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In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to challenge the state’s ability to ensure access to justice for the citizens of California. But like the previous year, California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Judicial Council supported the courts as they remained flexible and innovative to ensure the justice system was open and vital services remained accessible to the public.

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.  

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye appointed two new advisory (non-voting) members to the Judicial Council. She also reappointed four voting members and two advisory members.

“The council’s mission is to ensure the court system is fair and accessible to all Californians,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye. “While our new and returning members bring their individual and diverse experiences to the council, we make decisions with a statewide perspective. The state judicial branch is indebted to their dedication and service.”

A total of 32 California schools are named this year's recipients of the Civic Learning Awards, an honor which recognizes achievements in civic engagement in the classroom. This year, the awards program put emphasis on school-based efforts that went uninterrupted despite the pandemic.