Contra Costa Superior Court Launches Free Judicial Outreach Program

The Contra Costa County Superior Court on Monday introduced its new Judicial Community Engagement Program, an outreach initiative that brings local judges to community organizations across Contra Costa County at no cost, according to a court announcement published by the Antioch Herald.

Civic groups, service organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and educational and youth programs may now request a member of the bench to speak at their meetings and events about how the courts and justice system operate.

Supporting the Court’s 2027–2029 Strategic Plan

According to Contra Costa County Superior Court ADA and Communications Manager Dan Radovich, the program supports the Court’s new Strategic Plan for 2027–2029, which designates “Trusted Courts” as one of its five strategic priorities and calls for expanded public education on the role and purpose of the judiciary.

“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.”

Mockler added that the program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and better understand the role of the judiciary in a democratic society.

Presentation Topics and Ethical Boundaries

Participating judges may speak on a range of general educational topics, including:

• The role of the courts in the community and how cases move through the court system
• The importance of jury service
• How judges reach the bench and the qualifications required to become a judge
• Rules of judicial ethics, the judicial discipline system, and preventing bias
• Judicial training and subject-matter specialties such as domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law

Because judges are bound by ethical rules protecting impartiality, presentations are restricted to general educational topics. Judges cannot discuss pending cases, comment on issues or disputes that may come before the Court, or provide individual legal advice or referrals.

Organizations across Contra Costa County may submit speaker requests at no cost by emailing communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov with the organization’s name, primary contact information, event description, requested topics, expected attendance, and preferred dates, times, and location.