Contra Costa Superior Court introduces new Judicial Community Engagement Program
Free program brings local judges directly to civic, faith-based, educational and nonprofit organizations across the County
By Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager, Contra Costa County Superior Court
MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Contra Costa County Superior Court today introduced its new Judicial Community Engagement Program, which brings judges to community organizations across the county at no cost. Civic groups, service organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and educational programs may now request a judge to speak at their meetings and events about the work of the courts and how the justice system operates.
The program is part of the Court’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with the community and expanding public understanding of the justice system. Residents have the unique opportunity to gain clarity on commonly misunderstood aspects of court processes directly from members of the bench. This program also supports the Court’s new Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, which names Trusted Courts as one of the its five strategic priorities and calls for greater outreach and education about the role and purpose of the courts.
“The daily business of the courts is rarely seen by members of the public unless they are called as jurors or have a case in court,” said Judge Terri Mockler, who leads the program. “Judges make decisions based on the evidence before them and the law that applies, and those details don’t always fit into a news headline. The goal of this program is to allow members of the community to meet and talk with judges about the work that we do every day. The hope is that the public will walk away with a better understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in a democratic society. This program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and see the courts as part of their community.”
Who Can Request a Speaker
Requests are welcome from community and civic groups, leadership and service organizations, educational and youth programs, nonprofit and public interest groups, and faith-based organizations. Any organization that brings people together to learn, serve, or engage is encouraged to submit a request.
Presentation Topics
Judges may speak on a range of general educational topics, including:
- The role of the courts in the community
- How cases move through the court system
- The importance of jury service
- How judges reach the bench and the qualifications to become a judge
- Rules of judicial ethics and the judicial discipline system
- Preventing bias
- Judicial training and subject-matter specialties, such as domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law
What Judges Cannot Discuss
Judges are bound by ethical rules that protect the fairness and impartiality of the courts. To uphold those standards, presentations are limited to general educational topics. Judges cannot address the following topics:
- Pending cases. Judges cannot discuss any case that is currently pending.
- Issues that may come before the Court. Judges cannot comment on matters or disputes that may later come before the Court.
- Legal advice or referrals. Judges cannot advise attendees on their own legal matters or provide referrals.
How to Request a Judge
Organizations may submit requests by email to communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov. There is no cost to request a judge. Requests should include:
- Organization name
- Primary contact’s name, phone number, and email address
- Description of the event or meeting
- Topic(s) the organization would like the judge to discuss
- Expected number of attendees
- Preferred date(s), time, and location
More information about the Judicial Community Engagement Program is available on the Court’s website: contracosta.courts.ca.gov/judicial-community-engagement-program.
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