Community Outreach Program

Educate • Engage • Inspire

The goal of the San Mateo County Superior Court’s Community Outreach Program is to connect San Mateo County residents, organizations, and educational institutions with their local judicial system.

Judge Rachel Holt addresses participants at a Civics 101 Academy event.

Judge Rachel Holt addresses participants at a Civics 101 Academy event

Overview

The San Mateo County Superior Court is committed to fostering public trust and confidence in the judicial system by connecting our community with the courts through education, civic engagement, and meaningful partnerships.

The Community Outreach Program offers students, educators, families, community organizations, and members of the public opportunities to learn about the role of the judiciary, access court services, observe court proceedings, and engage with judicial officers.

Through educational programs, courthouse experiences, community events, and partnerships, the Court promotes transparency and accessibility while helping community members develop a deeper understanding of the justice system and the Court’s role in serving the community.

Court Visits

The Court welcomes members of the public to visit its courthouses. Courthouse access is free of charge.
With limited exceptions, all court proceedings are open to the public. Exceptions include Juvenile Justice Court, Juvenile Dependency Court, Mental Health (Lanterman-Petris-Short) Conservatorship Proceedings, and certain other closed hearings.

Members of the public do not need to schedule an appointment to attend a public court proceeding as an audience member. Daily courtroom hearing schedules for each courthouse are available for public viewing and can be found here.

Judges in the Classroom

Court Community Event Calendar

2026-27 Community Outreach Event Flyer

Mock Trials

A mock trial is a simulated trial that gives students the opportunity to participate in a rehearsed, interactive fictional case and gain firsthand insight into the role of the Court within the judicial branch of government.
The Court can arrange a one-hour mock trial session in which students assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and judges. A judicial officer will guide the session and provide constructive feedback and encouragement throughout the exercise.
To schedule a mock trial with a judge, please contact communityoutreach@sanmateocourt.org.

Speakers Bureau

With the assistance of its community partners, the Court’s Speaker’s Bureau coordinates speaking engagements with judges and commissioners for community events, meetings, and school functions.
Please note that judicial officers are subject to the California Code of Judicial Ethics, which limits the topics they may discuss and the questions they may answer. For example, judicial officers may not comment on pending cases or matters that may come before the Court.

Courthouse Locations and Hours

Please visit Locations & Contact Info for courthouse locations, hours and contact information.
Court proceedings are generally scheduled in morning and afternoon calendars. Morning calendars typically begin at 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m., while afternoon calendars typically begin at 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.