https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-hosts-landmark-outreach-session-monterey-county California Supreme Court Hosts Landmark Outreach Session in Monterey CountyBalassone, Merrill Wed, 10/08/2025 - 10:52 News Release MONTEREY—For the first time in more than 45 years, the California Supreme Court convened for oral argument Wednesday in Monterey County, holding a historic session at Colton Hall—the site where California’s first constitution was drafted in 1849. Nearly 100 students from across Monterey County—along with local superior court and appellate court judges and justices—gathered for the special outreach session, which gave them a close-up look at the state’s highest court in action, and a chance to directly engage with the justices. "We're thrilled to be here as part of our outreach efforts, inviting students from multiple schools to watch the court at work during oral argument," said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. "Our purpose is to bring the court to the community, so that more people can gain a better understanding of the courts and our judicial system." The visit was the third outreach session held by the California Supreme Court under Chief Justice Guerrero. Sixth Appellate District Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood acknowledged the importance of bringing the court to Monterey—a region deeply rooted in California’s agricultural identity. “We feed the world in Monterey County, and it’s critically important to recognize both today's historic significance, as well as Monterey County's significance to the state, our country, and the world," said Justice Greenwood. Students Ask Justices About Their Positions and the Justice System Before formal proceedings began, students had the opportunity to pose questions to the justices, asking them questions about their path to the bench, their role models, and how students can get engaged in learning about the justice system. Senior Anahi Hernandez from Greenfield High School asked Chief Justice Guerrero about what the judiciary at all levels could learn from recent events about maintaining public trust. "We really embrace our responsibility to follow our ethical rules and responsibilities, and think that's important for the public to be able to see that and understand that we don't rule based on our own preferences. Instead, we follow the rule of law dictated by the facts and the law that's presented before us and try to be transparent and accountable in all our decisions," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "Some people are losing hope. But I still have hope for our country and judicial branch, and the reason is because of all of you here in this room, and in particular the students."   View the full webcast recording here. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-hold-oral-argument-outreach-session-monterey-county California Supreme Court to Hold Oral Argument Outreach Session in Monterey CountyBalassone, Merrill Tue, 09/23/2025 - 13:10 News Release Media interested in attending the session are asked to contact merrill.balassone@jud.ca.gov The California Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Monterey on October 8, in what will be the court’s third annual outreach session under Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The special session will be attended by students and teachers from nearby schools. Prior to observing oral argument, students will have an opportunity to ask the justices questions about their roles in the judicial system. Said Chief Justice Guerrero: “The California Supreme Court is honored to welcome local students to our special oral argument session in Monterey. By bringing our courtroom to the community, we hope to create a deeper understanding of our court’s work and inspire the next generation to engage with the principles of justice, fairness, and civic responsibility.” The court previously held oral argument in Monterey County in 1959, 1970, and 1979. Last year’s special session took place in Fresno, after a special session in San Diego in 2023. The special session next month will take place in Monterey’s Colton Hall Museum, considered “the birthplace of California” as the site where the state’s first constitution was drafted in 1849. The session will be open to the general public, but space is limited. Remote viewing opportunities will be available nearby at the Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street; Monterey City Hall, 580 Pacific Street; and Irvine Auditorium at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, 499 Pierce Street. The event will also be broadcast live on the Supreme Court website and the California Courts Newsroom. The court has livestreamed its oral argument sessions since 2016. View articles in the Monterey Peninsula Herald documenting the 1959 California Supreme Court session on Flickr. ; 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/uc-berkeley-students-get-inside-look-careers-court-system UC Berkeley Students Get Inside Look into Careers in the Court SystemKaren.Datangel Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:26 Feature Students in a UC Berkeley program that enables students to gain insight and experience into professional environments got a front row seat to learn about careers in California's court system. On July 16 and 