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RCSD Celebrates Seventh Year of J.U.S.T. L.A.W.

(October 28, 2024) Nearly 2,000 Rochester City School District students are gaining valuable insights into law and the judicial system through the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program. This initiative, now in its seventh consecutive year, is a collaboration between the City of Rochester, WDKX, the 7th Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System, the Black Bar Association, and the RCSD. 

J.U.S.T. L.A.W. stands for Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust, Literacy, Attendance, and Writing. This program helps students understand the importance of civic responsibility and engagement. Judges from the 7th Judicial District work directly with students, discussing topics such as the significance of school attendance and encouraging them to voice their questions and concerns about the court system. Judges will visit 24 RCSD schools before the end of 2024, and students can participate in an essay contest on the topic of “What Justice Means to Me.”

“Participating in J.U.S.T. L.A.W. empowers our students with essential knowledge about justice and civic responsibility,” said Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “By engaging with local judges, our students enhance their understanding of the law and also develop tools they need to be informed, active citizens within our community.”

Throughout the course of the program, members of the Black Bar Association will provide mentorship on various careers available in the legal field. Students will also tour the Hall of Justice, where they will discuss potential careers and meet judges from the 7th Judicial District, which includes Monroe, Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates counties.