https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en 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 https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2025-champions-civics Honoring Champions of Civic Learning: David W. Gordon and Dr. Michelle HerczogSoltysik, Penne Thu, 02/27/2025 - 10:36 Feature SACRAMENTO — Two of California’s most recognized civic learning advocates were selected by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero for the Champion of Civics Award. The state judicial branch leader made the announcement at this year's Civic Learning Summit before an audience of school administrators, students, teachers, and representatives from the California courts.   In presenting the award, the Chief Justice expressed the courts' dependence on an informed public that understands the role of a fair and impartial judiciary. Chief Justice Guerrero presents the Champions of Civics Award to Michelle Herczog and Dave Gordon. "That can't happen without people and organizations like you," said Chief Justice Guerrero. "And I want to emphasize that the courts see and appreciate those of you who've been doing the policy and advocacy work. There are two individuals whose commitment to this work really stands out. I'm honored to ask Dave Gordon and Michelle Herczog to the stage to receive the Champion of Civics Award."     Award Honors Commitment to Civics Education The Champion of Civics award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a long-standing commitment to the advancement of quality civics education in California public schools.  Justice Judith D. McConnell, who leads the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, spoke to the champions in a congratulatory call shortly after the summit. When asked about the road ahead, Dave Gordon highlighted new legislation (SB 584) recently introduced that would bring more civic learning resources to elementary and middle school classrooms. Michelle Herczog added, "Every day, we read references to the courts--the state courts, the federal courts. I think it is important that our young people understand the important work of the judicial branch and its significant role in our democracy."  View virtual call below: Contributions to the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative Following the completion of the work behind the K-12 Task Force on Civic Learning report in 2014, both Gordon and Herczog were appointed by the Chief Justice to serve on the newly-formed Power of Democracy Steering Committee until 2023 when the work of that body concluded. Committee accomplishments included: Establishing Constitution Month Creating and vetting classroom lessons for courts to engage students from kindergarten onward Promoting court outreach opportunities for teachers during remote learning Launching the Civic Learning Award and Judges in the Classroom programs "I attribute much of our current achievement to the service and expertise they lent to the judicial branch over the years," said Chief Justice Guerrero. "I know the road ahead is one we'll continue to navigate together to secure the future of civic participation and leadership in our state."  "Their dedication to this movement is unwavering. They continue to push forward with the same passion and determination that inspired me when we first met," said Justice McConnell. "They are true champions, and I’m thrilled our Chief Justice chose to honor them." The award was first introduced in 2020 and presented in 2021 to three teachers, a community organizer, and an administrator who were celebrated virtually. These 2025 Champion awards are the first to be presented by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero who took office in early 2023.    Biographies David W. Gordon is the Superintendent of the Sacramento Office of Education. He began his career as an elementary school teacher in the South Bronx, N.Y. From 1995–2004, Gordon served as superintendent of the Elk Grove Unified School District. From 2001 to 2003, he served on the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education. From 2003–2011, he was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), which oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress (the “Nation’s Report Card”).  Gordon also served on the Power of Democracy Steering Committee from 2014 to 2023. Michelle Herczog, Ed.D. earned her Doctorate Degree in Education from University of California, Los Angeles. Her career in education started in the classroom as a teacher. She took that experience to the Los Angeles County Office of Education where she authored numerous social studies curriculum materials, reports, and resources, and advocated for effective social studies education at local, state, and national levels. This expertise earned her a seat on the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning. Following the release of the Task Force report in 2014, she was appointed by the Chief Justice to serve on the Power of Democracy Steering Committee until that body sunsetted in 2023. Herczog served on the Power of Democracy Steering Committee from 2014 to 2023.   A Shared Mission Gordon and Herczog co-founded Californians for Civic Learning, a non-profit organization aimed at securing a state agenda that elevates and funds civic learning as a priority in public education.  