There are several lesson plans created by The Power of Democracy site, take a peek at them and choose one or let the Judge decide!

Here are a few examples:

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Check out Power of Democracy: Lesson Plans

The California Court System

Understanding the California Judicial System

California's judicial structure is bifurcated into federal and state systems, with this overview focusing on the latter. The state’s judiciary consists primarily of Trial Courts and Appellate Courts, each serving distinct functions.

Trial Courts (Superior Courts)

Known interchangeably as Superior Courts, California’s 58 Trial Courts—one per county—serve as the foundation of the state’s judicial system. Here, judges and occasionally juries, deliberate over cases, weighing evidence and testimonies to render verdicts grounded in legal principles.

These courts preside over:

• Criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations
• Civil cases spanning family law, probate, juvenile, and additional categories
• Appeals from small claims and civil cases valued under $25,000
• Appeals of misdemeanor cases

Appellate Courts

Above the Trial Courts, the Appellate Courts, consisting of Courts of Appeal and the California Supreme Court, serve as the next tier of the judiciary.

Courts of Appeal

Six in total, the Courts of Appeal function as intermediary appellate courts. They are strategically situated across distinct districts:

• First District – San Francisco
• Second District – Los Angeles
• Third District – Sacramento
• Fourth District: Division One – San Diego
• Fifth District – Fresno
• Sixth District – San Jose

These courts entertain appeals emanating from the Superior Courts.

California Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the state's highest court. It can review cases decided by the Courts of Appeal. Also, certain kinds of cases go directly to the Supreme Court and are not heard first in the Court of Appeal:

• Death penalty appeals
• Disciplinary cases involving judges or lawyers

The Court conducts regular sessions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Sometimes, the Court holds special sessions in other cities in California.

There are 7 justices on the Supreme Court, and at least 4 must agree on the final decision. All other State courts in California must follow a decision made in the Supreme Court. Decisions of the Supreme Court are published in the California Official Reports, which can be found on the California Courts website at www.courts.ca.gov/courts.htm.

The justices are appointed by the Governor then confirmed by the voters at the next general election. After the end of their 12-year term, they must be confirmed by the voters again. The justices must be lawyers. They must have passed the California Bar Examination or have served as a judge of a court of record in California for 10 years just before their appointment.

November is Adoption and Permanency Month in California, a time to highlight efforts that help children find stable, loving homes. National Adoption Day is celebrated in courts across the country to raise awareness and honor families who have welcomed new members through adoption. The Superior Court of San Benito County is proud to join these efforts by hosting special ceremonies and events to celebrate families.

Check out our Adoption Day 2025 Flyer!

Extend a special invitation to a judge to speak to your class, club, or student assembly about the importance of the Constitution and Democracy. After the talk, the judge will administer the oath of office to your elected student government. If you don’t already have a prepared oath, we’ll be happy to create one for you.

Interested in having a judge at your school ceremony? Email resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org

Calling All Student Artists!

Each year The Superior Court of San Benito County invites young artists to submit their art to be featured at the Student Art Exhibit.  Students from Kindergarten through 8th grade are encouraged to participate by sending their art to the court which will be featured in the Jury Assembly Room. Everyone from the community is invited to come check it out! Three students from different age categories will have the opportunity to win art prizes in recognition for their amazing work!

Stay tuned for the announcement of our theme for 2026 and any deadlines! You can also check out our Facebook page to stay up to date on any announcements!

Flyer for previous year! Student Art Exhibition

Cada año, la Corte Superior del Condado de San Benito invita a artistas jóvenes a enviar sus obras para ser exhibidas en la Exposición de Arte Estudiantil. Invitamos a los estudiantes desde Kindergarten hasta 8º grado a participar enviando su arte a la corte, que será mostrado en la Sala de Asamblea del Jurado! Todos en la comunidad están invitados a admirar el talento estudiantil. Tres estudiantes de diferentes categorías de edad tendrán la oportunidad de ganar premios de arte por su trabajo increíble!

¡Mantente atento al tema y a la fecha límite para enviar el arte! También puedes visitar nuestra página de Facebook para estar al día con cualquier novedad.

Folleto del año pasados: La Exposición de Arte de Los Estudiantes 

Calling all Students in San Benito County for a Scholarship Opportunity!!!

Every year on May 1st, Law Day is observed as a nationwide event dedicated to honoring the principles of the rule of law. This occasion serves as a chance to appreciate the role of law and the legal system in safeguarding our freedom, working towards justice, and upholding the collective freedoms cherished by all Americans.

The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. 

Stay tuned as we announce more information on how to participate!

Flyer from Law Day 2025

For more information, click here: Law Day | Superior Court of California | County of San Benito

• Courthouse visits (individuals):  Generally, all Court proceedings are open to the public, with the exceptions of Juvenile Justice Court, Juvenile Dependency Court and select closed hearings.  
• Members of the public DO NOT need to schedule an appointment to observe Court and participate as an audience member. Courtroom seating is limited and audience members are generally admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Courtroom proceedings for each facility are posted daily for the public to view. For additional assistance about Courthouse calendars, contact the Court’s mainline at (831)636-4057 .
• Courthouse visits (groups/schools): For groups wishing to arrange a court visit, tour or mock trial, please email resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org, providing the following information:
  • Organizer’s name
  • Organizer’s phone number
  • Name of the organization
  • Number of participants
  • Age/Grade of participants
  • Proposed visit dates/availability
  • Brief description of visit’s purpose
  • The Court offers three types of experiences for students: visits (observation), guided tours and mock trials.

A “mock trial” is a simulation of a court trial. Our program offers students the opportunity to participate in a rehearsed, interactive fictional trial so that they can learn firsthand the Court’s role in the judicial branch of government.

• Students play the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jurors and judge
• Accommodates anywhere from six to 20 active participants (generally, there is no limit on the number of audience members)
• Open to all educational, community-based organizations
• Before day of mock trial in the courthouse, students must already had prepare and rehearse roles.
• Below are links to resource materials, including instructions and mock trial cases:

For groups wishing to arrange a mock trial, please email resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org, providing the following information:

• Organizer’s name
• Organizer’s phone number
• Name of the organization
• Number of participants (split into category by students, volunteers, teachers, etc.)
• Age/Grade of participants
• Proposed visit dates/availability
• Brief description of visit’s purpose

• Tips for hosting mock trials
• Mock trial guide
• Lesson Plan and Mock Trial

The Superior Court of San Benito is committed to promoting DUI prevention among young people by partnering with local high schools to share information about the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. These presentations are designed to help students understand how impaired driving affects lives and to encourage safe and responsible choices. Schools interested in scheduling a presentation can contact the Resource Team resourceteam@sanbenitocourt.org for details.