https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-branch-recognizes-excellence-civic-education-during-constitution-week Judicial Branch Recognizes Excellence in Civic Education During Constitution WeekMartin.Novitski Tue, 09/22/2026 - 08:53 Feature During Constitution Week in September, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visited Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep (NP3) Elementary School (Sacramento County) and Norwalk High School (Los Angeles County) to award each school with the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the highest honor in civic education in California. Later this month, she will also present South Junior High School (Orange County) with the Award of Excellence. Throughout the state, judicial officers presented the highest-achieving schools with Civic Learning Awards. A total of twenty-six schools received awards this year, highlighting exceptional civic education programs across the state. This year, Constitution Week was observed nationwide from September 17–23. Multiple courts took advantage of this important observance to present schools with their awards. In Riverside County, Rancho Viejo Middle School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Carol Codrington and Presiding Judge Jacqueline Jackson. The program included student speeches, an ASB swearing-in ceremony, and the presentation of the Civic Learning Award. A representative from Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s office also joined the celebration in recognizing the school’s achievement. Judge Jackson also presented Corona Ranch Elementary School in Riverside with an Honorable Mention Award. Judge Jackson presented the award before more than 100 students and joined them for a Q&A about the courts, the law, and the role of the judicial branch. In San Bernardino County, Pacific High School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Corey Lee and Presiding Judge Rodney Cortez. NP3 Elementary School Achieves Excellence This year marks the first time NP3 Elementary has received the Award of Excellence, building on a legacy of recognition across all NP3 campuses. The school’s civic engagement programs include Civic Circles, which encourage students to identify issues and generate ideas for action, and “Work on Wildly Important Goals” action teams, tackling real-world issues through service-learning projects. “At NP3, civic learning is not simply something our students read about, it’s something they experience, and they practice,” Principal Marcie Dart said. “The moment you set foot on campus, you feel that this is a vibrant community of learners and leaders,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “The Civic Learning Award of Excellence honors schools that make civic learning a cornerstone of their mission. The students of NP3 Elementary have not only met this standard, they have exceeded it.” Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl, Associate Justice Shama Mesiwala, and Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown joined in celebrating NP3’s accomplishments. Norwalk High School Leads the Way Norwalk High School has made civic learning a core component of its school mission and has developed unique civic engagement programs. One notable program, the Government Speaker Series, is an initiative sponsored by the student Government Club and social studies teachers. The series brings government officials to campus to demystify working in government. The club has also sponsored an America 250 contest, a mock election, and a Constitution Day celebration. “You are modeling exactly what we’re looking for when we identify the top schools throughout the state to receive this distinguished award,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “You should be commended for developing a comprehensive curriculum, and a series of programs which encourage informed and active engagement.” At the ceremony, students met with Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia, Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo R. Ocampo, Commissioner S. Paul Bruguera, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Pánuco, a Norwalk High School Class of 1999 alumna, State Senator Bob Archuleta, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board members, and Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez. About the Civic Learning Awards The Civic Learning Awards program recognizes schools that embed civic learning into schoolwide practices, including classroom instruction, student-led projects, service learning, and opportunities to take informed action. The awards are presented annually in September and are co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. More information is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-legacy-project-preserves-history-bench Court Legacy Project Preserves History of the BenchKaren.Datangel Mon, 09/21/2026 - 09:54 Feature Prior to his service on the bench, Justice Lynn D. Compton was a well-known district attorney who successfully led the prosecution of Sirhan Sirhan for Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination; an accomplished police officer and detective in Los Angeles; a World War II soldier; and a collegiate baseball athlete who played with Jackie Robinson. Justice Compton’s career is just one of many histories recounted by justices in videos produced for the California Appellate Court Legacy Project. Preserving judicial history by going directly to the source is what the project is all about. Through in-depth recorded video interviews, state appellate court justices recount their childhoods, career pathways, public service experience, notable opinions, and other events that have helped shape their perspectives. Developed in 2006 as part of the previous year’s Centennial of the California Courts of Appeal commemoration, the project features more than 150 interviews posted on the California Appellate Court Legacy Project’s webpage. Justices Interview Other JusticesRetired justices are usually interviewed by a justice who currently serves in the retired justice’s former court. In addition to already-retired justices, active justices who may be nearing retirement may be selected to be interviewed. The California Appellate Court Legacy Project is a collaboration between the Judicial Council, the California Judicial Center Library, and active justices. Two sitting justices serve as co-chairs indefinitely to help steer the project. Currently, the California Appellate Court Legacy Project is co-chaired by Justice Martin Buchanan of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One and Justice Shama Mesiwala of the Third Appellate District. “The Legacy Project is a valuable historical archive with loads of fascinating insider insights into the appellate process and the life stories of California’s appellate justices,”  said Justice Buchanan. “We are honored to be a part of this history.”