https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-kelli-evans-and-justice-stacy-boulware-eurie-share-perspectives-diversity-courts Justice Kelli Evans and Justice Stacy Boulware Eurie Share Perspectives on Diversity in the CourtsKaren.Datangel Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:58 Feature Justice Kelli Evans and Justice Stacy Boulware Eurie began their journeys in law as students at UC Davis at similar times, but neither expected their rise to the bench in California's appellate courts, as they first recounted in a conversation with each other during the Black History Month 2026 Closing Ceremony at the Judicial Council on Feb. 25. "As an attorney, I hoped and thought that one day I would eventually like to become a judge, so when I got appointed to the Alameda County court trial bench, I thought I had made it...and I would have happily retired there," said Justice Evans, associate justice of the California Supreme Court. "It was a surprise when I got the call from the governor saying he wanted to elevate me to the California Supreme Court." "While in law school, I dreamt of being a trial judge and when I was appointed in 2007 [to the Sacramento Superior Court], it was literally a dream come true," said Justice Stacy Boulware Eurie, associate justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District. "There's no way I could have anticipated or predicted the current seat I hold." The two justices shared the stage to discuss insights on diversity and inclusion in the courts, access to justice, the roles of judicial officers and court staff, and other topics. Following are highlights from their conversation. On the role of jurists in honoring diversity and inclusion Justice Evans: When I think about inclusion in particular, I think what it means is making sure people feel seen and are seen, feel heard and are heard, have a shot at opportunities, and in the court system, that they feel like it really works for them. Individual judges can do things in their courtrooms that embody these values. From the bench, you can treat all litigants with respect, make sure that you're implementing procedural justice in your courtroom. You can make sure you're using inclusive and accessible language. You can make sure you're explaining your decisions clearly, particularly to the person on the losing side of the decision. You can do things at a leadership level, like advocate for policies that help promote diversity and inclusion. Another thing judges and individuals can do is community outreach and engagement. The more that our communities understand about the justice business, the better it is for our court system and the more likely we are to have diverse and inclusive court systems. If we help everyone to understand they have a stake in it, they have an opportunity to participate in a system that can and should work for everyone. Justice Boulware Eurie: We're all familiar with systemic opportunities and/or barriers for diversity and inclusion, but I also think there's an individual level of opportunity and obligation to see who's at that proverbial table. No entity or structure is perfect but I do think our branch in particular is a mirror to society. The folks that come in through courthouse doors, those folks who support the work of the trial courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court reflect and should reflect California's citizenry. On the importance of diversity of perspectives and experiences in courts Justice Evans: In the California Supreme Court, we have seven justices who are responsible for making decisions that impact all 40 million of us in California. When you have people at that table who have diverse experiences like people who have been defense attorneys, have represented civil rights litigants, worked with law enforcement their whole lives, been subjects of racial profiling, have family members who have been incarcerated, or have been career prosecutors, that's a very rich discussion and it brings voices to the table that have long been missing. When I talk about diversity, I'm not just talking about race, gender, or sexual orientation - I'm talking about life experience, geography, practice areas, income, all sorts of things. I think it's important in the trial courts if not more important at the appellate court levels. The more people with nuanced perspectives who are part of a conversation, we'll have fewer blind spot errors, and we'll have a better understanding of potential impacts on various communities. Justice Boulware Eurie: When we talk about an impartial court and fair and balanced justice, I think some of that comes from diversity of thought, not just traditional values or experiences. Are there voices that are ensuring a check on the system and as drivers of procedural justice, that it's not just one voice being heard? Is there space for different perspectives and values on how the law is interpreted? I think it looks different in a Court of Appeal or Supreme Court because it's not a single individual judge making all the decisions in a courtroom. In the trial court, those different [perspectives can come from] roles of the prosecutor or public defender, or parents' counsel, minor's counsel, and county counsel. I'm pretty proud of California's courts because I think our branch is embracing the opportunities we're talking about. I thought about language and diversity of perspectives. In juvenile court, when we're dealing with children who are removed from their homes - particularly Black families and communities - we may hear "Hey, that's my cousin." You might later figure out "That's my play cousin" and having a bench officer who understands community relationships and ties that exist beyond blood helps to inform the decision-making in about what's in the best interest of the child. This is just one example of a type of diversity of experience and the opportunity for more informed decision making when you are hearing from and learning about different experiences. On court staff Justice Evans: Our clerks are procedural guardians. Our research attorneys carry an enormously important load as first line filters for the judges and justices for what's coming in and they often go through incredibly voluminous records. There