"The Supreme Court," a four-part television series on the highest court in the land, will be broadcast on PBS' local KHET channel on Wednesday and Feb. 7.

The series includes an examination of the creation of the court, profiles of justices and landmark cases that have changed American culture and society, according to the Hawai'i State Bar Association, one of the underwriters of the program.

The four one-hour shows begin at 9 p.m. Wednesday with "The Least Dangerous Branch," followed at 10 p.m. with "Making America Modern." On Feb. 7, "By the Content of their Character" starts at 9 p.m., followed by "With Liberty and Justice For All" at 10 p.m.

In connection with the series, KHET will broadcast two "Island Insights" half-hour shows moderated by Dan Boylan, at 7:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

The first program will feature these panelists: former HSBA president Paul Alston; U.S. district judge David Ezra; state appeals court judge Dan Foley; and Harvard law professor Randall Kennedy. The second program will feature HSBA president Jeff Portnoy; former HSBA president Ellen Godbey Carson; and Aviam Soifer, dean of the University of Hawai'i law school.

"We are delighted to be able to help bring 'The Supreme Court' to Hawai'i public television viewers," Portnoy said. "The series, the panel discussions and a companion outreach effort to Hawai'i public high schools will go a long way in increasing understanding of the vital role the legal system plays in society."

The HSBA, Department of Education, UH law school and American Savings are each providing $3,000 to underwrite the program, the bar association said.