PBCBA BAR BULLETINS pbcba_bulletin_june 2018 | Page 19

TD-Squared- Life Lessons on Thoughtful and
Respectful Decisions and Debate
ROSALYN SIA BAKER-BARNES
In this climate of immediate news and
commentary on the issues facing our
citizens, it seems that we have somehow
lost the ability to communicate our
differences, and even our similarities, in
a civil and respectful manner. Speaking
loudly, talking over one another and even
hurling insults seem to be the way of the
world these days. But what kind of example
are we setting for our children, those who
will be charged with facing and addressing
these issues in the very near future?
In an effort to bolster civil discourse
and good decision-making in the next
generation of jurors and engaged citizens,
federal judges are hosting high school
and college students in their courtrooms
to observe, learn, and practice critical life
skills. The program, Teen Discourse and
Decisions (TD- Squared), piloted by District
Judge Robin Rosenberg, has been a huge
success. In its first six months, the program
has reached over 500 high school and
college students from West Palm Beach,
Fort Pierce, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.
The Palm Beach County Bar Association
recently partnered with the Southern
District of Florida, and students and
educators from Santaluces High School in
grades 10-12. Palm Beach Bar President
Sia Baker-Barnes served a facilitator of
the event, helping to engage the students
on the ground rules for civil discourse and
decisions, how to express disagreeme