Education & Outreach
Advancing education about Florida's court system is a goal of the judicial branch.
Studies have shown when people have a greater understanding of and knowledge about the American justice system and the role of the courts within it, their confidence in and support for the courts is bolstered. In developing educational opportunities for people of all ages, the judicial branch provides the public with forums for learning about the role, functions, and accomplishments of the courts that can, in turn, cultivate a more engaged, active, and conscientious citizenry.
Results from a statewide public opinion research project completed by the Florida Supreme Court's Judicial Management Council show:
- 55% of Florida citizens surveyed could not name even one of the branches of government.
- Only 34% of those surveyed claimed to be at least generally familiar with Florida's court system.
- Nearly 40% of the survey respondents wanted more information about Florida courts and procedures.
Resources listed below are provided for the public, students, teachers and parents as a guide to better understand Florida's state court system.
General Information
- State Courts System Jurisdiction
- Florida’s State Courts System
- About the Supreme Court
- Operation & Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
- Supreme Court Internal Operating Procedures
- Supreme Court FAQs
- District Courts of Appeal Information
- Circuit Courts Information
- County Courts Information
- Court Initiatives
- Judicial Branch Strategic Plan
- Court/Community Relationship-Building Activities
- Court System Funding
- Full Court Press (Courts System Newsletter)
- Florida State Courts Annual Reports
- Court News Stories
Florida Judicial Branch History
- Short History of Florida State Courts System Processes, Programs, and Initiatives
- Evolution of Justice in Florida
- Florida Supreme Court Historical Society
- History of the Supreme Court
- About the Supreme Court
- Operation and Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Information about Justices and Judges
- Current Supreme Court Justices
- Former Supreme Court Justices
- Talking with Justices and their Staff
- Continuing Education for Judges
- County Court Judges of Florida
Judicial Elections and Merit Retention
Oral Arguments
Publications by and about the judicial branch
- Full Court Press (courts system newsletter)
- Florida State Courts Annual Reports
- Court Publications and Reports
- Court News Stories (current)
- Court News Stories (previous)
Resources for Teachers
- Justice Teaching Institute (week-long training for teachers)
Resources for Reporters and Other Court Followers
- Reporter’s Handbook
- Campaign Conduct Forums
- Florida Supreme Court Public Information
- Press Information
- Press Releases
- High Profile Cases Webpage
Resources for Supreme Court Visitors
- Florida Supreme Court Education and Tours (Mock Oral Argument Experience (students); the Educational Program (students); the Educational Tour (college age/adults); the Building Tour (all ages); and the Journey Through Justice Program (Leon County Students)
- Florida Supreme Court Library