A divided Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has held that a plaintiff’s assertion that she was precluded from taking a COVID-19 shot as mandated by her employer, based on her sincere belief as a practicing Catholic that her body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, does not qualify as “religious” under a California employment discrimination law even if the party provided specific Biblical references as support for her assertions.

(Subscription required) After nearly 30 years as a civil litigator, Judge Douglas K. Mann chose the unfamiliar terrain of probate, where family conflict, self-represented litigants, and difficult questions demand preparation, patience, and a willingness to hear every side. 

The nation’s 250th anniversary will come with a civics lesson for some San Mateo County students. San Mateo County Superior Court is inviting local educators to schedule visits that will bring judges, attorneys, and other law enforcement leaders into classrooms across the county as part of a statewide civic education initiative.

(Subscription required) The Commission on Judicial Performance will hear oral argument Oct. 7 in its misconduct case against Los Angeles County Judge Robert S. Draper, who lost reelection in June. The commission filed seven counts against Draper in January, alleging misconduct including bias, improper communications, disclosure of confidential court materials, inappropriate contacts with litigants and colleagues and failure to cooperate with its investigation.