https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-and-judicial-council-inspire-new-generation-court-leaders California Courts and Judicial Council Inspire New Generation of Court LeadersKaren.Datangel Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:49 Feature After earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA, Kristina Mooney experienced two new things after graduation: working in a state court (San Bernardino Superior Court) and living in the Inland Empire, a departure from her hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area and her college residence in Los Angeles. Up in the northern part of the state, Kolby Minckler also took on a new challenge both professionally and geographically after earning his bachelor's degree in History from the University of South Carolina: moving from his home state of South Carolina to work in the Sacramento Superior Court. Getting a Behind-the-Scenes Look into the Justice System This past June, both Mooney and Minckler completed their 10-month assignments as part of the Judicial Fellowship program, which offers real-world work experience and training from judicial leaders to inspire career pathways in California courts. “The exposure I’ve gotten here in the courts is unlike anything I could get in any sort of professional development program," said Mooney. “I’ve observed every case type and learned about collaborative courts. I think years ago, it might have scared me to get into something like criminal law because the kinds of things you see in those courtrooms can be really hard, but I think it’s important to be aware of those things and see how justice works.” “What I knew about the courts were that attorneys argue in the courtroom and there’s a judge that decides matters,” said Minckler. “But there are so many other careers for people who want to work in the courts, and I was interested in exploring this whole different side of court administration and how a court actually runs outside of the courtroom.” California Program Provides Preview of Careers in the Judicial Branch Running from September to June each year, the full-time paid judicial fellowship is co-administered by the Judicial Council and Sacramento State University’s Center for California Studies, which also offers fellowships in the state’s executive and legislative branches as part of the Capital Fellows program. Judicial Fellows work in superior courts and Judicial Council offices across California on initiatives related to court programs, public policy, legislative analysis, language access, and community outreach. Each fellow is mentored by court executive officers and senior court and council staff. Judicial Fellows participate in monthly graduate-level field and academic seminars. The rigorous academic seminar follows the structure and function of high-level graduate coursework. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, fellows earn six units of graduate credit in Public Policy and Administration and a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government. “I actually wrote my spring term paper on homeless court, which we call shelter court here in San Bernardino County,” added Mooney. “That program was one of the most beautiful and impactful things I’ve had the honor to see. I didn’t know before this fellowship how courts and access to justice can uplift people. In collaborative courts, and specifically shelter court, I feel like I’m watching the judge literally change people’s lives.” Minckler also focused on collaborative courts during his fellowship, helping to prep and attend felony Mental Health Treatment Court calendars. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to navigate the criminal justice system in a way that may be much more beneficial to [felony participants] than jail time,” he said. "But I also have come to see that it’s really up to the participants to make the most out of the resources that we offer. I’ve seen people turn their lives around, and they are completely different people by the end of these programs.” Judicial Fellows Placed at Locations Around the State For the 2024-2025 school year, seven fellows worked at courts in the counties of Alameda, Butte, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and San Mateo. Instead of actual court assignments, three fellows worked at the Judicial Council, gaining experience in statewide policy issues related to criminal justice, pretrial programs, governmental affairs, and court statistics and data. Check back in September 2025 for the 2026-2027 fellows application. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/san-bernardino-county-brings-legal-services-court-users-remote-areas San Bernardino County Brings Legal Services to Court Users in Remote AreasKaren.Datangel Wed, 04/23/2025 - 16:41 Feature At 20,105 square miles, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the contiguous United States by area. Spread throughout the county, in places often populated with more mountains and desert than people, the area’s 2 million residents sometimes must travel up to three hours to get to court. To increase access to justice for residents of the vast county, the Public Defender’s Office created its Mobile Defense Program. The program dispatches legal service RVs to isolated areas of the county so defendants can more easily appear in remote hearings related to low-level criminal cases. Public Defender’s Office Partners With San Bernardino Court  The Superior Court of San Bernardino County works with the Public Defender’s Office to coordinate calendar logistics and