Logo courtesy of the California Judges Association

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Superior courts in Butte and Sutter counties have earned statewide recognition for programs that bring judges, the courts and civics education directly to local students.

The California Judges Association selected the two courts for its inaugural Youth Civics Engagement Recognition Program. Butte County Superior Court earned recognition for one of the state's highest participation rates among judicial officers, while Sutter County Superior Court received recognition for innovative programming. Santa Clara County Superior Court also received recognition for its participation rate.

“An independent and impartial judiciary depends in no small part on the public's understanding of our system of government and the role courts play within it,” the association's executive board said.

In Butte County, 11 of the court's 13 judicial officers participated in youth civics education activities during the program year, contributing a combined 50 hours.

The work included Judges in the Classroom, courthouse tours, mock trials, student mentoring and leadership luncheons, along with presentations of “When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide.”

Eight judicial officers made 17 classroom visits through Judges in the Classroom, reaching 465 students. Another 295 students received the legal survival guide presentation, 90 participated in mock trials and 113 took part in mentoring and leadership luncheons.

Sutter County, which has seven judicial officers, received recognition for two programs that used history to teach students about the courts and constitutional rights.

One program, “Origins of the Jury Trial and its Importance,” examined how jury trials developed and the role juries play in the American justice system. Students learned about the Magna Carta, the Star Chamber, historic trials and the constitutional right to a jury trial.

The court also presented “Fred Korematsu and His Fight Against Injustice” during Asian History and Heritage Month. The program examined the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the legal challenge brought by Korematsu.

The event included retired and sitting judicial officers, local government officials, educators, students and community organizations. The Japanese American Citizens League co-sponsored the program and provided 100 pocket constitutions for students.

Attendees also heard from a 103-year-old person who discussed experiences at the Tule Lake incarceration camp. Ten local students and six judicial officers later performed a short play about Korematsu and his U.S. Supreme Court case. Organizers recorded the program for use in local schools.

“The extraordinary work being done by the Superior Courts of Butte, Santa Clara, and Sutter Counties demonstrates what is possible when judicial officers step beyond the courtroom to engage directly with young people,” the association's executive board said.

“Whether welcoming students into a courthouse, visiting a classroom, conducting a mock trial, or bringing history to life, these judges are helping the next generation understand not only how our justice system works, but why it matters.”

The recognition program aligns with California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy initiative and recognizes court-led civics education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Ten counties applied for recognition for activities conducted between July 1, 2025, and June 30. The association selected up to two courts based on participation among judicial officers and one court for innovation.