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Feature - May 10, 2016

Youth Courts Helping Keep Kids in School

Youth court leaders, judges, youth court staff, volunteers, education and youth-focused organizations, and community service leaders will gather in Santa Cruz this June to exchange information on best practices for youth courts.

Peer/Youth Courts Website

2016 Youth Court Summit (PDF)

California Association of Youth Courts

Video: Cheif Justice Cantil-Sakuaye Speaks at Marin YMCA on Youth Courts

Superior Courts

L.A. Superior Court Judge David Wesley is the president of the state's association of youth courts (CAYC). Judicial Council staff organize an annual summit for youth courts throughout the state.

Feature - May 18, 2016

Drug Courts Evolve to Repair Lives; Reduce Recidivism

Roughly 206 drug courts serve residents in 53 of California’s 58 counties. By helping people with substance abuse issues repair their lives, drug courts divert those who could otherwise cycle repeatedly through the criminal justice system.

Drug Courts

Collaborative Justice Courts

Collaborative Courts FactSheet

California Drug Court Cost Analysis Study

Superior Courts

Orange County Superior Court Judge Wendy Lindley (ret.) oversees the special treatment court just for combat veterans. Photo Credit: Megan McCloskey | Stars & Stripes (stripes.com)

Feature - June 15, 2016

Reentry Courts Focus on Parolees at Highest Risk

With California’s growing focus on criminal justice reform comes expanding use of reentry courts as an alternative to cycles of re-incarceration. Reentry courts, a type of collaborative justice court for individuals released from jail or prison, offer...

Reentry Courts

Parolee Reentry Court Program Evaluation

Reentry Court Roundtable Materials

Judicial Council

Feature - October 4, 2019

Restorative Justice Programs Offer Veterans a New Mission

Veterans surrender to a personal mission thanks to a growing number of Veterans Courts.

Justice For Vets

Superior Courts

San Luis Obispo County Judge John Trice, who retired in 2017, calls establishing a local Veterans Treatment Court one of his greatest achievements.

News Release - April 13, 2021

32 California Schools Named Recipients of 2021 Civic Learning Award

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.

Civic Learning Awards

Chief Justice

Feature - October 21, 2021

Visits to Local Classrooms Bring Lessons on the Constitution

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

judge and teacher in classroom with group of students in classroom

News Release - April 27, 2022

2022 Civic Learning Awards Honor Models for Civic Learning

Schools in Orange and Fresno counties earn top civics honor; Los Angeles County teacher Joel Snyder named Champion of Civics.

Civic Learning Awards Honor 75 California Schools

Record Breaking Year for Civic Learning Awards

Feature - February 24, 2023

California Mock Trials Return to the Courtroom to Showcase Emerging Legal Talents

Recent social media posts from courts and educators in California tell the stories of courtrooms staying open on nights and weekends for the return of the Mock Trial Program, an annual competition held remotely for the last two years.

Teach Democracy Mock Trial Program

Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative

National High School Mock Trial Championship

Superior Courts

students in suits seated and clapping in assembly

News Release - May 1, 2023

California Schools Honored with Civic Learning Award

18 Schools honored for civics achievement with award co-sponsored by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

Chief Justice