Democracy Takes Courage: Judges Share How the Courts Protect Rights and Justice
As part of Brookdale’s Civility Week programming, students and community members gained an inside look at the judicial system during a special session featuring Judge Katie A. Gummer of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, and Judge Natalie S. Watson of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Criminal Part, Monmouth Vicinage.
The discussion explored how the courts function within American democracy and why civic participation, particularly jury service, is essential to maintaining justice and fairness.
“Our founding system depends on three co equal branches of government, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches,” Judge Watson explained. “The courts play a critical role in interpreting and applying the law, but the most important part of the judicial system is you, the citizens who participate in it.”
Throughout the session, the judges walked attendees through the structure of the court system, explaining the differences between federal and state courts, trial courts and appellate courts, and the many ways cases move through the legal process. They also emphasized that the justice system depends on everyday people who are willing to engage thoughtfully and responsibly.
Judge Gummer highlighted the historical importance of citizen participation in the courts, particularly through jury service.
“People fought and died for the right to have disputes resolved by their fellow citizens,” she said. “When you serve on a jury, you are participating directly in one of the most important parts of our democracy.”
The judges also addressed the evolving nature of the legal system, including the impact of technology, digital evidence, and social media on modern trials. From video footage to cell phone data, new forms of evidence have changed how cases are investigated and argued in court.
Despite these changes, the core principles of justice remain the same. Judges interpret the law, but juries determine the facts.
“We tell jurors what the law is, but they are the ones who decide what actually happened,” Judge Gummer said. “That responsibility, to listen carefully, deliberate thoughtfully, and reach a fair decision, is fundamental to our system of justice.”
Judge Watson echoed that message, reminding students that civic engagement extends beyond elections.
“Democracy is not something that only happens every four years,” she said. “It happens when people stay informed, ask questions, participate in their communities, and take seriously responsibilities like jury service.”
By the end of the program, attendees left with a clearer understanding of how the judicial system operates and how their own participation helps sustain it.
The session reinforced Civility Week’s theme, “Democracy Takes Courage,” highlighting that protecting democratic institutions requires not only laws and courts, but also engaged citizens committed to fairness, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.