. “The videos are full of inspiring and uplifting interviews from our predecessors on the bench,” added Justice Mesiwala. A compilation video on the Legacy Project site features an introduction by Chief Justice Guerrero and snippets of Legacy Project interviews from trailblazers such as Justice Nathan Mihara, Justice Manuel Ramirez, Justice Elwood Lui, Justice Candace Cooper, and Justice Eileen Moore on topics including early life experiences, gender discrimination, diversity in the courts, and judicial philosophy.   Interviews Preserve Voices of Trailblazers in California Judicial HistoryThe project features trailblazers such as Justice Arleigh Maddox Woods of the Second Appellate District, who was the first female African American justice in the state Court of Appeal. She broke other barriers prior to her service in the appellate court, such as becoming the youngest woman at the time to be admitted to the state bar at the age of 22, the first Black woman senior partner in a law firm, and the first female supervising judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court, where she served from 1976 to 1980. “Part of the consequence of being first is simply the fact that other people hadn’t been given the opportunity,” Justice Woods said in her 2009 interview. “It’s more of a sense of responsibility than pride. You feel that you must excel to not embarrass anyone and to make it less difficult for the next person who comes along.  And so being given the opportunity to do that – and as far as I know, not having really fouled it up – gave me great pride, because I do feel that I opened some doors for other people.”   Latest Videos Include Recently Retired and Active JusticesPublished last week, the most recent interview for the project features retired Justice Sandra Margulies of the First Appellate District, Division One. Other recent interviews published in July 2026 include retired justices Justice William J. Bedsworth of the Fourth Appellate District; Justice Thomas M. Goethals of the Fourth Appellate District; Justice Nora M. Manella of the Second Appellate District; and Justice M. Bruce Smith of the Fifth Appellate District. These latest justices interviewed for the project also include Justice Harry E. Hull, Jr., who is currently serving in the Third Appellate District. In his interview with former California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.), Justice Hull talks about his time as a military child that taught him adaptability, dating his high school sweetheart-turned-wife decades later, and authoring one of his favorite opinions about Pooky the Dog (in Auburn Woods I Homeowners Association v. Fair Employment and Housing Com.), setting precedent that “the innate qualities of a dog, in particular a dog’s friendliness and ability to interact with humans” make it therapeutic.   The California Appellate Court Legacy Project will continue to upload new video interviews as they are completed. Visit the California Appellate Court Legacy Project page on the California Courts website for more information, compilation videos, available video interviews and transcripts, and judicial profiles. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/milestones-hispanic-legal-history-california Milestones in Hispanic Legal History in CaliforniaKaren.Datangel Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:25 Feature From September 15 to October 15, California courts and the Judicial Council of California join the nation in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn about historic jurists and landmark state and federal court cases impacting Hispanic/Latino history in California. If you are not able to view the timeline below, click here. This timeline was created in association with the Los Angeles Superior Court Latino Judicial Officers Association (Judges Maria R. Byrum, Annabelle Cortez, Miguel Espinoza, Benjamin P. Hernandez-Stern, Roberto Longoria, Serena Murillo, Maria Puente-Porras, and Alex Ricciardulli, and Commissioner Dennis F. Hernandez). *This feature was originally published on Sep. 16, 2024. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-groundbreaking-ceremony-new-appellate-courthouse-sunnyvale Photos: Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Appellate Courthouse in SunnyvaleCorren, Blaine Tue, 08/18/2026 - 11:55 Feature SUNNYVALE—Justices and court staff from the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District hosted a special groundbreaking ceremony on August 5 to officially celebrate the start of construction of a new courthouse in Sunnyvale. Attendees comprised California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, appellate court justices, superior court judges, attorneys, representatives from various local justice partners and legislative offices, and state and local officials. Upgraded Courthouse Will Improve Services to the Public The new courthouse will improve safety and security with visitor security screening and internal circulation that maintains separate zones for the public and justices and court staff. The new building will also provide more adequate space in the entrance and public waiting areas, service counter, clerk’s office, and mediation rooms. On-site parking will be available for court users, including justices, court staff, and the public. Building to Be Energy Efficient The building’s sustainability features are expected to satisfy the California Energy Code and qualify it for a LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features will include an all-electric building design, solar energy generation, electric vehicle chargers, drought-tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, and energy-efficient lighting and building systems. