https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-guerrero-announces-2026-civic-learning-award-honorees Chief Justice Guerrero Announces 2026 Civic Learning Award HonoreesMartin.Novitski Fri, 05/01/2026 - 12:05 News Release SACRAMENTO—Today, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announced the recipients of the 2026 Civic Learning Awards, the state’s highest honor recognizing K–12 schools for outstanding achievement in civic education. “These schools show what’s possible when school administrators, teachers, and students work together to make civic engagement a core part of the educational experience,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. One elementary school, one middle school, and one high school received the Civic Learning Award of Excellence, highlighting their exceptional programs that empower students to engage meaningfully in their communities and develop lifelong civic skills. This year’s top honorees are: Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary School (Sacramento, Sacramento County) South Junior High School (Anaheim, Orange County) Norwalk High School (Norwalk, Los Angeles County) The following schools were recognized with the Award of Merit: Tarpey Elementary School (Clovis, Fresno County) Wangenheim Middle School (San Diego, San Diego County)  Yerba Buena High School (San Jose, Santa Clara County) The following schools were recognized with the Award of Distinction: Wittmann Elementary School (Cerritos, Los Angeles County) Rancho Viejo Middle School (Hemet, Riverside County) Pacific High School (San Bernardino, San Bernardino County) Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep's middle and high school program was honored with an emeritus award in recognition of its continued excellence in civic engagement. Launched in 2013, the award celebrates schools that make space for high‑quality civic learning and engagement. For the first time in several years, the 2026 program asked schools to submit details for how other schools could replicate their top programs. A total of 112 programs were submitted by elementary, middle, and high school educators. Judges from California courts will present the awards in person this September as part of the judicial branch’s Constitution Month commemoration. Chief Justice Guerrero will continue her tradition of visiting schools earning the top Award of Excellence. Judges from the courts of appeal and the superior courts visit honorees in their jurisdictions for the other award categories. About the Civic Learning Awards The Civic Learning Awards program is co‑sponsored by the Chief Justice of California and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The award recognizes schools that embed civic learning into schoolwide practices, including classroom instruction, student-led projects, service learning, and opportunities to take informed action. More information is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-patricia-guerrero-host-law-day-event-sacramento Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero to Host Law Day Event in SacramentoMartin.Novitski Mon, 04/27/2026 - 11:54 News Release For media interested in attending the event, contact Jackie.D'Almeida@jud.ca.gov for RSVP information. SACRAMENTO— Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will welcome judges, educators, and students to the Third District Court of Appeal on May 1, in celebration of Law Day, a national day recognizing the rule of law and its role in our constitutional democracy. The Law Day event underscores the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to engaging young people, expanding civic knowledge, and strengthening community partnerships across California. Civic Learning Initiative The event is being organized by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. Students from local high schools will deliver oratory pieces on this year’s Law Day theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” the initiative will release a new Rule of Law classroom lesson available to any K-12 public school that hosts a judge through the Judges in the Classroom program. In addition, the Chief Justice will announce the recipients of the initiative’s 2026 Civic Learning Awards. The program, co-sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, honors California K–12 schools for exceptional commitment to civic education. This year’s program will focus honors on replicable models that engage students in civics, service learning, and community service. The event will be livestreamed on the Power of Democracy website beginning at 2:30PM, and a recording of the event will be posted on Monday, May 3. More information about the Civic Learning Awards is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-appeal-third-appellate-district-hear-oral-argument-sutter-county-superior-courthouse Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District to Hear Oral Argument at Sutter County Superior Courthousenatalie.l.ston… Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:42 News Release Yuba City – Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl announced the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, will hear oral argument at Sutter County Superior Courthouse on March 25 beginning at 10 a.m. More than 100 students from surrounding schools are expected to attend, and interested members of the public, attorneys, and judges are also welcome. