Southern District of California welcomes AP government students

Honorable Jeffrey T. Miller

AP government students learn about the federal courts

On February 28, 2013, District Judge Jeffrey Miller hosted 45 AP Government students for a morning of civics education.  The students observed court proceedings and then had an opportunity to hear from many professionals associated with the court system, including federal law enforcement officers, an assistant U.S. attorney, federal defender, probation officer and court staff.

Central District Bankruptcy Court Welcomes L.A. Police Cadets

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California welcomed several Los Angeles Police cadets to a Federal Court Power Lunch held October 5, 2012. The cadets had the opportunity to learn about the work and responsibilities of judges and attorneys, trials, the Bill of Rights and the three branches of the United States government. The cadets also participated in a Jeopardy-style game at the end of the presentations. Speakers included District Judge Jacqueline H. Nguyen, now judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; District Judge Dolly M. Gee, Chief Magistrate Judge Suzanne H. Segal, Bankruptcy Judge Sandra R. Klein, U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte, and U.S. Marshal David Singer.  Pictured is Judge Klein with the cadets during a Jeopardy-style game.

Guam’s Bench, Bar Team Up for Toys for Tots

The United States District Court for the District of Guam, the Judiciary of Guam, and the Guam Bar Association joined forces to spread joy this past holiday season. Members of the Guam Bar and court staff donated gifts to children of Erica’s House, Alee Shelter, and Toys for Tots, which are non-profit organizations and community service providers who help children in need.

Court of Appeals Hosts Students in Pasadena

Judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals welcomed students to the Richard H. Chambers United States Courthouse in Pasadena on November 7, 2012.  The visit by about 40 juniors from La Canada High School was part of a Ninth Circuit field trip program organized by the school’s vice principal with help from the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles.

Students were able to observe oral arguments in an Arizona death penalty case.  The students had discussed the case a week earlier with Deputy Federal Public Defender Guy Iversen, who explained legal concepts such as ineffective assistance of counsel, issues related to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), and Proposition 34, a ballot measure to abolish the death penalty in California which failed in the last election.

Following the proceeding, students met with the judges who had heard the appeal.  Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Alex Kozinski of Pasadena and Circuit Judges Stephen Reinhardt of Los Angeles and Sidney R. Thomas of Billings, Montana, spent about 30 minutes answering questions from the group. 

Should an opinion be issued before the school year ends in June, school officials plan to have another class discussion to see if the students agree or disagree with the panel’s decision.



La Canada High School students at the Richard H. Chambers United States Courthouse

Federal Court Welcomes San Diego Area Teachers

The Southern District of California recently held its first teacher institute, inviting more than two dozen San Diego area educators to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and United States Courthouse for a day-long workshop focusing on understanding the judicial branch and the work of the courts.

The “Court Connection” program included presentations by Senior District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller, District Judge Janis L. Sammartino and District Court Clerk Sam Hamrick. Judge Miller’s judicial assistant, Kathleen McMahon-Walford, helped organize the program and served as liaison to the San Diego Unified School District. The teachers were recruited by the school district’s social studies coordinator, Matt Hayes.

The visiting teachers were able to observe actual sentencing hearings before Judge Sammartino and participated in a mock trial before Judge Miller. They also learned about voir dire and available civics education resources.



Teachers participated in the Court Connection program to learn about the federal judicial system.

Central District 2012 Teachers’ Institute

The use of technology brought 30 Los Angeles-area high school teachers and 20 D.C.-area high school teachers together for an interactive civics lesson without having to leave their respective courthouses.  The Central District of California, celebrated its 11th annual Teachers' Institute on October 23, 2012, by participating in a video conference hosted by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.  The government, civics, and history teachers deepened their knowledge of the federal courts and learned innovative ways of teaching about the  judiciary.  District Judge Richard J. Leon of the D.C. District headlined the event with a judicial overview and a joint question-and-answer session.  Constitutional scholar Robert S. Peck, who is affiliated with the Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier, involved the teachers by demonstrating how to use the Socratic method to teach Supreme Court precedents and apply them to contemporary issues.

High school teachers from Los Angeles and District of Columbia convene for an interactive civics lesson.

District of Guam Celebrates Constitution Day

From left, Senator Tom Ada, U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco,
Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, Fr. Julio Sanchez Malagon,
Speaker Judy T. Won Pat, First Lady of Guam Christine Calvo.

The United States District Court for the District of Guam celebrated Constitution Day on September 17, 2012, marking 225 years since the Constitution was signed by the Founding Fathers in 1787.

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