Justice Judith McConnell Honored for Work in Civic Education

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye has selected Administrative Presiding Justice Judith D. McConnell, Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District for the Chief Justice's Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership for her outstanding work in civic learning. The award honors an individual, entity or program deserving of special recognition for outstanding service to the judicial branch.

This Sunday, May 1, we commemorate Law Day to reaffirm our belief in the ideals of justice, equality and respect for the law. I can think of no better way to honor this year's Law Day than to present Justice McConnell with this award.

-Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

Justice McConnell chairs the Power of Democracy Steering Committee, a non-partisan non-political statewide civic learning initiative consisting of leaders from the judiciary, business, and education. The committee developed a Civic Learning Award program for K-12 schools throughout the state, as well as a blueprint for revitalizing civic education. Civic leaders, judicial officers and business leaders in six counties are partnering with their local school districts to engage students in rigorous and engaging civic learning opportunities. Twenty-eight school districts have passed resolutions endorsing the importance of civic learning.

Justice McConnell also helps lead her appellate court's outreach sessions that give students from San Diego County to Imperial County an opportunity to see the court in action.