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Since 2000, the Third Appellate District has held oral argument sessions in 31 high schools and two law schools in 20 counties. The Third Appellate District has received statewide recognition for its outreach program, which helps students and members of the public understand how appellate courts work. As part of the outreach program, justices of the Third Appellate District will discuss their career paths and hold a question-and-answer session after oral argument. The justices are not permitted to answer questions about the case.  Attendees are required to go through a security screening, so it’s recommended to arrive early. The following two cases will be heard:   Calendar 10 – 10:30 a.m.: Women’s Health Specialists v. C.H., case number C102979.  Appeal from a workplace violence restraining order, preventing appellant, a frequent protestor at a women’s health clinic, from harassing an employee or from coming within 100 yards of the employee, their car, their workplace – the clinic – for three years. 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: People v. Vasquez, case number C102449.  Appeal from a judgment of conviction and sentence to six years plus life without the possibility of parole after the jury found defendant guilty of willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder and custodial possession of a weapon and also found true the special circumstance allegation that defendant intentionally lay in wait. 11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: Question-and-answer session with the justices. If you are a reporter and would like to photograph or record the session, please submit a Media Request Form and an Order on Media Request to Colette Bruggman at 3DCefiling@jud.ca.gov. The Third Appellate District usually holds oral argument in its courtroom at 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. The Third Appellate District is made up of 23 counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2026-civic-learning-awards-spotlight-excellence-civic-education 2026 Civic Learning Awards to Spotlight Excellence in Civic EducationMartin.Novitski Fri, 02/27/2026 - 12:07 News Release For the 14th consecutive year, state public schools are invited to apply for a California Civic Learning Award. Co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the awards honor campus-wide integration of civic learning and engagement. A growing number of California's 58 counties are home to schools recognized since the program's inception in 2013. Last year, a total of 34 schools in eight counties received recognition. Schools earning the highest honor received their award in person from Chief Justice Guerrero. “Civics is ingrained campus-wide in the schools we honor,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “This year, we will focus on the specific programs that make these schools successful in delivering quality civics education to students. We want to identify and replicate these programs as models to benefit schools throughout California.” What’s New in 2026: Schools may submit up to three programs, including clubs or events. A scoring rubric with weight criteria will guide applicants. Programs receiving the highest scores will earn recognition for their school. Honorees will be announced via a livestream during the Chief Justice’s Law Day event on May 1. An orientation for applicants will be held on March 4 at 4 p.m. The one-hour webinar is not mandatory and will be recorded. The awards are presented in partnership with the California Department of Education and supported by the California Lawyers Foundation. Apply now using the official Civic Learning Award application form and find more information about the award at https://powerofdemocracy.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-appeal-hold-education-program-high-school-students-16 Court of Appeal to Hold Education Program for High School Studentsnatalie.l.ston… Tue, 11/18/2025 - 14:00 News Release WHAT: The Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six, will host its educational outreach program, “Appellate Court Experience” (ACE), for students from Santa Paula High School and Frontier High School.  WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  WHERE: Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Six Courtroom   200 East Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA ACE is co-sponsored by the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Teach Democracy formerly the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Appellate Courts Section (ACS), and the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers (CAAL).     The ACE program has helped educate thousands of students about the appellate courts since it first launched in 2005. The program begins with a classroom curriculum administered by appellate attorneys, followed by a visit to the Court of Appeal to observe oral argument for the case previously studied in the classroom. After oral argument, the students are introduced to the appellate court process first-hand with an opportunity to interact with the attorneys arguing the case and the panel of justices who will be reviewing it. As part of the programs educational experience, attorneys arguing their case and the justices of Division Six will discuss their career paths with the students and conduct a question-and-answer period following oral argument. The justices are not permitted to answer questions about the case. Division Six hears cases from four counties: Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles. Schools wishing to participate in the ACE program should contact CRF at Laura@teachdemocracy.org. Lawyers interested in volunteering for ACE should send an email to dettinger@horvitzlevy.com or BShatz@manatt.com CONTACT: Patricia Silva, Assistant Clerk/Executive Officer, at 805-641-4700.