About the Northern District Court Historical Society
Since 1977, the Northern District Court Historical Society has been protecting and enlivening the rich judicial history of the court. From the Chinese Exclusion Laws to Patty Hearst to cutting-edge technology disputes, the Northern District has been in the thick of some of the thorniest problems and most interesting events in California history.
The goal of the Society is to preserve, share, and enliven the court’s history with lawyers, educators, scholars, and students.
The Historical Society has written, published, and/or collaborated on a number of excellent books covering important topics in the history of Northern California and its federal district court. We are pleased to offer Historical Society books for sale through our online bookstore.
The Criminal Justice Act in the Northern District of California: The Origin Story and Early Cases and their Lasting Legacy
March 4, 2026
Registration at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cja A Conversation with Geoffrey Hansen (Ret.) – Federal Public Defender Judge James Larson (Ret.) – Magistrate Judge, NDCA William Osterhoudt – Criminal Law Expert Mike Stepanian – Law Office of Mi… Continue Reading The Criminal Justice Act in the Northern District of California: The Origin Story and Early Cases and their Lasting Legacy
From Robber Barons to Modern Day: The Evolution of Antitrust in the Northern District
December 10, 2025
Registration https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ndhistoricialsociety/AntiTrust Panelists Brendan Glackin Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP Thomas Greene U.S. DoJ, Antitrust Division Hon. Susan Illston District Judge, NDCA Hon. Vaughn Walke… Continue Reading From Robber Barons to Modern Day: The Evolution of Antitrust in the Northern District
The Voting Rights Act at 60: Past Successes and Future Challenges
October 29, 2025
Registration is Free for in-person and virtual MCLE available for $50 https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ndhistoricialsociety/VRA60 With Erwin Chemerinsky Dean, UC Berkeley School of Law Pamela Karlan Stanford Law School Former Deputy Assistant Atto… Continue Reading The Voting Rights Act at 60: Past Successes and Future Challenges