Arkansas Civics Education Center
“The Arkansas Civics Education Center is the crown jewel of the Capitol complex. …where Arkansans of all ages can go to learn about the three branches of government, the importance of civility, and how our state judiciary works.
-Chief Justice John Dan Kemp
Scipio A. Jones Courtroom
Born into slavery in 1863, Scipio A. Jones became the most prominent Black lawyer in Arkansas in the early 20th century. The Scipio A. Jones Courtroom is a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art courtroom equipped with microphones, monitors, and display plaques denoting the various roles in the courts. Designed to be instructional as well as functional, a perfect location for mock trials.
The Bench Exhibit
A replica of “The Bench” where anyone can put on a robe, hold the gavel, and pose for a picture. We invite you to “Be a Judge.”
Our Civic Duty Exhibit
This exhibit has interactive voting stations and shares the importance of voting. Come and cast your vote.
Meet Your Supreme Court Justices Exhibit
This interactive exhibit features videos where the justices speak directly to you and share the important work they are doing for the State of Arkansas. Come meet your Supreme Court justices.
The General Assembly Exhibit
The General Assembly consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Learn their roles and responsibilities in this exhibit and use the interactive map to find your representative and senator.
The Power of Civility
The Arkansas Constitution ensures that all Arkansans have a voice in the democratic process. Learn the importance of civility and where those principles are found throughout the Constitution.
Malin Reed Opitz Conference Room
The Arkansas Civics Education Center features many spacious meeting rooms that may accommodate small groups or conferences. Pictured is the Malin Reed Opitz Conference Room with an incredible view of the Arkansas State Capitol.
History
Inspired by visits to judicial facilities in other states, Marty Sullivan, the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, recognized that Arkansans deserved a state-of-the-art center to educate and engage the public about the three branches of government and the importance of civility. Sullivan presented his vision for the Arkansas Civics Education Center to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2017. The Court embraced the idea and charted the course to make the center a reality.
In collaboration with the Executive Branch and the General Assembly, the Arkansas Supreme Court approved plans for the project, and groundbreaking took place in 2022. The 25,000-square-foot facility was built without additional taxpayer expense, utilizing a bond revenue stream to fund construction. Completed in 2024, the center celebrated its grand opening on September 13, 2024, with special guest speaker the Honorable Ruth McGregor, former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court and former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Now open to the public, the Arkansas Civics Education Center features a variety of interactive and stationary learning exhibits, spacious meeting rooms, and a unique mock courtroom dedicated to renowned civil rights attorney Scipio A. Jones. Chief Justice John Dan Kemp hailed the Center as the “crown jewel of the Capitol complex.”
Book a Tour
Arkansas Civics Education Center
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed for State Holidays
Guided Tours for
Visitors or Groups
Contact Dr. Danyell Cummings
call 501.410.1935
mail Danyell.Cummings@arcourts.gov
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: Free
Self-Guided Tours
Monday – Friday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed for State Holidays