are other court staff like interpreters, reporters, and self-help attorneys. There are court administrators who are doing work that make our courts accessible to the public. Our librarians are facilitating all of our access to material that we need to do our jobs. We've got court security personnel that are protecting our litigants and jurors. Sometimes this work is done under immense time pressure and public scrutiny. We're in a system full of unsung heroes. People know about judges, but people also need to know about the essential roles in our justice system that make it possible to seek and obtain justice. I also know that the more people learn about these roles - young people in particular - the more they're interested in our work. Young people may not be interested in becoming a lawyer or a judge, but would be really interested in one of these other roles. So the more we can share that information, the better. Justice Boulware Eurie: The one role I want to highlight is IT (Information Technology). In the Sacramento Superior Court in the period during COVID, we were spreading jurors out in different courtrooms and utilizing Zoom for them to hear and participate in selection. We had one particular IT member who was running from courtroom to courtroom, standing in the back -- not just to make sure the Zoom and speakers were working, but to make sure we could all be heard clearly. He was trying to stand in the shoes of the user, hearing what was happening in that courtroom or a different courtroom so there was meaningful participation. We know remote access is something the branch is very committed to and is super important. Advice for law students and aspiring lawyers Justice Boulware Eurie: Keep an open mind. I think a lot of people attend law school and go in with this vision of what it is that they want to do and just like undergrad, it's an opportunity for exploration. There will be an opportunity to learn so many substantive areas that you may not have been familiar with. As it relates to this conversation [around diversity and inclusion], I think of the growing importance of environmental law and looking at the demographics of law schools and who participates in those programs -- often I don't see people of color. Look not only where you can participate, but who can you bring along? What other spaces, clinicals, programs, and internships might you and your peers participate in? Is it always the same folks raising their hands? Is there a way you can nudge a colleague or peer to join you in a lunchtime conversation with a professor on a topic that you might otherwise think is dry as sand? Challenge yourself by learning something new in terms of perspective, life background, and the law. Justice Evans: Do what interests you. It might not be what everyone else is doing. Find people that you think are doing things that are interesting and exciting, and reach out to them and learn more. Try lots of different things and stay flexible. There's lot of different ways to be happy in any career but especially as a lawyer. Watch Justice Evans and Justice Boulware Eurie's full conversation. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/courts-using-ai-and-cybersecurity-advances-improve-access-justice Courts Using AI and Cybersecurity Advances to Improve Access to JusticeMartin.Novitski Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:40 Feature SAN FRANCISCO—A recent statewide technology summit convened hundreds of court professionals from around the state to talk about cybersecurity and how using artificial intelligence (AI) data can improve efficiency and benefit court users. The March 11 summit in San Francisco was the fifth of its kind hosted by the Judicial Council to bring courts together to share information and best practices on new technologies. How Advances in Artificial Intelligence Can Benefit Court Users Leaders from courts in San Diego, Orange, and Monterey counties led breakout sessions with topics ranging from understanding how AI can assist with translation and document workflows to discussions about maintaining guardrails to protect user data. In one breakout room, Judge Michael S. Groch from the San Diego Superior Court and Court Information Officer Brett Howard of the Orange Superior Court educated judicial officers and court executives on the use of AI. That session included an overview of Thomson Reuters CoCounsel, which can be used to improve judicial workflow, as well as demonstrated examples of what types of court work are safe to use with current generative AI technology. In her remarks to summit participants, California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero acknowledged that AI can benefit court users. “Whatever new needs and opportunities will arise, I’m confident we will remain committed to innovation, to collaboration, and to aligning technology with our judicial branch goals,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration throughout the constantly evolving landscape of technology. “And with all of you together, we will continue to shape the future for the courts, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to justice.” Midnote speaker, Kevin Roose, Technology Columnist for The New York Times, invited attendees to look ahead as he highlighted the rapid acceleration of AI, noting that emerging tools are making “everyone a programmer.” He also considered what comes next after Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI), including AI constitutions, defining intent for AI agents, and navigating a future with vast numbers of highly capable machine intelligences. Cybersecurity and the Courts A second set of breakout sessions focused on the growing need for cybersecurity enhancements in court operations. Speakers from Orange, Mono, and Riverside counties, as well as the Fifth Appellate District, emphasized preemptive measures and preparation as key factors in bolstering cybersecurity to protect court users. For example, Mono Superior Court Executive Officer Lester Perpall and Riverside Superior Court Deputy Chief of Information Technology Tim Cool spoke to fellow court staff about the importance of diligence and follow-through to improving cybersecurity in the courts. “Failures don’t happen because we