Through her popular interactive discussion programs of important cases pending before the Supreme Court Barbara seeks to help participants gain an understanding of how the Court does its work and an appreciation for the complexities of the cases the Court handles.

Each Court term starting on the first Monday in October, Barbara selects three cases the Court will consider during that term.  These are not cases that are front-page news, but they involve important and discussable issues.  Reading links are available on this web site before the sessions.  During the session Barbara briefs the group on the facts and issues involved in each case and leads the group in discussion of the case.  After discussion the group votes on how it believes the Court should decide the case.  When the Court has issued its rulings in all three cases (usually the end of June) Barbara writes to the group to let them know what the Court decided and how the Court’s decisions compare with the group’s votes. 

Because the Court’s term starts in October and ends in June, Barbara gives these programs in October through February.  The ideal length of the session in 75 to 90 minutes, but Barbara can present a 60 or 120-minute program by adjusting the time allowed for discussion.

Barbara has presented these programs to many groups, including alumni organizations, social clubs, retirement communities, church groups and groups of friends.  (In the 2021-22 Court term Barbara gave the program 25 times, reaching almost 1000 participants.)  The programs are appropriate for groups from 10 to 100.  Barbara will travel throughout the Bay Area to give programs and also has given programs in the form of a webinar.  There is no charge for a program, but if the organization normally provides an honorarium to its speakers, Barbara requests that the honorarium be sent to a charity of her choice.

During the pandemic, Barbara is offering these programs by Zoom. She can use your group’s account or give a program to your group on her own account.