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-judge-steven-jahr-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Judge Steven Jahr on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 08/11/2026 - 16:51 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. Judge Steven Jahr, Former Judicial Council Administrative Director (Ret.) Judge Steven Jahr, Former Judicial Council Administrative Director (Ret.)Judge Steven Jahr served for more than 20 years on the Shasta County bench before coming out of retirement to serve as the council’s administrative director from 2012-2014. In a recent interview, he answered questions about his career-long efforts to improve the California court system, including his time as a council member and as the council’s administrative director. “My experience both as a council member from the late 90s and serving as Administrative Director between 2012 and 2014 is that there is a decidedly apolitical culture that the council is invested in,” said Judge Jahr. “Openness and operational transparency are valued. It has always been composed of people who are sensitive to the highest ethical standards and have a great sense of collegiality.” Judge Jahr expanded on the council’s culture, calling it one “of reform-mindedness” and “less inclined to adhere to old ways for their own sake or to be preoccupied with matters of turf and territory.” See the full interview with Judge Jahr on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judges-sixth-district-courts-convene-power-democracy-workshop Judges From Sixth District Courts Convene for Power of Democracy WorkshopMartin.Novitski Tue, 08/04/2026 - 09:23 Feature SAN JOSE — Judges and court executives from across the Sixth Appellate District met on July 22 for an outreach workshop organized by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD). The regional convening brought together representatives from the Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz superior courts alongside Sixth Appellate District justices. The workshop was devoted to back-to-school regional planning, capacity building, and sharing strategies for engaging K-12 educators and students. Similar workshops of this kind have been held for courts in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Appellate Districts.  Civics Builds Confidence in the Judiciary Sixth Appellate District Administrative Presiding Justice Mary Greenwood opened the workshop reminding participants of the stakes at hand, that to sustain public trust in the judiciary, and that one of the duties of being a judge is public education.  "As judges, we play a role in developing local education programs and finding an active part of life in the community to increase public understanding of political intelligence," Greenwood said. "That is part of our job." Her remarks aligned with California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s vision for the branch, and commitment to outreach. Soon after her 2023 appointment, Chief Justice Guerrero named workshop co-host Santa Clara County Judge Julia Alloggiamento to help lead her civic learning and outreach effort alongside Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell of the Fourth Appellate District — a longtime fixture of judicial outreach and civics work. Programs Already in Motion Serve as Models The workshop doubled as a showcase for programs already succeeding across the region. Starting with court-hosted programs, Santa Clara County Presiding Judge Julia Emede pointed to the success of established initiatives like Color of Justice, a mentoring program, and the Young Women's Power Lunch, which drew more than 90 attendees this year. Both court programs began as small pilots. Santa Cruz County Assistant Presiding Judge Erika Ziegenhorn credited "Cookie Court" for giving local 5th graders the unique opportunity to visit the courthouse. Others in attendance reflected positively on their use of similar scripted mock trials that allow students to take on roles like prosecutors, defense attorneys, court clerks, and bailiffs.  Kristina Ravo, a longtime education partner attending as an ally of the initiative, gave a presentation on trends in civic learning. She suggested several tips for courts to connect students and told judges they had a strength others can’t bring to a classroom: impartiality.  "Students can form their own opinions about things, which is what we want," she said. "We want to empower them to come up with their own thoughts and learn how the system and the law can support them. They can see themselves in places that they maybe wouldn't have seen before." The Rural Access Gap After reflecting on efforts to travel to classrooms, mainly through the Judges in the Classroom program, judges from counties with large rural populations raised the challenges they face reaching schools that don't respond to their outreach efforts. "Distance, we can overcome that. We need to get the attention from teachers. We are saying, we’re here to help you. Let us show up with our robes and talk to your students about civics," said Monterey County Presiding Judge Rafael Vazquez, whose county is nearly 97% rural.  San Benito County Presiding Judge Omar Rodriguez — one of only two judges on that bench — described similar challenges reaching unincorporated communities located up to an hour from the courthouse. He reminded the group that while these communities may be small, and their students are often the hardest to reach, it is important to renew the commitment to reaching them in the new school year. A Challenge for Constitution Month The workshop closed with a call to action ahead of Constitution Month in September. With 2026 marking the nation's 250th anniversary, Justice Greenwood and Judge Alloggiamento introduced the Power of Democracy's 250-Student Challenge, inviting judges and courts across the district to pledge classroom visits, courtroom visits, or both — reaching 250 students each before the end of the year. This is the fifth consecutive year the California courts prepare to celebrate Constitution Day, September 17, the full month. The expanded commemoration began during the pandemic in response to teachers reporting the closure of many of their civic learning programs when they moved to remote instruction.  This year, Power of Democracy leads anticipate continued expansion into counties participating for the first time.  “As judges, we all face the challenge of keeping up with large caseloads. But with enough advanced preparation, we all can find an hour to visit a classroom,” Judge Alloggiamento said in closing. "Start small, identify your audience, then build from there. We hope you go back to your colleagues and share what you’ve learned and that you feel prepared for the new school year.”  