Color of Justice: Imagining a Path to Justice
Adapted from a press release from Santa Clara County Superior Court
On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the Santa Clara County Superior Court Community Outreach Committee hosted the Superior Court’s third Color of Justice program. The Color of Justice Program is designed to promote diversity in the legal profession and in the justice system as a whole, and to provide students, who may or may not have previously envisioned a career in law, a greater understanding of the many pathways and opportunities available to them within the legal field.
“Making sure the justice system mirrors the makeup of our society is one way we can build confidence in the idea that the system is not for or against any one group of people, but instead pursues justice for all,” said Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court Community Outreach Committee and SVUDL Board member. “The Color of Justice event is designed to broaden the perspective of youth by exposing them to various professions such as judges, attorneys, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement, youth justice advocates and more. By hearing the heartfelt and real stories of panelists who worked their way into a position in the legal system despite significant life challenges, we hoped that students would be able to envision themselves in these roles that have the potential to improve outcomes for individuals, as well as increase trust and confidence in the administration of justice.”
Attendees included a wide range of students located throughout the County of Santa Clara, from eighth graders to high school students. As the host of the event and City of San Jose native, Hon. Julia Alloggiamento started the day by highlighting the changes in the makeup of individuals working in the justice system just during her lifetime, before moving the event into courtroom observations. Throughout the course of the event, intimate discussions among students and small group leaders who were hand selected based on their role within the County’s justice system were overheard, conveying commitments to achieve personal goals and brainstorming approaches to accomplish them. Two panel discussions were offered, the first focusing on the life paths of the panelists involved, followed by a panel promoting resources and programs available to youth. Panelists included Judges, members of the Public Defenders and the District Attorney’s Offices, the Probation Department, law enforcement, and numerous organizations dedicated to promoting student education and diversity in the legal profession (see below). The personal pathways to careers within the justice system presented by the panelists demonstrated to students that despite personal challenges and vulnerabilities, success in one’s endeavors is within reach.
Associate Justice Charles Edward Wilson, the Sixth District Court of Appeal remarked during his keynote speech, “We are very lucky in the State of California to have a very diverse population. Every race, national origin, and religious affiliation are represented in our communities. But when you look in our courtrooms and law offices, you wouldn’t necessarily know you were in the State of California. So when I see an audience like this, with so many diverse and wonderful students, I say to myself – ‘this is our opportunity to have more diversity in the room (justice system).’”
The Superior Court is grateful to all of the attendees, panelists, and organizations that helped make this event happen. Special thanks to Lincoln Law School, Pathways to Law, and the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL).
Chloe Truong, SVUDL co-captain and student at Independence High School in San Jose, reflected on the experience, sharing “This event really opened my eyes. I am so grateful to be introduced to different perspectives, especially because a career in law is always portrayed as this far-reaching dream. Listening to all the panelists made me realize how important representation is and how if I really want to pursue this career - I can.”
