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Change of venue is the transfer of a legal action from one county to another county for trial. In criminal cases a change of venue is permitted if, for example, the court believes the defendant cannot receive a fair trial in a given county. Reasons for changes of venue include pretrial publicity, bias, political atmosphere, and any other circumstance that the parties believe would prevent them from obtaining a fair trial in the county in which the case was originally filed. Role of the Judicial Council of California

The Chief Justice visits schools of Excellence. Schools of Distinction and Merit receive visits from judges in their community. In 2021 and 2022, visits to campus events were canceled due to the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of public health directives.  In 2023, the Award of Excellence were be presented in September by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. This will give schools time to organize celebrations during Constitution Month, and around Constitution Day (September 17). Award program staff connected awarded schools with local judicial officers.

Each year, the applications are scored by a panel of approximately 12 judicial officers, educators, and civic learning experts. Most panelists are members of the Power of Democracy Steering Committee.