Boston, MA, Spring 2026

Summary of the Program

31 students from 23 Boston-area high schools participated in a second Hometowns Boston program over their February break. In addition, 8 scholars from the fall program returned as Student Mentors for the week. Students did a deep dive into the federal judiciary through the lens of the local First and Fourteenth Amendment case Smith v. Goguen (1974). Over the course of the week, students learned from:

• 6 Federal Judges, Chief Judge Barron, Judge Aframe, and Judge Gelpi from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit as well as Chief Judge Casper and Judge Gorton from the District of Massachusetts
  • Special guest: Retired District and Court of Appeals Judge Campbell who decided the original case!
• Professor (and Supreme Court Fellow) Bradley Baranowski of Boston University School of Law
• Professor Sarah Schendel of Suffolk University Law School
• Massachusetts United States Attorney Leah Foley
• Appellate Federal Defenders Judy Mizner and Christine DeMaso
• Deputy Chief of Probation Michelle Roberts
• 13 Law Clerks and Judicial Interns from both the First Circuit and District Court

Among the highlights of the program were the Rule 11 hearing in Judge Gorton’s courtroom and the moot court. Scholars were divided into two courts, each with its own attorney team and student justices. Judge Gelpi, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and Chief Judge Casper, U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, served as Chief Justice of each court.  Students also enjoyed meeting and interacting with so many members of the Judiciary and the federal court system. 

The society would like to once again extend its sincere appreciation to Chief Judge Barron, Judge Aframe, and Judge Gelpi (First Circuit), as well as Chief Judge Casper and Judge Gorton (District of Massachusetts), for supporting Hometowns Boston by opening up the Moakley Courthouse and providing insights into the federal court system. We would also like to recognize our dedicated Student Mentors: Josie, Charely, Mimi, Hasini, Leisha, Jake, Zoe, and Abrielle. Finally, profound gratitude to Allison Guenthner, the First Circuit’s Civics Engagement Coordinator, without whom this program would not have been possible. 

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Students post with Judge Aframe, U.S. Court of Appeals, after a deep dive of the federal court system!

Chief Judge Barron, U.S. Court of Appeals, welcomes the Hometown Scholars to the courthouse.

31 students from 23 different high schools!? Getting to know each other.

Analyzing First Amendment scenarios.

Moot Court before Judge Gelpi, U.S. Court of Appeals.

Students deliver arguments during moot court.

Student Attorneys for the Appellee

Student Attorneys for the Appellant

Students pose with Senior Appeals Judge Campbell, the judge who decided the original case.