Have you ever wondered who decides what's legal? How judges actually make their decisions? And why you should care — even if you never step into a courtroom?

Welcome to Civics Break—a podcast from the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School.

Here's the thing: our judicial system touches every part of our lives. From the contracts we sign to the rights we exercise, from local disputes to landmark Supreme Court decisions—courts shape the world we live in. But for most of us, the judicial system feels distant, complicated, maybe even intimidating.

That's where we come in.

The Civics Break podcast explores three essential topics: the rule of law and why it matters, what judges actually do all day, and, most importantly, how courts affect YOU. We take complex ideas and break them down so anyone can understand them — because understanding our judicial system shouldn't require a law degree, and all of us have a role to play in protecting the rule of law and democracy.

So if you've ever felt confused about how courts work, curious about what judges do, or simply want to understand the system that affects us all, you're in exactly the right place.

Spend your lunch break or commute with us, and we’ll dive into the judicial system together.

Subscribe to Civics Break wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.

https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/