At its September 17–18 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to the California Supreme Court to establish a statewide Community Justice Worker (CJW) Program. The proposal, once approved by the Court, would authorize trained nonlawyers, known as Community Justice Workers, to provide limited legal assistance to California residents under the supervision of approved legal aid organizations.

Joyce Kennard, the second woman ever appointed to the California Supreme Court and an independent voice during her 25 years as a justice, died on Aug. 26, the court announced Friday. She was 85. The court said it would hold a memorial session for Kennard during its upcoming term.

California Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments on a key piece of the ongoing lawsuit over Kern River flows Oct. 7 at a special session of the court to be held in Redding.

California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero presented Norwalk High School with the state’s highest civic-learning honor Tuesday, recognizing it as the only California high school to receive a 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence. The award is co-sponsored by Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and recognizes California schools for achievements in civic  education and student engagement.