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/when-you-turn-18-legal-survival-guide When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide Joins Judges in the Classroom Lesson Library Martin.Novitski Fri, 11/07/2025 - 13:54 Feature When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide, produced as a publication of the California Lawyers Foundation, served as the template for a new program for students, thanks to the help of an intern just two-years himself into adulthood. “This project is special not just because of its content, but because it was designed by a student for students,” said Justice Judith McConnell, leader of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. “It makes the information in When You Turn 18 even more relevant and relatable.” The Power of Democracy’s Judges in the Classroom program will include a presentation version of the guide as part of its lesson library. Teachers may select the topics they wish to cover, invite a judge to talk to students, and gain for themselves a better understanding of how laws impact their students when they reach the age of majority. “Our When You Turn 18 publication is an excellent guide for teenagers to learn about laws that come into play as they step into adulthood," said California Lawyers Foundation President Jerrilyn T. Malana. "We are delighted the Power of Democracy has embraced our guide and created a new and exciting presentation for use in classrooms. Civic education is one of our key focus areas, and the new program helps to advance this goal.” Keeping Up with the Times Upon reviewing the guide for another project, Judicial Council summer intern Tamir Hutton, a student at UC Santa Barbara, expressed how there was information in the publication he never knew, and wished that he was presented the information before turning 18. “There’s a lot we do as high schoolers, playing around and hanging out with our friends," said Hutton. "I didn’t know, but I do now, there’s a lot that can be carried too far and can be illegal once you’re an adult.” By having a near-peer transform the guide into a classroom-ready format, the project reflects the very spirit of civic engagement: young people helping to empower the next generation. Instead of simply handing out the PDF, this format allows students the chance to ask questions, walk through real-life scenarios, and see how the law applies directly to their own lives as they enter adulthood. The presentation blends visuals, discussion, and practical examples, making complex topics both accessible and memorable. A Program in High Demand Judges in the Classroom continues to grow in popularity, with more than 16,000 students participating statewide last year. Adding the When You Turn 18 presentation expands the library of lessons available to schools and ensures young people leave with a tangible resource they can use in their daily lives. How Teachers Can Request the Presentation Teachers can request the new When You Turn 18 presentation through the Judges in the Classroom program by visiting powerofdemocracy.org. Presentations can be scheduled in person or virtually, and the guide itself is available as a free download from the California Lawyers Foundation at calawyersfoundation.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/civic-learning-award-presentations-complete-constitution-month-commemoration Civic Learning Award Presentations Complete Constitution Month CommemorationMartin.Novitski Mon, 10/20/2025 - 11:18 Feature The month of September offered opportunities for California’s public schools to celebrate the U.S. Constitution thanks to Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, and the Civic Learning Award program she co-sponsors with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. The Civic Learning Award of Excellence is traditionally presented by the Chief Justice at the beginning of the school year. This year, she was able to make all three appearances during Constitution Month where she was joined by justices and judges from local appellate and trial courts. Representatives from the legislative branch were also in attendance at all three celebrations to celebrate school efforts to expand civic learning. Award of Excellence Recipients Host the Chief Justice Norte Vista High School in Riverside County was the first honoree to host the Chief Justice. She was joined by Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell, who leads the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. On September 25, the Chief Justice presented the second Award of Excellence to Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary School (IJAVVE) in Santa Clara County. She was joined onstage by Santa Clara County Judge Julia Alloggiamento, the vice-lead of the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. The award celebration was supported by Justice Cynthia Lie, Judge Sunil Kulkarni and representatives from Senator Cortese's office. “By embracing the principles of civic learning, you’re already playing a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all of us,” Chief Justice Guerrero told students. On September 30, Chief Justice Guerrero closed out Constitution Month with a visit to Sparks Middle School in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Los