WASHINGTON, DC – Chief Judge Eric T. Washington, of the DC Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Lee Satterfield of the DC Superior Court have invited all middle and high schools in the District to participate in a “Judge for a Day” contest which will be part of the Courts’ Open House festivities being held on May 1, 2009.  The Open House is being held on Law Day, May 1, which was established by proclamation in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen the country’s commitment to liberty, justice, and equality under the law.  This year’s Law Day theme is A Legacy of Liberty, Celebrating Lincoln’s Bicentennial.     
 
The “Judge for a Day” contest will allow winning students to shadow a judge for a day, see the real work of judges, and develop a better understanding of the court system.  Three students from grades 9 through 12 will be selected based upon their civic involvement and community service; two students from grades 6 through 8 will be chosen based upon their community service or an essay on “Why I Want to be Judge for a Day.”   
 
“We think this program will allow students who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to their community and an interest in the law to learn first-hand about the job of being a judge, as well as other careers in the law and the justice system.” said Chief Judge Eric T. Washington. 
 
“We decided to select the winners based on their community involvement because that commitment reflects President Lincoln’s legacy as well as President Obama’s current vision for our country,” said Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield. 
 
The DC Courts’ Open House is designed to expand the court-community dialogue about issues of concern to the community, expand understanding of the judicial branch, and promote trust and confidence in the courts. There are Open House activities planned for all age groups from elementary students to senior citizens, with a special emphasis on school students – our future leaders.  The public is encouraged to attend. 
 
For more information and the application form, go to www.dccourts.gov/Judge4aDay.