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Retired Justice Turns Video Game Designer

Day O'Connor's Our Courts aims to boost civics knowledge

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2008 3:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor isn't taking it easy now that she's no longer writing decisions, Wired reports. The first woman to be appointed to the top court is leading a project to help young people learn more about their government through a video game. Our Courts, an online game to debut next year, will let students step into the shoes of judges or attorneys arguing real cases.

"If someone told me when I retired from court that I'd be talking at a conference about digital gaming, I'd think they'd had one drink too many," said Day O'Connor, who added that she's concerned about Americans' declining knowledge of government. "Only one third of Americans can name the three branches of government, but two thirds can name a judge on American Idol."

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor speaks at Southern Methodist University, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor addresses a meeting of Pennsylvania judges and lawyers in Harrisburg, Pa., Wednesday, Sept., 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, seen here in a 2003 file photo, is working on a video game to improve civics knowledge. (KRT Photos)

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Gamers' Brains Have Bigger 'Reward Hub'

Researchers unsure whether it's pre-existing or games change brains

Supreme Court Strikes Down Violent Video Game Ban

California law banned sale of violent games to minors

Angry Birds Soar Into Reality

Birds, pigs, explosions come to life in Spanish setup

UK Offers FarmVille ... on Actual Farm

Please, try not to kill the cows

Plan in Iowa to Impeach Judges Is Dangerous

Op-ed: Activists angry over same-sex ruling are going too far

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