ensure a judicial officer is available to preside over the proceedings. The court uses remote technology installed at the courthouse to connect to the RVs out in the field. Additionally, the court’s Self-Help Center staff is available on-site for litigants who may need their services. “Implementing alternative proceedings is crucial for our community, especially in rural areas where access to local courts can be a significant challenge,” said Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan of the San Bernardino Superior Court. “In San Bernardino County, we face a shortage of judicial resources and facilities, making it difficult to adequately serve these remote locations. Participating in this program aims to bridge that gap, ensuring that justice is accessible and affordable for all constituents.” It's a win-win situation for both the litigant and the court. Litigants can clear a bench warrant or fine, which improves their quality of life, and the court lightens its caseload. Up to 100 cases can be cleared during one event. Outreach Events Offer More Than Just Legal Services The Mobile Defense Program events not only provide legal assistance, but other county agencies and organizations can provide help such as dental screenings, medical care, and job search assistance on site. “We have the largest county in the nation, so we are trying to develop creative ideas to provide direct assistance and relief to the community,” said Thomas W. Sone, San Bernardino County Public Defender. “The Mobile Defense Program aims to mitigate these challenges by bringing services directly to these isolated areas.” The first Mobile Defense Program event was held on May 21, 2024 in the unincorporated community of Landers. The most recent event held on Mar. 12 at The River’s Edge Ranch in Lucerne Valley attracted more than 200 attendees. Mobile Defense Program events are hosted throughout the county every six weeks. The next event will be held at the Joshua Tree Community Resource Fair at the Joshua Tree Community Center on Wednesday, May 14. 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/california-native-american-day-highlights-support-states-native-communities California Native American Day Highlights Support for State's Native CommunitiesKaren.Datangel Thu, 09/26/2024 - 13:50 Feature This Friday, California courts will close in observance of the California Native American Day state holiday. But courts are also taking the opportunity to recognize Native American people and celebrate their history in the state. San Bernardino Court Honors Tribal Communities  In 2021, Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), the first Native American to serve in the state legislature, authored AB 855 to amend the Code of Civil Procedure to recognize California Native American Day on the fourth Friday of September as a judicial holiday. The Judicial Council-sponsored bill was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to take effect the next year. This week, Assemblymember Ramos took part in a California Native American Day celebration outside of the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, where cultural performers took part in traditional song and dance. ABC7 featured the celebration and spoke with Ramos and Judge Lisa Rogan, presiding judge for the Superior Court of San Bernardino County. "We are calling on other counties - superior court counties - to partner with tribal people from those areas to highlight the paid holiday of California's Native American Day," Ramos said. "All throughout San Bernardino County we have so much cultural awareness with our tribal family and to celebrate them as California's first people is extremely important to not only the employees but the people of our community," said Judge Rogan. Partnerships Between the State Court and Tribal Justice Systems Partnership Benefits Youth in San Diego CountyThe Intertribal Court of Southern California (“ICSC”) and the Superior Court of San Diego County collaborate to address the needs of Tribal youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. With the support of the superior court, the ICSC has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the District Attorney's Office and Probation Department to divert youth to the ICSC Tribal Youth Court, where peers serve as decision-makers to cultivate wellness-based responses. Additionally, because of the Tribal and state court partnership in San Diego, the county's probation department now has improved reporting in identifying Tribal youth. The collaboration started in 2021 and is led by Ana España, Presiding Juvenile Court Judge in the Superior Court of San Diego County, and Devon L. Lomayesva, Chief Judge of the Intertribal Court of Southern California. "The Tribes can inform the [state] court of culturally appropriate services that can be incorporated into a probation youth case plan," said Judge España. "By integrating culturally appropriate services, I believe there is more youth/family buy-in and it's more meaningful and relevant to the youth and family. And frankly, it’s just a matter of respect as well." "When youth in the system have that Tribal support, you're bringing in a component that they're familiar with, which improves their self-identity, helps them feel more grounded, and promotes their self-worth," said Chief Judge Lomayesva. "We're always going to be partners with our counties and if the youth can't be within their Tribal system, the services and settings should be culturally appropriate and be familiar with the Tribes they serve." Tribal Court-State Court Forum