Empowering Citizens Through Legal Knowledge
Explore Our Public Education Resources on the Rule of Law
Discover comprehensive resources designed to enhance your understanding of legal principles and their impact on society.
Public Education Resources About the Rule of Law
The following resources offer free or low-cost educational materials for anyone interested in understanding the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Kentucky government and the principle of the rule of law. We’d like to thank University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law Interim Law Library Director and Professor of Legal Bibliography Kurt Metzmeier for sharing this compendium of educational resources he compiled for his August 2025 Bar Briefs article, “Civics Education in the TikTok Age.”
National Civics Education Resources
iCivics
Founded by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics offers free, high-quality educational resources for teachers and learners, including lesson plans and interactive games. While aimed at K–12, many materials can be adapted for adults.
Civics for Life
Justice O’Connor’s adult-focused initiative featuring the Civics 101 course (direct link), which delivers 10-minute micro lessons to build essential civic knowledge.
Annenberg Public Policy Center – Civics Knowledge Survey
Annual survey released on Constitution Day (Sept. 17) that measures Americans’ understanding of civics.
Federal Judicial Center – Civic Education About Courts
Educational materials, guides, videos and podcasts about the federal judiciary.
Journalist’s Guide to the Federal Courts
An accessible overview of federal court structure, procedures and terms.
Kentucky-Specific Civics Resources
Kentucky Civic Education Coalition (KCEC)
Promotes civic education and engagement in Kentucky; includes lesson plans on government, laws, civic virtues and Kentucky-specific topics.
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC)
Provides materials on Kentucky’s constitution, legislature, and government. Key publications include:
Legal Aid Network of Kentucky – Court Basics
Videos and guides on Kentucky court procedures, including Your Day in Court: A Guide to Representing Yourself Without a Lawyer.
Recommended Reading for In-Depth Learning
Kentucky Government, Politics, and Public Policy (2013) – Comprehensive overview of Kentucky’s constitution, government, and policy issues.
A Concise History of Kentucky (2008) – By James C. Klotter and Freda C. Klotter, blending political, social, and cultural history.
A New History of Kentucky (2018) – By James C. Klotter and Craig Thompson Friend, offering a deeper historical perspective.