18, the Judicial Council hosted a group of students from the Cal Job Shadow Program to help them explore career pathways, build their professional network, and learn how to apply their academic majors through connecting with professionals with a similar background. The job shadow program is co-sponsored by UC Berkeley Career Engagement and the Cal Alumni Association. UC Berkeley Students Hear From Council and Court Staff The July event marked the first time the Judicial Council has participated in the Cal Job Shadow Program, a short-term externship that can last from one day to two weeks through remote, in-person, or hybrid experiences. The council’s Administrative Director Shelley Curran welcomed the student cohort, and throughout the day, participating council staff members spoke about their work and why they chose to work in public service. Council staff delivered presentations on the judicial branch and legislative process, collaborative courts, and language access to the courts. Court staff from the San Francisco Superior Court also visited with students, providing insight on how data analytics informs court operations. Students also heard from court staff from the superior courts in Fresno, Placer, Kern, and Riverside counties, who participated in a virtual mediation role play with members from the council's Center for Families, Children, and the Courts. The student group toured the California Supreme Court and learned more about how cases get to the high court. Students also got a peek into the California Judicial Center Library to learn more about the vast resources and information available on the court system. The group attended the July 18 Judicial Council business meeting, and some council staff mentors offered additional shadowing over the week, giving students more opportunities to observe day-to-day activities and complete small projects. Job Shadow Program Opens Students to New Post-Grad Possibilities The Cal Job Shadow Program matches interested students to shadow organizations based on their educational and career interests. One incoming senior, Li Wan, is a data science major, but her interests were two-fold. "I'm an international re-entry student from China and I'm interested in how things work in the U.S.," said Wan. "It's why I was interested in this program: to learn more about data analytics in the courts and how the courts work to help society." For others like incoming senior Layla Goldberg, the opportunity gave her areas to consider prior to possibly applying for law school. "I've always pictured myself in the courts going to trial for my defendants, but I haven't 100 percent decided yet," said Goldberg. "I want to explore government affairs during my gap year. I've always been in nonprofit work in the past, but seeing what the Judicial Council is doing as a government entity has been exciting." Even for those with public service experience like incoming junior Citlaly Espino -- who worked at two congressional offices -- spending time with the Judicial Council opened her eyes to new opportunities. "I feel like my options in public service are so much broader than I expected," said Espino. "I can be in so many roles that I didn't know existed." View photos from the Judicial Council's activities with the Cal Job Shadow Program on Flickr. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-court-connects-mentors-youth-womens-history-month-event Santa Clara Court Connects Mentors to Youth for Women’s History Month EventKaren.Datangel Thu, 04/03/2025 - 14:22 Feature The following originally appeared as a post from Judge Julia Alloggiamento (Santa Clara Superior Court) on LinkedIn.  More than 80 eager students in grades 8-12 filled the room to engage in intimate discussions with two dozen judges, attorneys, probation officers, local leaders, and other volunteer mentors about their challenges and successes at the 2025 Young Women’s Power Lunch, hosted by the Santa Clara Superior Court Outreach Committee. At the beginning of the program, I explained to the students that empowerment is not about competition, but collaboration. I truly believe that women are always better off when they support each other and lift each other up -- and that is what the entire day was about. After small group discussions, several young students got in front of a room of more than 100 people to share their stories and thank the mentors. They were poised, eloquent, and inspirational. To close the event, the young women were treated to a keynote address from Judge Shelyna V. Brown (Ret.), who spoke to them not as her current self, but as her teen self who envisioned the successful woman she is today and then figured out how to get there. I have no doubt that every young woman in that room took her words to heart and left the event knowing that if they can dream it, they can do it. I know that this program was successful because of the many women who collaborated to make the dream a reality, especially Desiree Escobar, Rose Luerra, Cassandra Staff, Alisha Beltramo Schoen, Corina Herrera-Loera, and most of all, my dear friend and colleague Judge Kelley Paul, who spent countless hours recruiting mentors, attending planning meetings, and hammering out details with me. Judge Paul also candidly shared her own past struggles with the young women to demonstrate that every woman in that room had the strength and resilience to overcome any hardship and still reach their goals. I am also extremely grateful for the support of the Office of Women's Policy who sponsored the delicious lunch and the California Judges Foundation for providing additional support.  