Formed in 2010, the Judicial Council's Tribal Court-State Court Forum improves the working relationship between California’s tribal and state courts and makes recommendations on matters where tribal and state courts overlap. The forum, made up of judges and members of both the tribal and state court communities, provides direction in areas such as: Jurisdictional issues Enforcement and recognition of protective orders and judgments Access to justice in Indian country in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and teen dating violence The forum also gathers data and develops resources relevant to Native American communities and tribal justice systems. In addition, the forum helps create rules, forms, and legislation relating to child support, guardianship, civil money judgments, and other areas involving state and tribal courts. At its September business meeting, the Judicial Council approved two new forms and revisions to four existing forms to clarify that the requirement to recognize and enforce child custody orders under the provisions of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act applies to custody orders issued by a tribal court. Tribal court judges report they have experienced problems having their child custody orders registered and enforced because the existing form refers only to out-of-state custody orders and does not reference tribal court orders. Judicial Council Offers Resources on Native American IssuesWith federal and state funding, the council maintains a Tribal/State Programs unit that provides legal services and technical assistance to local courts on inter-jurisdictional issues across all case types. That unit also assists with the development of policies, positions, and programs to ensure the highest quality of justice and service for California’s Native American communities. The unit provides staff to the council’s Tribal Court-State Court Forum and the California Child Welfare's CSEC Action Team, and develops resources to assist those involved in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) proceedings understand their legal obligations under ICWA and comply with those requirements. The Tribal/State Programs Unit also worked on the Violence Against Women Education Project (VAWEP), an initiative designed to provide tribal and state courts with information, supplies, technical assistance, educational materials, and programs on the role of the courts in responding to cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and human trafficking. Read more about Tribal Communities in California.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/reaching-court-users-nations-largest-county Reaching Court Users in Nation's Largest County Soltysik, Penne Tue, 03/21/2023 - 09:40 Feature Court services are fully restored at one of the most remote courthouses in California. The Superior Court of San Bernardino County had reduced services at its Needles Courthouse along the California-Arizona state line in 2013 as the court made needed cutbacks during the Great Recession. In addition to Needles, the court reduced services or closed courthouses in the Barstow, Big Bear, and Chino districts, and had to layoff 44 staff. When the Needles Courthouse reduced its services, the closest court facility for area residents was 150 miles away. “The simple fact is that we can no longer afford to support as many court locations or support as many services as in the past,” said Justice Marsha Slough in 2012, when she served as presiding judge for the court before her appointment to the state Court of Appeal. Fast-forward a decade and the Needles courthouse doors are again open five days a week—expanding its one-day-per-month schedule implemented to cut costs. The court held a grand re-opening ceremony on Jan. 24. [View video highlights] Residents can now access in-person court services such as filing documents and scheduling court hearings. The court's self-help services remain available in-person on a monthly basis but are available remotely every day. “I am pleased that with continued partnership, and new funding, we are able to restore court services for the residents of Needles and the surrounding areas,” said Presiding Judge Glenn Yabuno. "With these services restored, people can access our services, speak with a judge, and get help filing documents instantly thanks to the technology we developed and adopted during the pandemic.” Because the court is located far from the county center, the court will initially offer court hearings with a judicial officer presiding remotely. Eventually, the court plans to assign a judicial officer to the Needles courthouse to hear matters in person. "To open Needles is to fulfill the responsibility we have to expand access across our county, and more importantly, the promise we made to this community," said Court Executive Officer Anabel Z. Romero. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-mock-trials-return-courtroom-showcase-emerging-legal-talents California Mock Trials Return to the Courtroom to Showcase Emerging Legal TalentsSoltysik, Penne Fri, 02/24/2023 - 14:10 Feature     Recent social media posts from courts and educators in California tell the stories of courtrooms staying open on nights and weekends for the return of the Mock Trial Program, an annual competition held remotely for the last two years. Due to the pandemic, some schools had to suspend programs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.  "I'm excited to see so many of our schools prioritizing this program once again now that they're back to in-person learning," says San Diego Superior Court Judge Carolyn Caietti, a member of the Chief Justice's Power of Democracy Steering Committee. "This is our 17th year and we expect to host more than 700 students from San Diego schools."  Approximately 8,000 high school students participate annually in the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) Mock Trial Program, with support from the American Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA). Today's mock trial model evolved from a successful Los Angeles County program in 1980. CRF helped expand it statewide, and today it reaches 38 counties. Some local high school teams are more than 40 years old, while others got their start in recent years. Programs receive support from County Offices of Education, their local court, non-profit organizations, and local bar associations. Last year's championship round streamed live on YouTube. Second District Court of Appeal Associate Justice Steven Z. Perren, a proponent and program advocate for decades, presided over the event:   This year, the State Finals will be held in person, as 38 county winners moved on to the state competition. All hope to represent California at Nationals in Little Rock, Arkansas May 18-20. California has won the national title twice.  Even though the competition season is coming to a close, the program has ignited a passion for the law that may lead many of the participants to pursue a legal education and eventually a legal career.  To witness the excitement of a live championship round, tune in on Tuesday, February 28 at 5:30 p.m. for the 17th Annual San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition. The court will host a record 755 students for this year's event. The event will be broadcast here.   The Teach Democracy website offers information about volunteering for the State Finals, as well a link for viewing the event live on YouTube. How Do I Start a Mock Trial Program at My School?   It's easy. All you need is a teacher sponsor and a minimum of eight students who want to learn about the American legal system. You will also need time. The competition requires participants to practice roles, learn legal concepts, and create persuasive arguments. See this webcast on How to Prepare a Team for Mock Trial from the Teach Democracy website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/courts-using-data-improve-services Courts Using Data to Improve ServicesCorren, Blaine Wed, 06/15/2022 - 15:09 Feature A recent gathering of nearly 200 California court leaders and research staff focused on how data can help shed light on operational challenges and solutions, and ultimately improve court services for the public. The May 26 event, hosted both in-person and virtually by the Judicial Council, was the next step in the judicial branch’s work to build a statewide court community around data management and analytics. “Many courts are very active with data analytics but want an opportunity to collaborate with one another on shared issues,” said Leah Rose-Goodwin, manager of the council’s Office of Court Research. “The council’s role is to help foster the data community and provide support to any courts that may need assistance.” Local Courts Show How They’re Using DataAttendees heard directly from three superior courts using data to improve their operations and efficiency: Alameda County: The court collects data on multiple items related to jury service, including how many jurors are called each week, juror zip codes, and who reports and is able to serve. The court found differences in reporting rates among jurors who were summonsed for the first time, who voluntarily deferred service, and who previously failed to appear, and used that information to adjust its summonsing practices.   Placer County: The court may not be one of the largest courts in the state, but it’s not short on data. For example, the court uses the latest web apps and tools to track, present, and act on data related to new case filing trends, use of e-filing and related processing times, remote appearances, and its self-help and online chatbox services.   San Bernardino County: The county is the largest in the state by geography (20,000 square miles). The court is enhancing their data analytics tools to better gauge resource and staffing needs. By looking at its current number of judicial officers, filings, and which courthouses hear certain case types, the court is working to refine the system developed by the Judicial Council to maximize their existing resources countywide. Said Nancy Eberhardt, court executive officer for the San Bernardino Superior Court: “Measuring goes toward our accountability to the public, the legitimacy of our work, and an ability to quantify our need.” Innovations Spurred by Judicial Council GrantOrange County Superior Court was among the first courts to build a cloud-based data warehouse, using funds from the Judicial Council’s Court Innovations Grant Program instituted in 2016. Fifty other projects across 30 trial and appellate courts statewide received innovation grants to create new tools and programs that could be replicated statewide. The early success of the Orange court’s data project inspired a branchwide framework focused on data governance. Building on that momentum, the council recently established a Data Analytics Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the council on judicial branch data and information strategy. The workgroup will analyze and share data to better inform judicial branch decision making and enhance public access to court data and information. