Judge Timothy A. Canning

06/22/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, courts are helping students connect with the principles that shape our system of justice. New Mexico Courts is just one example.

To support civics education and engage the next generation, New Mexico Courts developed Community Action Toolkits for classrooms. These resources help teachers bring core civic concepts to life in ways that are accessible, engaging, and aligned with curriculum standards.

Designed for grades 9–12, the toolkits include:
• Teacher guides with lesson plans and discussion questions
• Short videos with built-in discussion prompts
• Flexible activities for classwork or homework
• Materials available in English and Spanish

The toolkits are easy to use and adaptable, giving educators the flexibility to meet students where they are.

As courts across the country recognize America’s 250th anniversary, efforts like this show how the judiciary can support civic learning and public understanding of the rule of law.

06/20/2026

What's the purpose behind judges wearing black robes? "The formless black robe signals to the public — and reminds us — that a judge’s chief responsibility is to set aside our own personality and preferences when deciding cases. We are, or should be, fungible voices of the law. "

Read the full article at https://judicature.duke.edu/articles/judges-unadorned-black-robe/

06/19/2026

Another reason to serve on a jury -- this study concludes that jury service provides citizens with a direct, hands-on experience with the justice system and appears to produce measurable civic benefits; individuals who have served on juries are more likely to view courts as legitimate, trust courts as institutions, and hold more favorable views of judges than those who have not served.

The ability of the judiciary to function well relies on the public’s understanding of and confidence in the courts. When the public views the courts as legitimate sources of authority, it is more likely to adhere to even unpopular rulings. This adherence is crucial because, as Alexander Hamilton n...

06/14/2026

Today is Flag Day, and the North Carolina Judicial Branch is recognizing both our nation’s history and the enduring role of courts in safeguarding its founding principles.

At the North Carolina Judicial Center in Raleigh, the Betsy Ross 250 Flag flies alongside the United States Flag. Its 13 stars represent the original colonies, including North Carolina, serving as a reminder of the nation’s founding ideals.

This observance is more than symbolic. It reflects the courts’ ongoing responsibility to uphold liberty, justice, and self-government—values at the core of our constitutional system.

On Flag Day and throughout this year’s semiquincentennial, courts across the country are connecting history to the present and to the communities they serve.

06/14/2026

"Today is Flag Day. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the flag of our young nation. America was just one year old.

Ever since, the flag has stood for the promise America made in 1776: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. And every day, in courtrooms across the country, judges keep that promise alive."

From the National Judicial College.

The National Judicial College is the nation’s leading provider of judicial education. We provide online and in-person courses, certifications, news and resources to judges across the country. Discover how NJC can be a resource for you today.

06/04/2026

Have you heard about the recent developments about pre-trial detention for those accused but not convicted of a crime? Here's some information from the California Superior Court for Humboldt County on this issue.

05/27/2026

Serving on the civil grand jury can be interesting, rewarding, and at times frustrating. If you are interested in learning more or applying, please visit https://humboldtgov.org/518/Civil-Grand-Jury-Forms

In California, 58 separate grand juries are convened every year in each county by the Superior Court to carry out three functions:

-Investigating and reporting on the operations of local government (a civil function)

-Issuing criminal indictments to require defendants to go to trial on felony charges, and

-Investigating allegations of a public official’s corrupt or willful misconduct in office, and when warranted, filing an "accusation" against that official to remove him or her from office.

Learn more about grand juries in California and the grand jury process here: https://www.courts.ca.gov/civilgrandjury.htm

05/20/2026

Please don’t just toss your juror summons, our court system needs you!

Jury Summons? Jurors are undoubtedly an indispensable part of our justice system, and our courts need and appreciate the service of each and every juror. Here’s what jury service means and why you should be excited to do your civic duty as a juror (via Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino): https://bit.ly/4eYSHCL