California superior court judge inducted into Warren E. Burger Society

Williamsburg, Va., Nov. 14, 2018 — Stephen H. Baker, a judge on the Superior Court of California, Shasta County, is being inducted into the National Center for State Courts’ Warren E. Burger Society.

The Burger Society honors individuals who have used their time, talent, and support to the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) in exceptional ways. It is named for the former chief justice of the United States who helped found NCSC in 1971. The induction ceremony takes place November 15 in Washington, D.C.

During his 15 years on the bench, Judge Baker has served in the criminal, civil, and family law divisions of the court. He is currently the presiding judge of the civil and the appellate divisions. From 2010 through 2014, he was appointed to serve consecutive terms on the California Judicial Council, the policy making body for all California courts.  

Judge Baker is known for his diligence, expertise, and professionalism and has been an effective supporter and spokesman for NCSC. He served on its board of directors from 2011 until 2017.  During that time, he chaired the programs committee and helped lead the development of the center’s strategic plan. He continues to serve on the International Committee.

Before he became a judge in 2003, Judge Baker had 17 years of litigation experience. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Oregon and a juris doctor degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, in Sacramento.  He also received a certificate in international legal studies from Salzburg University.    

The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.