Dickinson College Launches ‘The Courts and The Community’ Educational Series
Public invited to six-part series on the rule of law featuring federal judges and legal experts
by Craig Layne
Dickinson has announced the launch of a new initiative, "The Courts and The Community: An Educational Series for the Public," spearheaded by President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, a former federal judge himself, alongside federal judges Jennifer Wilson and Karoline Mehalchick. Co-hosted by the President’s Office and Dickinson’s Center for Civic Learning and Action (CCLA), the six-session workshop series invites community members—students, faculty, staff and local residents—to engage directly with federal judges and lawyers in interactive conversations regarding the rule of law, the court system and the U.S. Constitution.
The series is free and open to the public. No prior legal experience or education is required to participate. Space is limited, and interested participants must RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 29 through this link.
Running on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. throughout the late winter and spring, the program aims to demystify legal processes and foster civic understanding. To ensure a cohesive learning experience, participants are asked to commit to attending all six sessions.
"The CCLA was excited to help promote this series and make it accessible to the public, because it is an opportunity for anyone curious about civic affairs to dive deeper into the legal and judicial systems with leaders in the field. This initiative aims to promote curiosity and foster greater shared civic understanding amongst those who call Carlisle home,” said CCLA Director of Regional and Local Partnerships and Programs Samantha Ha-DiMuzio.
Locations: The first five sessions will be held at the Bosler Memorial Library (158 W. High St., Carlisle). The final session will take place at the Cumberland County Courthouse (1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle).
Schedule:
- Feb. 4 (Bosler Memorial Library): Introduction to Federal Courts and the Rule of Law. Presented by judges Karoline Mehalchick and Jennifer Wilson of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania.
- Feb. 18 (Bosler Memorial Library): Structure of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Presented by Magistrate Judge Susan Schwab of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania and guest presenters.
- March 4 (Bosler Memorial Library): Immigration Law. Presented by Magistrate Judge Sean Camoni of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania and guest presenters.
- March 18 (Bosler Memorial Library): Federal Criminal Law. Presented by Judge Malachy Mannion of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania and guest presenters.
- April 1 (Bosler Memorial Library): Civil Rights Litigation. Presented by Chief Judge Matthew Brann of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania and guest presenters.
- April 15 (Cumberland County Courthouse): How Judges Decide. Presented by judges Karoline Mehalchick and Jennifer Wilson of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania, joined by two Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas judges.
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Published January 16, 2026