Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara and Santa Clara County Bar Association Announce Winners of Law Day Video Contest

SAN JOSÉ, California (May 31, 2024):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Bar Association, proudly announce the winners of the Law Day 2024 Video Contest. This annual event aims to engage and educate youth on the importance of the rule of law and its profound impact on society.

The contest invited participants to create original videos, each two minutes or less, to respond to prompts related to democracy, the Constitution, and civic participation. These prompts encouraged students to explore topics such as the power of individual voices, the mechanisms of constitutional democracy, the significance of political expression and voting, and methods for deepening understanding of the electoral process.

Youth (ages 12-20) from across Santa Clara County enthusiastically embraced the challenge, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the legal principles that shape our community. The submissions ranged from thought-provoking narratives to visually appealing productions, demonstrating a deep appreciation for democratic principles.

Following a meticulous evaluation process, a panel of esteemed judicial officers, legal professionals and community leaders, selected the winners:

1st Place: James Weaver (9th grade) –  https://youtu.be/LkyqZYH7IHY

2nd Place: Lucas Hicks (11th grade) – https://youtu.be/MUZ13nyhKLs

3rd Place: Angelina Velasquez-Reyes (11th grade) – https://youtu.be/_Y-pRn-oRDs

"The exceptional talent and insight demonstrated in this year’s Law Day Video Contest submissions have been truly remarkable," said Commissioner Johanna Thai Van Dat. "The creativity and passion demonstrated by the participants highlight the importance of understanding the power individuals have to ignite change through the agency of their voice and engagement within democratic frameworks. We commend all the students who participated and congratulate the winners on their exceptional videos."

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, and the Santa Clara County Bar Association extend their gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions. We also thank the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Probation Department for their invaluable support.  The videos will be shared on the court's website, social media platforms, and through other community outreach initiatives, allowing a wider audience to appreciate the thought-provoking content.

For further information about the Law Day Video Contest and to watch the winning entries, please visit https://www.scscourt.org/lawday/ or contact the court’s Communications Program Manager, Jessica Kellogg.  The views expressed in the video submissions are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Court. The event aims to provide a platform for youth to express their voices and perspectives.

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About the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara:

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is a unified trial court serving the residents of Santa Clara County. The court's mission is to provide fair, accessible, and efficient justice for all, while ensuring public trust and confidence in the judicial system.

About the Santa Clara County Bar Association:

The Santa Clara County Bar Association is a professional organization that promotes the ethical practice of law and fosters a strong legal community. It serves as a valuable resource for attorneys, offering education, networking opportunities, and support for professional growth.