Days & Times
11 a.m. PDT/Noon MDT/1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT – 60 minutes
Course Location
Online
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Live Online Conversation on the Declaration of Independence
September 11, 2026 – 11 am PDT/2 pm EDT
The National Judicial College will convene a live, online conversation about the Declaration of Independence and its principles of judicial independence and the Rule of Law on September 11 at 11 a.m. PDT.
As part of NJC’s Judges Listening: Conversations with America Program, retired federal Judge Bernice Donald will lead a conversation about why the Founders put their lives on the line for judges, courts, and justice. The conversation will bring to life the Founders’ grievances with how King George denied the colonists fair trials by jury and independent judges, even justice itself.
The Conversation will draw on the resources on the Judges Listening website to demonstrate how judges across America can convene conversations in their communities in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. The website includes publications and video resources that share the history and importance of judicial independence and the Rule of Law, at the nation’s founding and its development in subsequent years. The Declaration of Independence included five grievances related directly to judges and courts, about judges dependent on the King, fair trials by jury (and mock trials of armed troops), the King’s refusal to provide courts, and transporting defendants to London for trial before a King’s judge for “pretended offences.”
Most importantly, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and talk about how the Rule of Law in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago still affects justice in their lives today. Participants will have the opportunity to participate onscreen or remain anonymous offscreen. Please register now. If you wish to participate onscreen, please contact Alf Brandt at alfb@judge.org.
Please note this webinar is not eligible for CLE/CJE credit.
During this course, you will learn to:
- Identify at least one grievance in the Declaration of Independence related to judicial independence or the Rule of Law.
- Explain to their neighbors how the Rule of Law has its roots in the Declaration of Independence.
- Tell one story about why judges showed up in the Declaration of Independence.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
Live Online Conversation on the Declaration of Independence
September 11, 2026 – 11 am PDT/2 pm EDT
The National Judicial College will convene a live, online conversation about the Declaration of Independence and its principles of judicial independence and the Rule of Law on September 11 at 11 a.m. PDT.
As part of NJC’s Judges Listening: Conversations with America Program, retired federal Judge Bernice Donald will lead a conversation about why the Founders put their lives on the line for judges, courts, and justice. The conversation will bring to life the Founders’ grievances with how King George denied the colonists fair trials by jury and independent judges, even justice itself.
The Conversation will draw on the resources on the Judges Listening website to demonstrate how judges across America can convene conversations in their communities in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. The website includes publications and video resources that share the history and importance of judicial independence and the Rule of Law, at the nation’s founding and its development in subsequent years. The Declaration of Independence included five grievances related directly to judges and courts, about judges dependent on the King, fair trials by jury (and mock trials of armed troops), the King’s refusal to provide courts, and transporting defendants to London for trial before a King’s judge for “pretended offences.”
Most importantly, participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and talk about how the Rule of Law in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago still affects justice in their lives today. Participants will have the opportunity to participate onscreen or remain anonymous offscreen. Please register now. If you wish to participate onscreen, please contact Alf Brandt at alfb@judge.org.
Please note this webinar is not eligible for CLE/CJE credit.