The Young Women’s Power Lunch is truly one of my favorite events, not only because of the young women we serve on that day, but because it creates an amazing bonding experience also for the judges, attorneys, and adult women who participate. If you are an educator and are interested in this program or our other court outreach programs, please go to Court and Community for more information, or email events@scscourt.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-appeal-holds-special-session-imperial-county-high-school-students Court of Appeal Holds Special Session for Imperial County High School StudentsMartin.Novitski Fri, 11/22/2024 - 15:18 News Release San Diego—The Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One was pleased to hold oral argument on October 24 at Southwest High School in El Centro, an event attended by over 500 students from eight high schools throughout Imperial County, Presiding Justice Judith D. McConnell announced. Our goal is to educate students about the judicial branch and its role in our democracy and we were aided by judges from the Superior Court of Imperial County who visited classrooms at all six high schools to explain the cases before the court and the process that brought them to the appellate court.  Honorable Ruth Bermudez Montenegro, United States District Judge, Southern District of California and Presiding Judge Marco D. Nunez of the Imperial County Superior Court, were instrumental in organizing this program. "The collaborative effort in delivering the Oral Argument Outreach Program for students of the Imperial Valley was truly exceptional! Central Union High School District deeply values the time invested and the opportunities provided for our students to engage with the Court of Appeal process. We are eager to continue this partnership, promoting civics education for both our current and future students” said Superintendent Dr. David Farkas. This program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Superior Court of Imperial County; the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, Imperial County Board of Education, Central Union High School District and Southwest High School. The following cases were heard:D082269  People v. SiekmanD082522  Mowery v. El Centro Animal Clinic, Inc. For more information, contact Mr. Brandon L. Henson, Clerk/Executive Officer at (619) 744-2760. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-appeal-third-appellate-district-hear-oral-argument-union-mine-high-school Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, to Hear Oral Argument at Union Mine High Schoolelaine.chan Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:45 News Release Media interested in attending the session are asked to email blaine.corren@jud.ca.gov. El Dorado—Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl announced the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, will hear oral argument at Union Mine High School in El Dorado, on Sept. 24. Since 2000, the Third Appellate District has held oral argument sessions in 30 high schools and two law schools in 20 counties of its district. More than 200 students from El Dorado, Union Mine, Ponderosa, and Oakridge High Schools are expected to attend. Oral argument will begin at 10 a.m. and will be heard in Union Mine High School Theater, 6530 Koki Lane, El Dorado. All interested members of the public, attorneys, and judges are welcome to attend. Those who attend will be required to go through security screening, so an early arrival is advisable. The following two cases will be heard: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Hamilton et al. v. Vail Corporation et al., C095844 & C097604. Appeals from order denying motion to set aside judgment following approval of settlement and denial of motion to intervene.   10:35 - 11:05 a.m.:  People v. Mitchell, C098293. Appeal from judgment of conviction and sentence to prison term of 14 years 8 months on five separate counts, including unlawful transport of an assault weapon, felon in possession of firearm, evasion of a peace officer, assault on a police dog, and resisting a peace officer.   11:10 - 11:40 a.m.: Discussion/question-and-answer session with students. As part of this educational experience, justices of the Third Appellate District will discuss their career paths with the students and conduct a question-and-answer period immediately following oral argument. The justices are not permitted to answer questions about the cases. The Court of Appeal ordinarily holds oral argument in its courtroom at 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. The Third Appellate District comprises 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/2024CivicLearningAwards Awards Honor Advancements in Civic Learning in Public Schools Karen.Datangel Wed, 05/01/2024 - 14:25 News Release On Law Day 2024, twenty-one California public schools received this year's Civic Learning Award, one of the most competitive civic learning accolades in the state. Now in its 11th year, the award is co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “I find these award applications inspiring; they all deserve our recognition,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “They tell the important stories of dedicated educators who, despite the challenges, are creating room for students to fully understand and practice civics.” ANNOUNCEMENT: “We know that when young people activate their voices, they can be among the strongest change agents in our communities,” said Thurmond. “Education is the cornerstone of realizing our democratic ideals, and these schools have made extraordinary contributions to building the leaders of tomorrow.” Since their inception in 2013, the awards have honored 519 traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have also submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time. In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program, and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.  Schools at the highest level, Award of Excellence, receive a visit from California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero in September (Constitution Month), while judges from California Courts present the awards of Distinction, Merit, and Honorable Mention.  Schools honored with the Civic Learning Award of Excellence:   Madera Elementary School, Ventura County  Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory Middle School and High School, Sacramento County  John F. Kennedy High School, Orange County Schools honored with the Civic Learning Award of Distinction:  Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary School (IJAVVE), Santa Clara County  Newton Middle School, Los Angeles County Yerba Buena High School, Santa Clara County Schools honored with the Civic Learning Award of Merit: Daves Avenue Elementary School, Santa Clara County Workman Elementary School, Los Angeles County South Junior High School, Orange County Anaheim High School, Orange County The following schools earned an Honorable Mention: Garfield Elementary School, Fresno County Tarpey Elementary School, Fresno County Maple Creek Elementary School, Fresno County Sierra Vista Middle School, Los Angeles County Sparks Middle School, Los Angeles County Santiago Charter Middle School, Orange County Mount Madonna High School, Santa Clara County Norte Vista High School, Riverside County Santa Clara High School, Santa Clara County Cordova High School, Sacramento County Granite Hills High School, Tulare County See past award recipients The Civic Learning Award program is administered by staff of the Judicial Council supporting the judicial branch Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative.    The awards program receives generous support from the California Lawyers Association.   https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/students-northern-central-valley-welcome-chief-justice-guerrero Students in Northern Central Valley Welcome Chief Justice GuerreroSoltysik, Penne Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:13 Feature Seventh graders at Willows Intermediate School in northern California's Glenn County had a special guest Friday–California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Chief Justice Guerrero made the stop to speak with students and answer questions for nearly an hour in Aaron Vought's Medieval World History class before attending a dedication ceremony at the nearby courthouse. “The Chief Justice taking time to stop by our school was a thrill for our students,” said Willows Intermediate School Principal Chris Harris. "This is not only a first for our school district, I think it is a first for our county. It certainly left a lasting impression on us all.” Statewide, the judicial branch's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative encourages courts to connect with local schools. Through the Judges in the Classroom program, judges visited more than 340 classrooms this school year alone. Before her appointment in 2022, Chief Justice Guerrero volunteered for the program in Southern California. "I'm hoping that by meeting and talking with me and Glenn County Assistant Presiding Judge Alicia Ekland, students will think more about their academic future and maybe even envision a career in law," Chief Justice Guerrero said. "And I hope that visits like we did today will continue next school year in counties in this region." Succession Planning Fair and equal access to justice in the northern part of the Central Valley is being threatened due to a shortage of licensed attorneys. According to the State Bar of California, Glenn County is home to 14 active attorneys who serve 28,000 residents. In nearby Trinity County, with 10,000 fewer residents, 15 licensed attorneys practice law. Moving further up the state, the Del Norte County bench measures similarly to Glenn County, with two judges serving a population of 27,000. Yet for those residents, roughly 43 are licensed to practice law. "We're not alone—there are several areas of the state where access to attorneys is limited," said Judge Ekland. "As a judge, I feel obligated to do what I can to support teachers and their efforts to encourage students to study law, to pursue a legal education, and most importantly, come back to us as a member of our local legal community." Judge Ekland served as county counsel for Glenn County before her appointment to the bench in 2018, when she became the first