Angeles County. The school, receiving its inaugural Award of Excellence after previous recognitions at various levels, serves as a model for cultivating young leaders. Guests at the event included Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II, Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo Ocampo and court outreach staff. Representatives from the legislative and executive branch also lent their support and joined approximately 75 students from various leadership programs at the school. Sparks Middle School employs a civics program that is largely student-run, with 95% of students engaged in civic activity outside the classroom. As she presented the award to school leadership, Chief Justice Guerrero encouraged students to continue developing the skills needed to be informed participants in their community. Chief Justice Encourages Students Prior to each award presentation, Chief Justice Guerrero spent time with student leaders getting to know more about their aspirations and reflections on their experiences in the past year. Students took turns asking the judicial branch leader about her experiences as a judge and her ascent to the role of Chief Justice. For the last two visits, Chief Justice Guerrero also administered an oath of office that officially inducted elected student leaders. Students pledged to serve as representatives of their respective schools with integrity, fairness, and respect for the community. “I want you to remember, that even at your age, your ideas and your voice matter,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. Throughout the month, appellate justices and trial judges hand-delivered awards to schools selected for 2025 honors. In total, 35 schools were honored. (View list) Award Applications The Civic Learning Award program aims to honor schools actively involving students in civics education. Award applications for 2026 will be posted on February 28, and are due March 31. The honorees will be announced on May 1 to correspond with Law Day. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/chief-justice-honors-riversides-norte-vista-high-school-excellence-civics Chief Justice Honors Riverside’s Norte Vista High School for Excellence in CivicsMartin.Novitski Tue, 09/23/2025 - 16:42 Feature During Constitution Week, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visited Norte Vista High School in Riverside County to present the 2025 Civic Learning Award of Excellence. The Civic Learning Award, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.  Schools awarded at this top level receive their award in person from the Chief Justice. Honorees are invited to a larger awards celebration organized by the California Department of Education at the end of the school year. As one of three visits planned for Constitution Month, Norte Vista offered guests a show-and-tell featuring presentations about student-initiated community service projects created by the students. Students described programs like Bilingual Academic Tutor Support (BATS), which pairs high school students with nearby elementary students struggling to learn English. They showcased their Freezer Meals program, which provides nutritious frozen meals for families in need. The school is also a Riverside County voting site, hosting poll worker training and elections with student staff. In 2024, over 100 students worked the polls, and the school reported its highest voter turnout in eight election cycles. In total, students perform nearly 20,000 service hours each year. “I reviewed Norte Vista’s application and was deeply impressed,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “But hearing directly from the students about what these opportunities mean to them—that’s what is truly inspiring. It’s why, year after year, we continue to sponsor this awards program. We want to celebrate schools that support their students and help them make a difference in their communities.” Norte Vista High School has received the Civic Learning Award at various levels every year since 2022. Each year, teacher Amanda Bush has submitted details outlining the six proven practices for effective civic learning. This year, evidence that included the measured impact and student leadership brought them the highest honor. Further, each example came back to the support of Principal Jason Marquez. “There’s no one certain student who is asked to serve,” Bush said.  “We’re a community that is not often asked to serve, because we’re a community that needs a lot. But we are also a community that provides a lot.” Dr. Reggie Thompkins, Alvord Unified School District Superintendent lauded their efforts, and the fact that the programs are run by the students themselves. “They stepped up without anyone telling them what to do,” he said. “They stepped up because they want to do something for the betterment of others.” The Chief Justice was accompanied by jurists from the Riverside County Superior Court. Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell was also there to meet and talk with students and present the award. “By being here in person, it helps us think creatively about how to connect the courts as support agents in the community,” said Justice McConnell, who has led of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative for more than a decade. “And I’m thoroughly impressed with the coordination and support demonstrated today, it is quite remarkable. They truly deserve this top honor.” As Chief Justice Guerrero presented the Civic Learning Award of Excellence, she thanked the students for their leadership. “You’re the heart of these programs,” she said. “It’s your voices and your leadership that keep our democracy strong.” A list of all schools honored since 2013 is available on the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative website powerofdemocracy.org. Applications are posted in February and announced on Law Day, May 1. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-celebrate-constitution-month-statewide-civic-learning-programs California Courts Celebrate Constitution Month with Statewide Civic Learning ProgramsMartin.Novitski Tue, 09/02/2025 - 16:04 News Release Throughout Constitution Month in September, courts across the state will partner with K-12 schools and community organizations to bring judges into classrooms, host courthouse visits, and provide civic learning resources for educators and students. The initiative underscores the judiciary’s commitment to fostering public understanding of the Constitution and the role of the courts in protecting the rights it guarantees. “I am proud of our state courts partnering with schools to actively engage our youth in civic education, and I fully support those efforts. The growth of the Judges in the Classroom program demonstrates the branch’s commitment to connecting with the community and expanding access to quality civic learning throughout the school year.” - California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Last year, 102 classrooms in 24 counties hosted judges for local Constitution Month events. Highlights for this year include: Judges in the Classroom: Judges will visit schools statewide to lead interactive lessons on constitutional rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law. Civic Learning Awards: Schools recognized for exemplary civic education will receive their honor in person from a local judicial officer. California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will present the Award of Excellence, an honor she co-sponsors with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Educational resources: The Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative will provide teachers with lesson plans, activity guides, and videos that bring the Constitution to life for students. First Annual Soapbox Challenge: Inspired by educators and students in the Anaheim Union High School District, the most celebrated district honored with 51 Civic Learning Awards since 2013, this competition is available for all schools and encourages students to deliver persuasive speeches on civics issues they feel strongly about. Constitution Month activities align with the judicial branch’s statewide mission to expand civic learning and strengthen public trust in the courts. Public schools may request to connect with the judicial branch by visiting the Power of Democracy Constitution Month website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-high-school-students-compete-become-2025-state-mock-trial-championship-team California High School Students Compete to Become 2025 State Mock Trial Championship TeamKaren.Datangel Tue, 03/11/2025 - 16:51 Feature Update (Mar. 17, 2025): Trinity Pacific Christian School in Ventura County will once again represent the state of California as the winner of the statewide finals and will advance to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona from May 7-10. See results here. Thousands of students all over the state have donned their best suits and public speaking skills as they acted out various roles in the courtroom. Now it’s time to see who takes top honors.  After weeks of competition, students from 32 California counties gear up for this year's finals of the California Mock Trial Competition, which takes place in Los Angeles from March 14-16.  Participants will argue the fictitious kidnapping case People v. Gold. The defendant Logan Gold has been charged with the kidnapping of Taylor Alexander, who is a rival candidate to Gold’s spouse Harper Dorais in a city council race in the rural mountain town of Emerald Bend, California. Gold is the assistant campaign manager to their spouse and is also the sole hotel owner in town. The prosecution argues that Gold had political and financial motives for abducting Alexander. The defense argues that Gold was without a cell phone and GPS tracking the day Alexander was abducted, which was the day of the city council candidate debate. The pretrial issue centers on a defense motion to exclude a potentially incriminating statement made by Gold while in police custody.  Teach Democracy (formerly known as the Constitutional Rights Foundation) created the California Mock Trial Program in 1980. The statewide program stemmed from a successful model in Los Angeles County and helps students acquire a working knowledge of the judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.  In addition to the mock trials themselves, counties award individual honors to students in courtroom artist and journalist contests.  Check out some highlights from different county competitions in our interactive map below (If you are unable to view the map below, click here). If you wish for your county to be included, contact courtnews@jud.ca.gov with information, photos, and links. California high schools have placed in first or second place four times in the National Mock Trial Competition since 1984. Year School County Place 1989 John Marshall High School Los Angeles 2nd 1994 Arlington High School Riverside 1st 2005 Tamalpais High School Marin 1st 2013 La Reina High School Ventura 2nd