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/san-bernardino-court-hosts-virtual-townhall-juvenile-dependency-cases San Bernardino Court Hosts Virtual Townhall on Juvenile Dependency CasesCorren, Blaine Mon, 06/06/2022 - 13:00 Feature A juvenile dependency case begins over concerns that parents can’t keep their children safe from abuse or neglect. A recent townhall hosted virtually by the San Bernardino Superior Court provided the public an opportunity to ask panelists about the juvenile dependency process and how it works. The event also detailed how justice system partners recognize the potential for bias in the juvenile dependency system and how they ensure their decisions are not affected by it. “The overwhelming goal of the court is to keep the child with the parents,” said Judge Erin Alexander, one of the panelists. “But if it’s not safe, we need to find an alternative to protect the child.” In addition to judges, other panelists included representatives from Family and Children's Services, Children’s Advocacy Group, and a local law firm representing the parents’ interests. Appearing remotely, the panelists answered more than a dozen questions from the public—some were emailed ahead of time, while others were posed live via chat. Questions included: Do I have to represented by an attorney? (answer: no, but it’s highly recommended)   Who can qualify to be a guardian for the child? (answer: family is preferred, but if not available then others somehow connected to the family can be considered)   If I report that a child is danger, is my complaint kept confidential? (answer: yes) At the completion of the virtual townhall, the court invited participants to take an online survey to help improve outreach events and ensure they meet the needs of the public. The court created its award-winning townhall program to increase community engagement and foster awareness, change, and understanding of the court system. Launched in 2020, a total of 1,100 people have signed up for the court’s five virtual townhall events that it’s held thus far. Previous topics have included homelessness, mental health, civil unrest and racism. “The court is committed to engage with the community and advance initiatives that support equal access to justice,” said Presiding Judge R. Glenn Yabuno. The court’s next townhall is scheduled for this fall and will focus on juvenile delinquency cases. Follow the court on Twitter for news about its events and services. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/visits-local-classrooms-bring-lessons-constitution Visits to Local Classrooms Bring Lessons on the ConstitutionSoltysik, Penne Thu, 10/21/2021 - 15:21 Feature To commemorate Constitution Day, California judges visited classrooms and libraries statewide to deliver lessons on the three branches of government and the role of the courts. The effort supports a year-round drive to foster a better understanding of the judicial branch among students and teachers.   In San Bernardino County, Judge John Pacheco coordinated an event for Yucaipa High School’s Law and Public Safety Academy with the help of the Inland Empire American Board of Trial Advocates. Students were addressed virtually by a special  guest, California Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins.  In Santa Clara County, the court coordinated a virtual event where judicial officers met with  over 1,500 fifth graders in 21 schools to discuss the history and importance of the Constitution. The court also recorded a presentation on the Constitution for educators who couldn't participate in the live event. (View on YouTube)  Judges are encouraged to develop and participate in local community outreach programs under California’s Rules of Court. In several courts including Santa Clara, an internal committee maintains a strong relationship with local schools with events scheduled throughout the year.   “Our court is proud of our strong partnerships with the County Office of Education, and with the executive and legislative branches of government. Together, we have been able to connect with thousands of students, helping to educate our next generation of civic-minded leaders," said Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Audra Ibarra.    In Monterey County, ten bench officers visited classrooms virtually and in-person as guest teachers. Judge Marla Anderson visited a classroom at Highland Elementary, just four miles from her courtroom. Her colleague, Judge Sam Lavorato traveled to the Salinas Valley to visit with students at Sacred Heart School. Echo Valley Elementary, also in Salinas, received a visit from Monterey County Judge Vanessa Vallarta.  "When I switched to a bilingual presentation (English to Spanish), the students were immediately surprised, and much more engaged. They were excited and surprised to see that not only was I capable, but that I was interested in making sure they understood what I was saying by talking to them in their native language," she reported after her visit.    When classrooms moved to remote learning at the start of the pandemic, judges across the state stepped forward to bring their special skills to California online classrooms. Judges conducted more than 150 visits remotely for the 2020-2021 school term. Judges in Los Angeles and Butte counties translated Judges in the Classroom lessons to reach limited-English speaking students. Judges currently have access to lessons in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.  Visits to schools are available year-round. For more information, visit judgesintheclassroom.org