2018 State of the Court

STATE OF THE COURT REPORT | 2018 EDITION

LAW DAY ACTIVITIES

MOCK TRIAL

Law Day is held on May 1 every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. A great deal of effort, hard work, and creativity goes into planning and implementing Law Day activities. In 2018, the Community Outreach Committee spear- headed efforts to implement seven new initiatives for the 2018 Law Day celebration―welcoming over 1,000 students countywide:

Since 1982, SBCSC has partnered with the District Attorney and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to jointly host the annual Mock Trial completion for high school teams throughout the San Bernardino County. To foster both critical thinking and public-speaking skills, the Mock Trial competition allows students to act out a civil or criminal trial by arguing for either the prosecution or defense side against another team, which acts as opposing sides. Students play the roles of attorneys, witnesses, parties, and court staff―gaining a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the criminal justice system and experience what it is like to work in a courtroom. In 2018, over 300 students from nearly 30 high schools across the San Bernardino County participated in this season’s Mock Trial competition along with over 200 volunteer attorneys as mock trial coordinators, scoring attorneys and attorney coaches, with participation from 17 judicial officers.

1. High School Courtroom Observations

2. Career Fair

3. Native American Student Day

4. Poster Contest

5. Essay Contest

6. Jury Room Presentation and Brochure

7. A College Lecture Series

LEGISLATIVE VISITS

The SBCSC’s Law Day program was recognized by the American Bar Association as a 2018 Law Day Activity Award Finalist

Legislative visits are a powerful way to communicate SBCSC’s position directly to decision-makers. It’s an opportunity to provide information on current practices, tour court facilities, meet our judicial officers and staff, and hear about new and upcoming initiatives to expand access to justice.

CIVIC LEARNING

As part of the statewide initiative to improve civic awareness, learning, and engagement in California schools, SBCSC strives to increase civic education through community outreach. SBCSC recognizes and values the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy, and partnership to support civic education in California. In 2018 and on behalf of the Judicial Council, Presiding Judge John P. Vander Feer presented Alta Loma High School and CAPS Expanded Learning with Awards of Merit for their civic learning classes, clubs and programs.

Senator Connie Leyva’s staff (center) receives a courthouse tour and information on court programs offered to the public.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT (SBCSC)

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