The Berkeley Judicial Institute (BJI)’s mission is to build bridges between judges and academics and to promote an ethical, resilient and independent judiciary. Read more about its mission.
BJI News
Is the Executive Defying the Courts?
December 11, 2025
Listen to this deep dive podcast where Judge Fogel talks about the ongoing contempt inquiry by Judge Boasberg into whether Trump administration officials, particularly Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, acted in criminal contempt by defying his orders to halt deportation flights of alleged gang members to El Salvador in March 2025.
Judge Fogel puts the contempt proceedings in context as to their rarity, how they fit into the larger legal process, and then looks at the specifics of this case. He explains the larger context of this controversy in the current political environment.
Another key takeaway? What is “due process” Due process is based on evidence, you have rules, and you have a right to be heard by an impartial judge who follows the rules without fear or favor, and this is a key constitutional protection we have.
Judges in the Community
Watch as BJI goes one-on-one with judges across the nation committed to making positive change in their community, and listen as they share the programs and initiatives close to their heart, striving to forge a new, interconnected future for the judicial world.
Educating the Community about the Judiciary - Judge Jeremy Fogel
Judge Jeremy Fogel (U.S. District Judge, Northern District of CA, ret.) shares how he reaches out to the community to educate those outside of the judiciary, whether high school students, jurors, retirement home residents, or the general public, about the Constitution, the work of a judge, and more. He emphasizes that civic education requires more than just teaching about the three branches of government; it requires listening to what people believe and know, and meeting them where they are. Judge Fogel says judges need to be good explainers and good listeners, both of which are very teachable skills. His tip for those interested in educating the public about the judiciary is to ask, “Tell me more about what you’ve heard?”
The following are slides Judge Fogel uses in teaching high school students: Rule of Law