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

Rochester City Court Supervising Judge Melissa Barrett speaks to students attending the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program

Nearly 2,000 students in the Rochester City School District are gaining insights into law and the judicial system through the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program, now in its seventh year. The initiative 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.—Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust, Literacy, Attendance, and Writing—helps students understand the importance of civic responsibility and engagement. Judges from the 7th Judicial District work directly with students, discussing topics like the importance of school attendance and encouraging them to ask questions about the court system. Judges will visit 24 RCSD schools before the end of 2024, and students are invited to participate in an essay contest on “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 Interim Superintendent of Schools Demario Strickland. “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.”

Members of the Black Bar Association will mentor students on various legal careers as part of the program. 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.