For more details about the work of both Champions, visit the Power of Democracy Timeline:  //--> //--> //--> //-->   These awards are made possible with support from the California Lawyers Foundation. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judges-classroom-outreach-program-celebrates-most-demand-school-year-yet Judges in the Classroom Outreach Program Celebrates Most In-Demand School Year YetKaren.Datangel Tue, 01/07/2025 - 15:09 Feature More than 13,000 K-12 students know more about the foundation of their government and the judicial branch, thanks to a civics program from the Chief Justice of California. In the last six months alone, the Judges in the Classroom program received 399 visit requests from schools throughout the state, doubling the number received for the entire 2023-2024 academic school year. “In my annual address to the Legislature in March 2024, I announced the implementation of my Power of Democracy civic learning initiative statewide, and the appointment of two of our state’s most experienced civics advocates to lead the way. Justice Judith McConnell and Judge Julia Alloggiamento are a power duo whose leadership of POD continues to inspire courts to support this important work.” - Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero How the Judges in the Classroom Program Works Judges who visit schools provide lessons on the Constitution, civil rights, branches of government, the rule of law, and more. Judges can also give interactive lessons in the form of a mock trial. Additionally, schools can ask judges to administer the oath of office for student leaders, or speak at assemblies, award presentations, and Career Day talks. “Most courts aren't resourced for judges to take time for these connections, so we're giving them simple tools they can use to go talk to some students for an hour,” said Judge Alloggiamento. "One thing every public school teacher has is a court in their county," said Justice McConnell. "Our charge is to make sure they know this, and to make sure judges have resources they can use to fulfill their duty to educate the public about their role. We've focused on expanding the program in the inland and northern regions of the state with great success." This year, the roster of Judges in the Classroom volunteers has grown to 346, with judges in Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Shasta, and Santa Cruz counties stepping forward to spend time with students in their communities. How Court-School Civics Outreach Programs StartedJudges in the Classroom was modeled after a similar effort in the state of Washington and piloted by judges in Butte and San Diego counties. The program officially launched just before the pandemic in 2020. Using the same technology being used for some court proceedings, courts connected with approximately 250 classrooms remotely that year. Today, judges give classrooms the choice of a remote or in-person visit. "This is one of the most enjoyable community engagements. The personal appearance is preferred as I bring my robe, gavel, and in the case of the Salem Witch Trials, a pilgrim hat which provides the program with some fun 'authenticity.' The 10-11 year-old age range is very curious and enthusiastic and I appreciate the opportunity to participate." - Judge Tim Nader, Superior Court of San Diego County Even before the launch of Judges in the Classroom, many courts have sustained their own outreach programs, including courthouse visits and mock trials for students, as well as Educator Days that give teachers a primer on how the judicial branch works. For some larger courts, outreach is part of a local operational plan and directed by a Court Outreach Committee that often includes members from local offices of education, lawmakers, and volunteers from the business community. In addition to co-leading the statewide civics effort, Judge Julia Alloggiamento also leads the Santa Clara County Outreach Committee. This year, she received the California Judges Association's Outreach Award, presented only once every three years to recognize exceptional outreach efforts by a judicial officer. But for other courts, particularly smaller courts, engaging with schools can be a challenge. "Our smaller courts don't have as many judges, so they may not have an outreach committee," added Judge Alloggiamento. "Judges in the Classroom may be a court's only outreach program." Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Initiative The Power of Democracy initiative began in 2014 to promote civic learning by connecting the state’s judicial branch with educators and public school administrators. Standard 10.5 of the Standards of Judicial Administration states “Judicial participation in community outreach activities should be considered an official judicial function to promote public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice.” In addition to Judges in the Classroom, the initiative includes the Civic Learning Awards program, which recognizes school-driven, district-supported civic learning efforts that engage students in civic learning. Recipients are announced on Law Day on May 1. Judges visit schools honored, with the highest honors presented in person by Chief Justice Guerrero. To learn more about Judges in the Classroom and to request a classroom visit, go to www.powerofdemocracy.org/judges-in-the-classroom. Programs are made possible with the support of the California Lawyers Association. View more photos from Fall 2024 Judges in the Classroom visits in our Flickr photostream