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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 - 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 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

News Release - November 13, 2019

2019 Aranda Access to Justice Award

Judge Carol Brosnahan, of the Superior Court of Alameda County, is the recipient of the 2019 Aranda Access to Justice Award. She was honored on Nov. 14, 2019, in a presentation that was live-streamed during the Judicial Council meeting.

Aranda Access to Justice Awards

California Lawyers Association

California Judges Association

Judicial Council

Photo: Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle

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 - August 30, 2023

California Chief Justice Leads Constitution Month Celebrations

For the first time, California's civic education community hosts a monthlong celebration of the U.S. Constitution.

Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative

Judges in the Classroom

Constitution Month

Chief Justice

Superior Courts

Feature - September 28, 2023

Chief Justice Resumes Visits to Schools to Honor Fresno's Maple Creek Elementary School

Civic Learning Award of Excellence honorees host California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

Chief Justice

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