Welcome to the Law, Youth and Citizenship webpage. The Law, Youth and Citizenship (LYC) Program was established in 1974 to promote civic and law-related education in New York’s public and private schools. The LYC Program has a long history of providing educational resources and programming to educators throughout New York. The LYC now focuses on supporting one of the largest high-school mock trial programs in the country, creating programming for educators through webinars and conferences, and monitoring state and federal legislation that could impact the New York educational system. Please use the tabs to the left to learn more about the LYC.
LAW, YOUTH AND CITIZENSHIP (LYC) DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
These awards honor an attorney and an educator who have demonstrated excellence in law-related/civic education.
The Attorney Distinguished Service Award is presented to an outstanding attorney. Click here for information on how to nominate an attorney.
The Emil Zullo Distinguished Service Award is presented to an outstanding educator. Click here for information on how to nominate an educator.
Click here to see the Past Recipients of these awards.
Constitution Day
September 17th is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The day commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution on this day in 1787, and also celebrates United States citizenship. On or about this day each year, educational institutions that receive federal funds are required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for students. LYC is happy to provide links to Constitution Day resources, as well as participate in school programs.
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Educating for American Democracy
What is Law Day?
Law Day is held on May 1st every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. Learn more about the history of Law Day and past themes here.
Be sure to register to attend the ABA’s virtual Law Day Program, April 27 at 3:00 pm: Civility and Collaboration: U.S. and International Perspectives. NYSBA’s Past-President Sharon Stern Gerstman is delivering the opening remarks.
LYC Restricted Fund helps students and programs that impact civic education throughout New York State. All donations will help provide programs and events sponsored by the Law, Youth and Citizenship Committee and assist in carrying out its mission and goals.
All donations to the LYC Restricted Fund are tax-deductible.
If you would like to donate, click here to go to the New York Bar Foundation’s “MAKE A DONATION” page.
- Select Donation Amount
- Select Donation Type
- Select Available Funds and select “LYC Restricted Fund” from the drop-down menu
- Click the blue DONATE button
The LYC Committee appreciates your donation and thanks you for your support of the Law, Youth and Citizenship program.
CLICK TO DONATE
Resource Links
Advocating Your Way Into Adulthood
The purpose of this online booklet is only to provide you with factual information about the law and legal issues. It is not legal advice; the book does not take the place of an attorney. You should obtain a lawyer’s advice when necessary, regarding the issues discussed in this booklet. This booklet, authored by Annie Rody-Wright, Esq., is published by the New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth and Citizenship Program (LYC). The mission of the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program is to facilitate and enrich the civic commitment, and involvement in democracy, for all New Yorkers. At the core of the LYC mission is the promotion of broader public knowledge and understanding of the Constitution and the promotion of civic education, civic engagement and political civility. The following LYC Committee members contributed to the editing and revising of this First Edition: Paul Bailey, Esq., Michele Horan, Esq., Lisa Lewis, Esq., John A. Williamson Jr., Esq. © 2013
The mission of the ABA Division for Public Education is to promote public understanding of law and its role in society.
American Bar Association Law Day
Each year on May 1st, Law Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our legal heritage, the role of law, and on the rights and duties which are the foundation of peace and prosperity for all. Throughout New York State, bar associations and other law-related organizations sponsor events to recognize the contributions of citizens, lawyers and judges. This can be in the form of visits to classrooms, recognition of lawyers and non-lawyers for volunteer service, special lectures, essay contests, etc.
The Civic Commons is a civic engagement utility and consultancy serving community leaders, institutions and the growing desire of citizens to be engaged and empowered on key civic decisions.
ConSource is a free online library of constitutional history. It digitizes and cross-references source documents written by individuals who drafted, ratified, and influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments. Outstanding source of primary documents.
Foundations of Democracy is an interdisciplinary curriculum based on four concepts fundamental to understanding constitutional democracy: authority, privacy, responsibility, and justice. Grades K-12.
iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support. Current resources on the site include: quality online lesson plans and links to teaching resources. These resources, written and compiled by classroom teachers, are practical solutions to classroom needs. For students, there are interactive features where students can tell each other and Justice O’Connor about their opinions and their civic participation.
The Justice Resource Center (JRC) is a public/private partnership established in 1991, whose mandate is to develop, implement, replicate and evaluate law-related education projects which impact positively on the school age population in the United States. Programs throughout NYC, including Mock trial and We the People.
Founded by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Learning for Justice, formerly Teaching Tolerance, is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children. It provides free educational materials to teachers and other school practitioners in the U.S. and Canada. Its magazine is sent to 450,000 educators twice annually, and tens of thousands of educators use our free curricular kits. More than 5,000 schools participate in our annual Mix It Up at Lunch Day program.
ABA scripted trials based on children’s stories.
National Council for the Social Studies
Social studies educators teach students the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy. The mission of National Council for the Social Studies is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators.
New York Council for the Humanities
Community Conversations promotes thoughtful, engaged community dialogue, using a short text and a facilitator from the local community. Our civic life is a shared endeavor that requires the informed participation of all citizens. Community Conversations provide arenas in which people come together for thoughtful discussion and dialogue about shared values as Americans—past, present, and future.
Information about the courts and legal system for educators and students. Courtroom guides, historical case synopses, publications and activities are featured as well as links to other law-related organizations and government agencies.
New York’s Path Through History
The Path Through History website is an interactive tool to plan a day trip, weekend getaway or extended vacation that explores New York State’s rich history and culture.
Newspapers in Education is a worldwide effort in which school textbooks and teaching materials are supplemented with the use of the local newspaper. The habit of reading a newspaper provides the necessary practice to build reading and writing skills and develop an interest in the welfare of one’s community–valuable skills and attitudes to carry students through life.
Now That You’ve Turned 18 Booklet
The New York State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section has produced this publication, available to parents and senior high school students to give them an overview of their basic legal rights and responsibilities.
The Jackson Center is an educational institution, and offers several activities, programs and resources for teachers, students, educators, and community members. Working with educators and students is at the heart of the Robert H. Jackson Center’s mission to preserve the legacy of Robert H. Jackson’s life work.
Understanding Cyberbullying in College
Tips, Tools & Solutions for Recognizing and Stopping Bullying on Social Media and Online.
Nationally acclaimed civic education program administered by the Center for Civic Education.