female judge for the Superior Court of Glenn County. "I learned so much from the students who were engaged and asked thoughtful questions about the judicial branch and our system of government. With the continued support of their teachers, principal, and families, it is clear these students can achieve great academic success," said Chief Justice Guerrero. "I hope I was able to provide some helpful guidance, and I also hope that my visit encourages courts in this region to plan now for visits to K-12 classrooms this coming school year." For more information about the Power of Democracy, visit powerofdemocracyca.org https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/students-throughout-california-vying-top-prize-2024-mock-trial-finals Students Throughout California Vying for Top Prize at 2024 Mock Trial FinalsKaren.Datangel Tue, 03/19/2024 - 16:10 Feature Update - March 26, 2024: Trinity Pacific Christian School in Ventura County has won the 2024 California Mock Trial Competition and will compete in the National High School Mock Trial Competition in May. See the full awards recipient list. Thousands of young people put on their best suits this spring in hopes of taking home the title—not of best dressed, but of best advocate. After weeks of competition in the courtroom, those thousands of well-dressed young people have been narrowed down as students from 31 California counties gear up for this year's finals of the California Mock Trial Competition, which takes place in Los Angeles from March 22-24. Participants will argue the fictitious homicide case People v. Clark. The defendant Tobie Clark, who works as in-house counsel at a billion-dollar medical technology company, has been charged with the homicide of the company's chief executive officer. The prosecution argues that Clark should be convicted of first-degree murder, and the pretrial issue centers on the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure. The Constitutional Rights Foundation, now known as Teach Democracy, 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. The winner of the statewide finals will advance to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Wilmington, Delaware from May 2-5. Here are some highlights from county competitions: Contra Costa California High School won the competition for the seventh consecutive year, defeating Campolindo High School. In its 43rd year, the competition included 17 schools from across Contra Costa County, 44 separate trials that took place in-person at the A.F Bray Courthouse in Martinez, and more than 140 judges, local attorneys, and volunteers who presided over the proceedings, scored trials, and served as courtroom coordinators. Kern Centennial High School won for the fifth year in a row and for the ninth time in the last ten years. Local attorney Abby Auffant, who has judged the competition for many years, said “The students give me faith in our next generation – whether they are our next generation of attorneys or not." Orange University High School in Irvine won the competition over Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo. Orange County has the second largest mock trial program in the state after Los Angeles County. At an awards reception next month, the Elizabeth G. Macias Academy Mock Trial team from Santa Ana High School will be awarded the Civility Award for demonstrating civility and the highest legal ethics during the competition. The team seeks to establish a pipeline of diverse students, including first-generation students, English-as-a-second-language students, and at-risk youth from high schools, community colleges, four-year institutions, and law schools so that the legal profession reflects the diverse population of California. Riverside Poly High School defeated Notre Dame High School for their 20th title in 42 years of the county competition's history. San Diego Now in its 18th year, a total of 747 San Diego County high school students participated in the event, making it the largest competition in the county to date. Students from 37 San Diego County high schools have fielded 38 teams during the competition. Santa Cruz Santa Cruz High School won the county competition after a rare tied score against co-finalist Pacific Collegiate School was broken by Santa Cruz Presiding Judge Syda Cogliati, per mock trial rules. Additionally, first-time competitors Pajaro Valley High School earned the inaugural Paul Marigonda Award, presented by the Santa Cruz Trial Lawyers Association. Honoring the late Judge Paul Marigonda, the award recognizes a team for demonstrating exceptional courage, commitment, and integrity. Tulare The silver Redwood High School team won the county competition over University Preparatory High School. Redwood had entered two teams into the competition. The finals took place at the Granite Hills High School Legal Justice Center in Porterville, a three-year-old educational facility replicating a real-life courtroom. California high schools have placed in first or second place four times in the National Mock Trial Competition since 1984. In 1989, John Marshall High School in Los Angeles County placed in second; in 1994, Arlington High School in Riverside County won the championship; in 2005, Tamalpais High School in Marin County won the championship; and in 2013, La Reina High School in Ventura County placed in second.