MONTEREY COUNTY — The judges of Monterey County Superior Court, in collaboration with Monterey County Office of Education and Monterey County Local Bar, recently commemorated Constitution Day 2023 by paying a special visit to local elementary schools.
Every year the Court highlights the important rights and obligations of all American citizens through coordinated outreach to area schools involving a personal visit from a judge, commissioner or a temporary judge, and providing a constitutional law presentation followed by dialogue with classroom students.
From Sept. 11-21, nine elementary schools throughout Monterey County — including Salinas, King City and San Ardo — were included in this year’s effort involving fifth-grade students from a multitude of backgrounds.
Nine Monterey County judicial officers — including sitting and retired judges, a temporary judge and a court commissioner — volunteered their time to participate in this “important civic educational outreach effort to remind area youth of the enduring strength of our Constitution and the importance of active civic involvement,” according to the Court.
In some form, Sept. 17 has been earmarked each year for a celebration of Constitution and Citizenship Day since 1940. Constitution Day commemorates Sept. 17, 1787, the day on which delegates to the Philadelphia Convention completed and signed the U.S. Constitution.
“The Court enthusiastically supports and embraces this opportunity to highlight this cornerstone of American democracy with our young students,” said Presiding Judge Pamela L. Butler.
Monterey County Superior Court joins efforts of the Judicial Council of California to promote civic education and heightened awareness of the need to protect the rights established in the Constitution.
