As lawyers and judges hope to spark interest in legal careers and professions and increase the awareness of civic duties and responsibilities, they may want to tune in to the perspectives of younger people, known as Generation Z. Pew Research defines Generation Z (Gen Z) as anyone born between 1997 and 2012.
Court Administrator Zenell Brown had the opportunity to interview Jordan Taylor on his perspective of the court and the justice system. Jordan has never stepped foot inside of a court. He has never received a jury summons. Jordan is a high school senior at Cristo Rey High School in Detroit. He shared his perspective as Gen Z and what he has learned during his virtual internship with the Court. Jordan concluded the interview acknowledging that media portrayal of courts and the justice system is not a complete, accurate depiction of how cases are decided and the work judges actually perform.
The interview can be seen at https://bit.ly/3sXCqW8.
In similar news, the National Center for State Courts has announced its winners for the 2021 Civics Education Essay Contest. The Gen Z third- through 12th-grade contest applicants provided unique, insightful and timely perspectives on the rule of law. Almost every state was represented in the contest, and there was no mistake that current social justice events had impacted their views and opinions. First place winner Ashley Lin from Arcadia, California, wrote, “Beneath the variance of skin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and ability, we are one people—united by a shared language of hope and equality.” The top three winners are recorded reciting their essays on https://vimeo.com/539802297.
Also, Gen Zers were in the Third Circuit Court virtually on May 5 celebrating Law Day. Participating students from University of Detroit, Western International, University Prep High School, and Osborn High School had the opportunity to interact with volunteer lawyers and Third Circuit Court judges thanks to the efforts of the Detroit Bar Association and Downriver Bar Association’s Barristers. Lawyers and judges had the opportunity to listen to various perspectives of the students. The theme was First Amendment Rights in Educational Settings.
In May and June of this year, the State Bar of Michigan Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will team up with National Association of Women Judges – Michigan Chapter to provide the virtual Face of Justice Program for L’Anse Creuse High School in Macomb County and several schools in Southfield, Oakland County. As judges and lawyers answer questions and share about their backgrounds and career paths, they will have an opportunity to learn what is on the mind of students about the law and legal careers. More information on the program is available at https://www.michbar.org/file/diversity/pdfs/FOJprogram2019.pdf.
The Native Americans ascribed to the “7th generation” principle, which says that we must consider in every decision – personal, governmental or corporate – how it will affect our descendants seven generations into the future. The perspectives of Gen Z regarding courts, the rule of law, and the justice system, gives us valuable insights to start doing that.
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