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.
Demystifying the Federal Court
June 26, 2024
The NDHS is proud to co-sponsor a two-opportunity program by the FBA on Demystifying the Federal Court on June 26th at the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco and June 27th at the Robert F. Peckham Federal Building in San Jose. June 26th… Continue Reading Demystifying the Federal Court
The Civil Rights Act at 60: Then, Now, and Tomorrow
May 16, 2024
On Thursday, May 16th, 2024, the NDHS and NJCHS presented The Civil Rights Act at 60: Then, Now, and Tomorrow. This was a powerful program with a special in person appearance by Judge Thelton Henderson (Ret.), the first Black attorney in the Civil Ri… Continue Reading The Civil Rights Act at 60: Then, Now, and Tomorrow
The Murder Trial of Vincent Chin: A Trial Reenactment
May 1, 2024
On June 19, 1982, Vincent Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese American, was beaten to death by two white men. They received three years probation and a fine of $3,000. Using the AABA-NY’s script based on trial transcripts, the program will examine the proceedi… Continue Reading The Murder Trial of Vincent Chin: A Trial Reenactment