Judges in the Classroom

What is Judges in the Classroom?

Judges in the Classroom (JIC) connects public school teachers with judge volunteers for lessons on the role of the judiciary, the three branches of government, rule of law, and other areas of civics.

The program is supported by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative.

Lessons are available for classrooms K-12 and are designed for flexibility. Every student, regardless of their level of learning, should have access to Judges in the Classroom. This program was created to give every student in every public school classroom at least one hour of civics education beginning in kindergarten.

Why is this so important?

Standard 10.5. The role of the judiciary in the community

(a) Community outreach an official judicial function

Judicial participation in community outreach activities should be considered an official judicial function to promote public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice. This function should be performed in a manner consistent with the California Code of Judicial Ethics.

(Subd (a) lettered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as part of unlettered subdivision effective April 1, 1999.)

(b) Encouraged outreach activities

The judiciary is encouraged to:

(1) Provide active leadership within the community in identifying and resolving issues of access to justice within the court system;

(2) Develop local education programs for the public designed to increase public understanding of the court system;

(3) Create local mechanisms for obtaining information from the public about how the court system may be more responsive to the public's needs;

(4) Serve as guest speakers, during or after normal court hours, to address local civic, educational, business, and charitable groups that have an interest in understanding the court system but do not espouse a particular political agenda with which it would be inappropriate for a judicial officer to be associated; and

(5) Take an active part in the life of the community where the participation of the judiciary will serve to increase public understanding and promote public confidence in the integrity of the court system.

(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007.)

Standard 10.5 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as sec. 39 effective April 1, 1999.

Why now and why virtual?

· The courts depend on an educated citizenry to participate as jurors, witnesses, litigants, and voters. There is much evidence that the public, including teachers and students, do not understand our courts.

· Civic education is making a comeback in our schools, which creates an opening for education about the judicial branch.

· Teachers across the state are doing their best to deliver civic lessons remotely, some teachers reached out to their local judges for support. The Power of Democracy Steering Committee, in a joint effort with Butte and San Diego County is ready to support public school teachers facing an unprecedented learning need.

How to get involved

· Judges can sign up as a volunteer using the online form. The judge will be contacted once a teacher is matched with their availability.

· The form includes space to include more information, including foreign language skills or specific law expertise.

Note: matches may not happen immediately as promotion to schools is underway.

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