The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr.
Institute promotes understanding of and education regarding the United States Constitution, the independent judiciary it created, and the impact of the rule of law on our lives. Institute is a non-partisan voice that shares the stories of our Constitution and our Judiciary through programs that illuminate issues and perspectives, foster thoughtful and civil discourse, and inspire our national community in our nation’s never-ending pursuit of a more perfect union.
08/12/2026
Thank you Alabama Association for Justice for bringing interns and law clerks to the courthouse from around the state, and thank you to Judge Keith Watkins for speaking to the group during its visit!
To schedule a visit, click the link below.
https://thejohnsoninstitute.org/visit/
07/28/2026
Thank you University of Alabama Summer Scholars for visiting the Courthouse! Schedule your visit today by visiting the link below.
https://thejohnsoninstitute.org/visit/
07/23/2026
Did you know that George Washington and James Madison were the only future presidents to sign the Constitution?
07/21/2026
Thank you to Palm Beach Day Academy for visiting the courthouse and participating in Civil Discourse & Difficult Decisions, and for our volunteer attorneys for coaching the students!
07/08/2026
Today, we recognize the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Did you know this historic document was first read on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia, after John Dunlap printed the first copies?
07/04/2026
As our nation celebrates this special 250th Independence Day, we are reminded that the story of our nation is one of both founding ideals and the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.
The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute was honored to host its fifth annual Scholars Conference from June 9–11, welcoming educators from across the nation to the historic Frank M. Johnson Courthouse. The conference provided teachers from a variety of disciplines—including history, government, science, and English—with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the judicial system and gain new tools and resources to bring back to their classrooms. To read more, click the link below.
https://thejohnsoninstitute.org/the-johnson-institute-hosts-its-5th-annual-scholars-conference/
06/19/2026
Today, we honor Juneteenth—a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
06/18/2026
A little recap on Teach For America Alabama. Thomas Rains, Executive Director of the Judge Frank M. Johnson Institute, attended the 15th celebration of the non-profit in April.
06/17/2026
Thank you Fourth Grade from Forest Avenue Academic Magnet for visiting the Courthouse!
Schedule your class's tour today by clicking the link below.
https://thejohnsoninstitute.org/visit/