Resources for Educators

The Historical Commission is continuously working to expand teachers and students access to, and understanding of, the Commonwealth's judiciary. We are excited to partner with Bar Associations, the legal community, and non-government organizations to offer unique opportunities for students to learn about government inside and out of the classroom.

If you would like to arrange a visit to a courthouse, meet a judge, or participate in one our civics education programs please contact us.

UJS's Civics Education Toolkit

Visit the Unified Judicial System's Civics Outreach and Education for educational materials designed to assist in teaching the three branches of government and the judiciary's role as a separate, co-equal branch.

The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Education

Founded by Governor Ed Rendell and Judge Marjorie Rendell in 2014, the Rendell Center provides educational materials for students to learn about the history of the United States, the three branches of government, and the judiciary's role in that system of checks and balances. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's Historical Commission has partnered with the Rendell Center on a program that allows teachers and students to explore Pennsylvania history through conducting mock trials and moot court arguments in the classroom or in the courtroom with real judges.

Historic Mock Trial & Moot Court Program

The Historical Commission has partnered with the Rendell Center to bring a unique opportunity for students to learn about Pennsylvania history and government by arguing historic cases in real courtrooms.

Historical Research Resources

Explore resources that you may find valuable in researching the history of Pennsylvania's Judiciary.

Historical Legal Terms

Court opinions often use confusing terms, especially in Latin, explore common and archaic terms students may encounter in old court opinions.

Other Court's Historical Societies and Commissions

Several courts, both federal and state, have historical societies or resources their rich histories and the important role the courts have had in shaping the nation.