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.

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Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award

May 15, 2025

Morrison Foerster, the family of Melvin R. Goldman, and the Northern District Historical Society are honored to announce Joseph W. Cotchett of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy as the first recipient of the Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award. Mel Goldman was… Continue Reading Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award

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Grace, Courage, and the Unyielding Power of Integrity: The Story of Constance Baker Motley and James Meredith

February 26, 2025

The NDHS is proud to co-sponsor the FBA program “Grace, Courage, and the Unyielding Power of Integrity: The Story of Constance Baker Motley and James Meredith.” Civil Rights leader James Meredith became the first African American student admitted to th… Continue Reading Grace, Courage, and the Unyielding Power of Integrity: The Story of Constance Baker Motley and James Meredith

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The Gender Gap Plays On

January 15, 2025

The Historical Society is pleased to co-sponsor the upcoming program with the Federal Bar Association; The GENDER GAP Plays on Achieving Parity for Women and Girls in Sports Using Title IX and other tools. This engaging panel, moderated by the Hon. Sal… Continue Reading The Gender Gap Plays On