Understanding the Principles of Democracy with Grade 4

Fourth-grade students in Emily Schimelman 2002 and Stephanie Riedel’s class welcomed special guest speakers Judge William Bright and Benjamin Schimelman for a presentation titled Rules, Fairness, Democracy, & You.

Judge William Bright currently serves as the Chief Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court and Mr. Schimelman is an associate attorney. Judge Bright and Mr. Schimelman began their presentation highlighting the big three words of rules, fairness, and democracy. Judge Bright gave a brief definition of rules and fairness as they relate to the central idea of democracy by way of creating order and equal opportunities for all. He further expounded on how democracy and fairness are interdependent and government systems were created to operate on the understanding of central applicable laws.

Mr. Schimelman asked the students to further expound on how rules and fairness overlap in a team game called The Deserted Island. The general overview is that the students must create a guideline of rules everyone must follow as they are all stranded on the island due to their boat running out of gas. The students established their rules for the island, which included abiding by the buddy system, everyone having a set job, and equally sharing resources. In the discourse, Judge Bright prompted the question of how rules reflect the ideas of people and become established law, the answer is representative democracy.

Judge Bright explained how the framework of our government operates as representatives are chosen through elections by the people to speak, lead, and serve on their behalf. Connecting back to rules and procedural fairness, he noted the importance of understanding the responsibility of voting and how the power of the people has the ability to change laws. Judge Bright turned it over to Mr. Schimelman, who explained the ways in which people can effectively implement change. He emphasized voting in elections, but also calling and writing letters to elected representatives and using your voice at town halls.

The presentation concluded with a few questions before class was dismissed. One student asked Judge Bright how many cases he oversees in a day to which he answered the number varies based on scheduling. Another student asked Mr. Schimelman what types of clients he defends as private counsel.

“First and foremost, it is vital to continue building upon the educational foundation learned in the classroom as students grow and work towards becoming ambassadors of change,” said Judge Bright. “Young people have the ability to make a difference, and it starts from within. Learning and understanding the legal system is the first step, but turning education into action is how change is implemented.”