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Judicial Council adopts 2026–28 education plan prioritizing water law, climate, and domestic violence training
Summary
The council approved the Center for Judicial Education and Resources' 2026–28 plan, which emphasizes curricula on water law and environmental issues, expanded domestic violence training, and flexible distance learning to serve newly appointed judicial officers and regional needs.
The Judicial Council approved the CJER (Center for Judicial Education and Resources) education plan for fiscal years 2026–28 after a presentation by Vice Chair Judge Carrie McIntyre Panetta and Corinne Alvarado, director of CJER.
The plan emphasizes several priority areas, including water law and climate‑related topics (CEQA and wildfire recovery), expanded domestic violence education that spans criminal, juvenile and family assignments, and a substantial distance‑education component (videos, podcasts, self‑guided courses) to increase accessibility. The presenters said the plan was crafted with input from curriculum committees and over 100 judicial officers and that in‑person instruction will be reserved for courses where it yields clear pedagogical benefits.
The council asked about timing and capacity given an influx of newly appointed judges; CJER staff confirmed the rule of court requires attendance at judicial college within 24 months of the oath of office and said scheduling is on track to meet that requirement. The item passed with one abstention recorded.
Why it matters: a sustained education program ensures judicial officers receive current training on complex and regionally varying matters, from environmental litigation to domestic violence and evidence handling. The plan balances remote and in‑person instruction to manage cost and accessibility.