Schools interested in connecting with their local court for the new school year, visit powerofdemocracy.org.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-reopening-ceremony-juvenile-dependency-courthouse-san-bernardino Photos: Reopening Ceremony for Juvenile Dependency Courthouse in San BernardinoCorren, Blaine Thu, 07/16/2026 - 09:33 Feature San Bernardino County judges and court staff hosted a special dedication ceremony on July 8 to officially celebrate the reopening of the expanded and renovated San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse. Attendees comprised attorneys, court appointed special advocates (CASA), and representatives from various local justice partners, including the county counsel’s office, district attorney’s office, public defender’s office, probation, legal aid, juvenile justice organizations, local supervisor offices, and local legislative offices.Full-size photos and captions from the dedication ceremony can also be seen on Flickr Upgraded Courthouse Improves Services to the Public The San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Courthouse provides service countywide as the court’s juvenile dependency facility. The expansion addressed an increase in caseload and court users through two new fully accessible courtrooms and support spaces, improved security for public entry/exiting, larger public waiting areas, an expanded clerk’s office, two new lactation rooms, and bicycle parking. Green Building Is Energy Efficient The building’s sustainability features are built to LEED Silver as designated by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features include drought-tolerant landscaping, permeable concrete walkways, water-efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, LED lighting and room occupancy sensors for energy savings, and the use of zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) interior paint that doesn’t release harmful gases/vapors. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/leadership-perspectives-chief-justice-tani-g-cantil-sakauye-100-years-judicial-council Leadership Perspectives: Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on 100 Years of the Judicial CouncilCorren, Blaine Tue, 07/14/2026 - 11:08 Feature In celebration of the council’s 100th anniversary, former California Chief Justices and Judicial Council Administrative Directors offered their perspectives on the importance of the council and its mission to enhance access to justice. Their perspectives help show how the council evolved into a critical institution that promotes consistency across courts, elevates service to the public, and enhances the experience of those who rely on our justice system. California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.) California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)In her role as Chief Justice from 2011-2022, Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye served as chair of the Judicial Council of California. In a recent interview, she answered questions about her time leading the council, including her biggest accomplishments as well as her greatest challenges. “I think I just assumed that people understood all three branches of government, and that there would be easier conversations about making sure that all of the government could still provide services during a time of crisis, like the Great Recession, or COVID-19,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. Despite the budget challenges facing the judicial branch when she began her term as Chief Justice, she added “I think that having and confronting a crisis in the moment really brings out our best instincts about how to deal with it, how to include folks, and how to proceed.” See the full interview with Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye on the Celebrating 100 Years of the Judicial Council of California website. More interviews in this leadership perspectives series will be posted in the next few months. History, Timeline, Videos, and Exhibit Further Highlight Impact of Judicial CouncilComplementing the judicial leader perspectives, additional resources on the 100th anniversary website help explain the council’s impact on California’s judicial branch and the residents who rely on the justice system: The Judicial Council of California: The First 100 Years (1926–2026): Narrative history of the council, which has helped to solidify the judicial branch and improve court services for the public. 100 Milestones for 100 Years:  Interactive timeline highlights some of the actions taken or supported by the Judicial Council to improve the court system and enhance the administration of justice. Video: How the Judicial Council Is Transforming the Court Experience: Showcases just a few of the council’s transformative initiatives, including self-help services; language access support; remote access; and building modern and secure new courthouses. Council Leadership: Bios of previous Chief Justices and council Administrative Directors, as well as a list of Judicial Council members who have served from 1926 to 2026. Videos: Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch: Videos highlight some of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch and with the council. 100th Anniversary Archive Exhibit: Historical photos, publications, and other memorabilia from the council that highlight key milestones and achievements in expanding access to justice over the past century. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-250-know-your-constitutional-rights Justice 250: Know Your Constitutional Rightselaine.chan Tue, 07/07/2026 - 09:32 Feature Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero joined law schools, legal organizations, and other local justice partners at “Justice 250,” a July 2 celebratory community engagement and educational event held on the U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego. The event centered on reinforcing the rights and liberties embodied in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting how justice has progressed over the last 250 years and how it can be protected going forward. The event featured 40 booths that provided legal information and resources for community members to learn more about their constitutional rights and how to access legal and court resources.  