The Federal Circuit Rocks Out

‍ Who says judges can’t have some fun while making a point?  Not the Federal Circuit.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has released an educational cartoon explaining what the court does. The video reminds me of Schoolhouse Rock, complete with music, animation, and a short civics lesson.

Worth explaining

Most non-lawyers have little idea what the Federal Circuit is, and many lawyers outside intellectual property circles are only vaguely aware of its role. Yet the court has nationwide jurisdiction over patents, government contracts, veterans benefits appeals, international trade disputes, federal personnel matters, and claims against the federal government. That is a unique assignment in the federal judiciary that deserves some explanation.

Criticism

Some critics have objected to the apparent use of AI-generated imagery and music. Others thought an appellate court should avoid anything resembling self-promotion. A few commentators simply found the entire production just plain strange. 

Look, any court trying something other than the usual solemn portraits and carefully worded opinions was going to draw criticism. I say, “Lighten up people! It’s kind of fun, and you might learn something.”

A cartoon that promotes understanding

That alone gives the project some value. Courts often complain that the public does not understand the judiciary. Here, at least, one court tried to address the problem directly instead of issuing yet another annual report that almost nobody will read.

And there’s the dancing -- and the monkey on a rocket!

How often do you get to see a major federal appellate court perform a cartoon dance number about jurisdiction? The answer, until now, was never.

And it starts with a monkey flying on a rocket. 

The video is worth a look.

Federal Circuit educational cartoon: https://youtu.be/IZjqDzVmTRw?si=cUA7-_pvxap0v2R8  Or you can find it in the collection of videos on the Federal Circuit’s website.