Federal appeals court releases its own ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ video to explain what it does - and, yes, it’s cringeworthy

A federal court released a sing-and-dance, Schoolhouse Rock-style video explaining how it operates — and it’s every bit as cringeworthy as it sounds.

The three-minute clip, billed as an animated civics lesson for students, was posted to YouTube on May 15 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

It kicks off with a monkey riding a rocket ship around a stage — a bizarre visual that’s never explained. From there, the curtains are drawn and a vocalist launches into a song, spelling out in simple terms how the court was created and what cases it handles.

“It started with a law back in ‘82, Federal Courts Improvement act came through,” the singer croons over upbeat music. “Congress said we need a brand new way to bring some consistency to cases every day.”

“They merged some courts, made a brand new seat, a national court with a special beat,” the unnamed vocalist continues. “Not by region, not by state, but by subject matter keeping rulings straight.”

open image in gallery

Then the chorus begins, as a trio of singers holds microphones, bobbing up and down, while one of them performs a twirl.

“Oh I’m the federal circuit, hear me say, hear me say: I handle special cases from across the USA,” they belt out. “Patents, claims and veterans appeals, international trade and government deals.”

Later in the video, President Ronald Reagan can be seen dancing with Uncle Sam and federal workers before the court’s judges wave glow sticks in the dark underneath a massive disco ball.

The educational clip, which has garnered about 10,000 views, was created by the court’s Innovation Center as part of a civic education and outreach program.

Some viewers were less than enthused, with one X user writing: “Nobody can make this stuff up.” A Reason Magazine contributor dubbed it the “most cringey YouTube video in recent memory.”

open image in gallery

As the clip explains, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit was established by the 1982 Federal Courts Improvement Act, which combined several existing courts. It is located in Washington, D.C.

While it is one of 13 courts of appeal, it has special jurisdiction over federal cases involving a smattering of specialty topics, including patents, trademark registrations, global trade and veterans’ benefits.

Judges are appointed to serve life terms by the president, with the advice and consent of the Senate. “By statute, there are 12 judges in active service,” according to the court’s website.

Led by Chief Judge Kimberly Moore, an appointee of George W. Bush, the court has been the center of some controversy in recent years.

In 2023, Pauline Newman — then a 96-year-old judge on the court — was suspended by her colleagues over mounting concerns about her mental acuity. In March, Newman formally petitioned the Supreme Court to step in.

“This Court cannot allow the internal politics of a court to sideline a Senate-confirmed judge and threaten the independence of other judges who may fear similar reprisals from their colleagues,” Newman’s attorneys wrote to the Supreme Court.

It’s unclear if the justices will take up the case.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies