Dialogue Between Youth and Justice System Continues with Ninth Year of J.U.S.T. L.A.W.

The City of Rochester’s J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program, designed to educate city students about the criminal justice system and provide those who administer the law an understanding of youth perspectives, has kicked off its ninth year.  

During school visits throughout fall 2026 and winter 2027, students from 24 Rochester City School District (RCSD) schools will have the opportunity to directly engage with judges from the Seventh Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. This outreach represents the first part of the program’s name—J.U.S.T. (Justice, Understanding, and Societal Trust). 

The second part of the program—L.A.W. (Literacy, Attendance, and Writing)—seeks to improve students’ understanding of the court system through reading, research, and analysis, teach them how to express their concerns in writing, and help them develop a deeper appreciation of the value of their education and the importance of school attendance. Participating students will author a 250-word essay on the topic “What Justice Means to Me.”  

Members of the Rochester Black Bar Association (RBBA) will serve as mentors, teaching students about career opportunities in the legal field. J.U.S.T. L.A.W. builds students’ confidence to ask questions and share their perspectives through positive conversations with local judges and legal professionals. The program encourages students to not only learn about the law but unlock their power to lead, advocate, and make a difference. 

“At an age when students are discovering who they are and who they want to become, J.U.S.T. L.A.W. gives Rochester’s youth a meaningful look at how justice and civic responsibility shape our community,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Each school visit is an important moment that fosters greater trust in the justice system. I thank our partners for their dedication to sustaining this impactful program for nearly a decade.” 

“Every visit our judges make to an RCSD classroom reinforces how much is gained from engaging directly with students,” said Seventh Judicial District Administrative Judge William K. Taylor. “These conversations not only affirm the remarkable potential within every young person, but also give students the opportunity to explore ideas, ask questions, and share their perspectives openly. This exchange strengthens students’ understanding of the justice system while enriching judges’ appreciation of the issues and aspirations that matter to today’s youth. We are grateful to our community partners and to RCSD leaders, teachers, and especially the students whose enthusiasm and curiosity make this partnership meaningful, impactful, and uplifting year after year.” 

“J.U.S.T. L.A.W. represents the kind of meaningful learning experience that extends beyond the classroom and empowers our students to see themselves as leaders and advocates for change,” said RCSD Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser. “By connecting students directly with judges and legal professionals, we are opening doors to new possibilities, strengthening their understanding of justice, and reinforcing that their voices matter. Just as importantly, we are helping our young people recognize that they have the power to shape their futures and make a lasting difference in their communities.” 

“The Rochester Black Bar Association is immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to partner with such outstanding community organizations to foster meaningful connections between our local courts and the students of our city,” said RBBA President Curtis Jones. “Our children’s first impression of justice and the court system should not be rooted in fear or alienation, but in understanding, trust, and a sense of belonging. Through the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program, we are building those bridges today while engaging the future leaders who will one day shape, uphold, and deliver justice for our community.”  

The J.U.S.T. L.A.W. program—developed by Craig J. Doran, retired state Supreme Court Judge, and Andre Langston, owner and general manager of radio station 103.9 WDKX—is a collaboration between the City, the New York State Unified Court System Seventh Judicial District, RCSD, RBBA, and WDKX. 

For more information about this program, visit the J.U.S.T. L.A.W. website.