About Discovering Justice

  • About Discovering Justice

Stewarding Our Democracy

For over two decades, Discovering Justice has been bringing students and communities together to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and prepare to engage as active citizens. We believe in the power of the next generation to sustain our democracy, and we value the belief that the justice system can and should work for everyone.

Our Story

Since 1998, Discovering Justice has worked in partnership with school systems, judges, nonprofits, community volunteers, and the legal community to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and help young people prepare to engage in our democracy. This approach is rooted in the founding vision of Boston’s John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, designed as a vibrant center for civic education and community activity. Over the past two decades, Discovering Justice has reached tens of thousands of students and community members through in-school civics curricula, courthouse events, and an after-school Mock Trial Program. 

What We Do

Discovering Justice programs focus on the judicial branch, examining the workings of the court system and how it metes out justice. Discovering Justice programs work with Grades K-12 and the broader community, providing young people with age-appropriate frameworks to understand complex concepts like democracy and governance. This work helps ensure that by the time students reach high school and college, they have foundational civic skills and the ability to engage as active democratic participants. To read Discovering Justice’s statement in response to the movement for racial justice across America, click here.

Kayla Nordman

Kayla Nordman believes strongly in expanding access to comprehensive civic education to provide the next generation with the resources they need to uphold and expand upon the values of American democracy and create a more equitable future. Before joining Discovering Justice, she worked as a Legislative Intern at the Massachusetts State House and as a Program Manager for the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education. Kayla graduated from Suffolk University with a BA in International Relations.