California Chief Justice Emphasizes Need for Independent Judiciary “Our nation is not one of perfection, but it remains a nation of profound promise,” said Chief Justice Guerrero, who served as a guest speaker for the Justice 250 event and spoke on the importance of our country’s founding principles. “To this day, the words embodied in the Declaration of Independence, and the concept of an independent and coequal judicial branch, serve as a powerful beacon to all who strive for liberty and equality.” The Chief Justice also spoke about the critical importance of equal and independent courts in the proper administration of justice to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. She emphasized that judges carry out their responsibilities by making decisions according to the law and must not be swayed by outside factors or influences.  San Diego County Superior Court Judge Joan Weber (Ret.) served as one of the principal organizers of the Justice 250 event. Justice Judith McConnell, Administrative Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District and chair of the Chief Justice’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, attended the event along with several judges from the San Diego Superior Court and federal district and circuit courts. Judicial Branch Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary A new video from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by recognizing jurors for their integral role in our justice system:   Also, a video of California Supreme Court justices reflects on the importance of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States and California constitutions: } Learn more from this news release: California Supreme Court Justices Mark America's 250th Anniversary. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-make-language-used-jury-service-more-gender-inclusive California Courts to Make Language Used in Jury Service More Gender Inclusivenatalie.l.ston… Thu, 06/25/2026 - 12:23 Feature This summer, the California courts are updating language used in jury service materials to be more gender inclusive, like changing the phrase “his or her jury service” to “a person’s jury service.” The updates help minimize gender bias and create a more welcoming environment for transgender jurors, nonbinary jurors, or other jurors that may not identify with the traditional gender binary. Approximately 220,000 transgender and nonbinary adults live in California. Updates to Jury Service Standards, Rules, and Forms  Earlier this year, the Judicial Council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness made recommendations to improve gender inclusivity in jury materials. Following those recommendations, the council adopted a new standard of judicial administration (a guideline for the courts) and updated three rules of court, two juror forms, and sample scripts used in jury selection.  “Building a welcoming environment for every juror fosters public trust in the justice system,” says San Francisco County Judge Michael Rhoads, a council member and a member of the council's Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness. “The Judicial Council’s important work ensures that our juries represent the people they serve.  When people from all backgrounds feel respected and empowered to participate, our courts and our communities are stronger.” The new standard of judicial administration provides the courts with ways to promote gender inclusivity, including:  Avoid assuming the gender of a juror who has not indicated the pronouns they use.   Avoid seeking information about the gender of jurors unless it is necessary or relevant.   If it is necessary or relevant, provide jurors with the option to indicate their gender identity or expression, allowing for multiple selections and a write-in option.  The council also made updates to specific phrases in rules for court proceedings. The phrases include using “a person’s jury service” instead of “his or her jury service,” “prospective juror” instead of “mother” for potential deferrals of jury service due to breastfeeding, and “the prospective juror” instead of “himself or herself” for potential deferrals of jury service due to financial burden.  Other updates to optional questionnaires for prospective jurors included removing a question asking about the sex of a juror’s children and changing referrals to a juror’s parents, spouse, or significant other to gender-neutral terms. Lastly, the council amended two existing standards of judicial administration, which provide scripts for judges to use during jury selection. The changes include expanding the list of characteristics that might be subject to bias and using gender-neutral terms to refer to judges, attorneys, or others in the courtroom. Education for Judges on Gender Inclusivity  In addition to updating its standards and rules, the council also revised several reference materials for judges about ensuring access for LGBTQ+ people. The updated materials cover subjects like using inclusive language and pronouns, considerations for LGBTQ+ youth, and general best practices for inclusion of LGBTQ+ people during court proceedings. Council and Courts Have Long Recognized the Importance of Language Gender-inclusive language not only serves transgender and nonbinary communities but historically has helped endorse the inclusion of women in legal, professional, and social spaces.  Many words in the English language are masculinized, such as freshman, manpower, policeman, or congressman. Over the years, some of these words have been updated, like police officer or congressperson, to reflect the presence and contributions of women and other people that don’t identify as male.  Recognizing the importance of this type of language, more than 30 years ago the council adopted new rules of court to help address this issue. The council updated jury instructions to include “she” and “her” pronouns to refer to jurors, attorneys, and litigants. This helped diminish the gender bias that only men were participating in the judicial process. In addition to updating jury instructions, the council approved 66 other recommendations from its Advisory Committee on Gender Bias in the Courts. Judicial Council Committed to Providing Access and Fairness The council’s Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness makes recommendations for improving access to the judicial system, fairness in the state courts, diversity in the judicial branch, and court services for self-represented parties. Key projects of this advisory body are outlined in its annual agenda.