Judicial Branch Awards

Awards Presented by Chief Justice

Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership
Honors an individual or organization deserving of special recognition by the highest judicial officer of the state, the Chief Justice, for outstanding service to the judicial branch. Award recipients are selected by the Chief Justice and are typically presented on Law Day in May.

Civic Learning Awards
Spotlights school-based efforts that engage students in civic learning. Award recipients serve as models that can be replicated in other schools. The award is co-sponsored by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

Partnership Awards

Aranda Access to Justice Award

Co-sponsored by the Judicial Council, the California Lawyers Association, the California Judges Association, and the Commission on Access to Justice, the Aranda Access to Justice Award honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts, and who has significantly improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians.

Judicial Council Awards

Distinguished Service Awards
Presented annually to individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to California's court system. They are presented annually as the council's highest honor.