SHEAR Civics Exchange Partners with the National Judicial College

In March 2026 SHEAR Civics Exchange formed a partnership with the National Judicial College. The NJC provides coursework and training to justices appointed at the state level and is working with organizations of the federal judiciary to educate judges and the public about an independent judiciary and the rule of law. With the partnership, the civic educators of SHEAR Civics Exchange will be providing the all-important historical context for to understand the origins, meaning, significance, and development of these institutions and ideals.

Though the SHEAR Civics Exchange\NJC partnership is still in its early stages, exciting programming for judges is already planned. In May and June, the SHEAR Civic Exchange Scholars and SHEAR members Kate Masur of Northwestern University, Jake Ruddiman of Wake Forest University, Honor Sachs of the University of Colorado, and Andrew Shankman of Rutgers University will be speaking with judges on the Declaration of Independence and the development of the rule of law from the American Revolution to the Civil War. Each SHEAR Civic Educator will do so in a different city, Kate Masur in Chicago, Jake Ruddiman in Atlanta, Honor Sachs in Denver, and Andrew Shankman in Philadelphia so that SHEAR Civics Exchange can connect with judges throughout the nation. These initial efforts will be just the first step of an ongoing partnership between SHEAR Civics Exchange and the National Judicial College. If you are interested in supporting our ongoing efforts, please consider donating to SHEAR to support the organization and SHEAR Civics Exchange.