! We welcome any suggestions you may have for how to make this information more useful, or any topics you would like to know more about.

Please feel free to contact the AOPC/Communications office at

Additional Resources

• iCivics - Free lesson plans and games
• National Constitution Center Civics Kids Program