Steps for Connecting to Judges in the Classroom

This program is free for California public schools K-12.

Yes, our judges visit charter schools, continuation schools, afterschool programs (on a public school campus), credit recovery schools, and juvenile court schools. However, it is up to each court to determine the number of visits they're able to do each year. We recommend submitted your request as soon as you know a date and time!

Most courts prioritize public school requests. In some cases, especially in counties where requests are low, the court will make an effort to meet with students in private school settings.

When you submit a request, the court in your county is notified. Don't hesitate to send us an email at judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov if your request hasn't been responded to, we have resources in other courts, and options for remote visits.

If you are unable to host, let the court know.

Once a match is identified, you will receive an email or text message (depending on your preference). It is important you confirm the date and time quickly, otherwise the resource may be assigned to another request.

If requesting parties do not respond within a week, the request may be archived as inactive.

Email POD staff at judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov or call us at 415-865-4546. Thank you!

Update: Requests for multiple judges to visit several classes at the same time are on the rise. Court calendars and service to court users is a priority for judges. Those who volunteer for this program do so one-hour at a time, as their calendars permit. Therefore, coordinating several judges at once can prove to be a challenge. If you have several classes running concurrently, it is advised you secure an assembly space for classes to merge. Every court is different. By including details in your request, the court is better prepared to recruit volunteers.

Lessons are available on the Lessons Library page.

Traditionally, each visit is for 1-hour. This includes an introduction by the volunteer judge, a brief introduction the 3 branches of government (with emphasis on the judicial branch), and 30-minutes discussing the topic using a PowerPoint presentation.

Resources for teachers to brush up on their own understanding of civics, the Rule of Law, and other related topics are available on the Civics for Teachers page.

Yes! But you will need to submit a form for each visit. Ideally, you may submit requests for the full school-year.

This program started and has expanded because of feedback from our courts and from educators who value their connection with their local judges.

All feedback my be emailed to judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov

If you've had a visit, please send us your feedback. If you've had a good experience, tell us what you like. Same goes for the bad notes! We need to know, otherwise we can't improve year after year!

Here's our Feedback form for Teachers to use once a visit is over: https://form.jotform.com/222627354473054