Merrill Balassone’s news release for California Courts reports that the Supreme Court’s special session October calendar will be held at “Monterey’s Colton Hall Museum, considered ‘the birthplace of California’ as the site where the state’s first constitution was drafted in 1849.” The release also notes the court has heard oral arguments in Monterey only three times before, in in 1959, 1970, and 1979.
The news release has a link to a local newspaper’s article about, and photos of, the court’s first Monterey session, in 1959. One photo is of then California Attorney General, and future Supreme Court Justice, Stanley Mosk, who argued one of the cases.
“The special session will be attended by students and teachers from nearby schools. Prior to observing oral argument, students will have an opportunity to ask the justices questions about their roles in the judicial system.” Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero is quoted as saying, “The California Supreme Court is honored to welcome local students to our special oral argument session in Monterey. By bringing our courtroom to the community, we hope to create a deeper understanding of our court’s work and inspire the next generation to engage with the principles of justice, fairness, and civic responsibility.”
