Justice 101
Wednesday, August 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026
Powered by the Eastern State Center for Justice Education, Justice 101 is a monthly discussion series that dives into some of the most pressing issues in criminal justice today, through a historical lens and with a focus on civic education. Each program includes interactive online or in-person elements, expert voices, and opportunities for community dialogue.
Topics for the 2025-2026 series of Justice 101 include:
- September 17, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Online – Freedom Behind Bars: The First Amendment and Incarceration in America
- October 23, 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Hybrid – State of the Union: Excessive Punishment The 8th Amendment and the Justice System
- November 19, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, In Person – Restorative Justice: A Closer Look at Alternatives
- December – Bill of Rights: Trial Amendments and the Rights of the Accused
- January – The Civil Rights Movement: Finding Justice and Calling on the Declaration of Independence
- February – The First Amendment and Incarceration: Natural Right to Freedom of Expression
- March – Women and Incarceration
- April – To Establish Justice: Reentry and Recidivism
- May – National Historic Preservation: The Power of Place
- June – The History and Meaning of Juneteenth Today
- July – The History of the Justice System in England and America
More details about the 2025-26 series to be announced.
Watch back recordings of previous discussions, like the history of solitary confinement, restorative justice, prison labor, and more, on our Justice 101 page.
Be sure to sign up for our Justice 101 newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.
Events in this Series
Justice 101: State of the Union: Excessive Punishment The 8th Amendment and the Justice System
Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00pm - 8:30pm
What does it mean for a punishment to be cruel and unusual? How has the interpretation of the Eighth Amendment shaped American justice over time and where is its legal interpretation today?
Justice 101: Restorative Justice: A Closer Look at Alternatives
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Explore the dynamics of restorative justice, a practice that offers a transformative approach to addressing harm, emphasizing dialogue and understanding between victims and perpetrators as a path to healing and closure.
Justice 101: Bill of Rights: Trial Amendments and the Rights of the Accused
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
11:00am - 1:00pm
Join us for this dynamic conversation as we trace the evolving promise of due process and its enduring impact on human dignity and the justice system. Date and time subject to change.
Justice 101: The Civil Rights Movement: Finding Justice and Calling on the Declaration of Independence
Thursday, January 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The First Amendment and Incarceration: Natural Right to Freedom of Expression
Sunday, February 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: Women and Incarceration
Sunday, March 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: To Establish Justice: Reentry and Recidivism
Wednesday, April 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: National Historic Preservation: The Power of Place
Friday, May 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth Today
Monday, June 01, 2026
All Day
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The History of the Justice System in England and America
Wednesday, July 01, 2026
All Day
Justice 101: State of the Union: Excessive Punishment The 8th Amendment and the Justice System
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - Thursday, October 23, 2025
What does it mean for a punishment to be cruel and unusual? How has the interpretation of the Eighth Amendment shaped American justice over time and where is its legal interpretation today?
Justice 101: Restorative Justice: A Closer Look at Alternatives
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Explore the dynamics of restorative justice, a practice that offers a transformative approach to addressing harm, emphasizing dialogue and understanding between victims and perpetrators as a path to healing and closure.
Justice 101: Bill of Rights: Trial Amendments and the Rights of the Accused
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Join us for this dynamic conversation as we trace the evolving promise of due process and its enduring impact on human dignity and the justice system. Date and time subject to change.
Justice 101: The Civil Rights Movement: Finding Justice and Calling on the Declaration of Independence
Thursday, January 01, 2026 - Saturday, January 31, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The First Amendment and Incarceration: Natural Right to Freedom of Expression
Sunday, February 01, 2026 - Saturday, February 28, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: Women and Incarceration
Sunday, March 01, 2026 - Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: To Establish Justice: Reentry and Recidivism
Wednesday, April 01, 2026 - Thursday, April 30, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: National Historic Preservation: The Power of Place
Friday, May 01, 2026 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The History and Meaning of Juneteenth Today
Monday, June 01, 2026 - Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Date and details to be confirmed—please check back for updates.
Justice 101: The History of the Justice System in England and America
Wednesday, July 01, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026