don’t care,” Perpall warned. “Most failures happen because we confuse appearance with execution.” In addition, Adam Dodge, attorney and founder of EndTAB (End Technology-Enabled Abuse), served as the keynote speaker of the event. He warned that new technology is actively being used internationally to defraud others in real time. “We’re putting really powerful tools in the hands of people who could never access this level of sophistication before,” he stated as he demonstrated how AI deepfakes can be used to create increasingly realistic scams using technology that is evolving every day. Retired California Supreme Court Justice Recognizes Technology Pioneers Former California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin presented the 2026 Justice Chin Technology Innovation Award to the Los Angeles Superior Court for its CourtHelp program, an AI-powered chatbot that helps web users navigate their court’s website. The award recognizes programs and projects that have increased access to justice through new technology. This is the second award of its kind, with the first one given to Alameda Superior Court at the 2023 Technology Summit. “It gives me great relief to find all of you still interested and progressing in the area of IT,” Justice Chin remarked as he closed the ceremony. “I encourage you to continue to do that, take it back to your courts, get more people involved and interested in IT.” Los Angeles Superior Court was honored with the Justice Ming Chin Technology Innovation Award for their CourtHelp program, a virtual assistant designed to help court users navigate the court’s website. (left to right) Matt Frederick, Technology Creative Director; Christopher Choi, Deputy Court Information Officer; Romulo Reyes, Deputy Court Information Officer; Raz Salehynia, Software Engineer Manager; Honorable Sergio C. Tapia II, Presiding Judge; Justice Ming W. Chin, Supreme Court Justice (ret.); David Slayton, Court Executive Officer/Clerk of Court; Mike Baliel, Court Information Officer; Jordan Aiken, Senior IT Manager- Infrastructure; and Luis Olachea, Deputy Court Information Officer. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/council-approves-funding-technology-projects-improve-services-public Council Approves Funding for Technology Projects to Improve Services for the PublicCorren, Blaine Fri, 02/20/2026 - 10:58 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its Feb. 20 meeting approved funding for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to continue hosting a shared solution that sends automated text message notifications—such as hearing reminders—to court users in nine participating courts. This technology funding is part of a state modernization grant program managed by the council that helps courts improve services to the public. “We know that every single court in our state needs additional technology funding—the applications far exceed the available funding,” said Judge Maria Hernandez, chair of the council’s Technology Committee. “We want you to understand the critical need in creating these opportunities and how our courts are able to expand access to justice through these technology initiatives.” The council also heard about how other California courts use the funding to improve operations and expand access: Digitizing Documents: Reduces printing and storage costs, improves data security, and enhances efficiency through e-filing, faster case processing, and streamlined public access requests   Audio/Video Upgrades: Enhances remote participation in court proceedings through audio and video upgrades, and provides technologies for website chatbots and virtual assistants that allow staff to assist the public via live video and secure document sharing   Cyber/Information Security: Protects case files, evidence, and confidential information, as well as preventing disruptions to court operations and proceedings Watch archived webcast of this portion of the meeting Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda: Report Shows Strong Support for Remote Court Proceedings: The council received a report showing that litigants and court staff who took part in remote appearances in civil and criminal proceedings had an overwhelmingly positive experience. Based on user responses between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, approximately 90% of court users and 98% of court staff reported a positive experience. The council also heard firsthand from San Diego County Judge Lisa Rodriguez, Dependency Legal Services Policy Director/Lead Attorney Julia Hanagan, and other council members on their experiences with remote proceedings and the benefits this option provides court users and staff. Watch archived webcast of this portion of the meeting Presentation From the Department of Finance: The council received an update from the California Department of Finance (DOF) on the state's current fiscal situation and how the judicial branch budget is developed. The DOF discussed how personal income taxes, capital gains, and changes to federal funding causes volatility in the state’s revenues. Due to these variables, the DOF puts a priority on long-term fiscal resilience and adequate reserves. Despite improving economic signals and revenues, the DOF predicts a modest budget shortfall for the next budget cycle due to previous deficits and ongoing debt obligations. Watch archived webcast of this portion of the meeting Education for Judges and Court Staff: The council approved its next two-year education plan for developing and delivering education to justices, judges, and court staff to help them maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, and performance for the benefit of the public. The plan includes on-demand videos, online courses, webinars, podcasts, and publications, as well as live interactive programs and courses offered both in person and remotely. Presenters included information and examples of resources in the areas of environmental law, domestic violence, and new judge education. Watch archived webcast of this portion of the meeting Judicial Council Member to Retire: With more 30 years of trial court experience, Darrel Parker, court executive officer for the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, will retire effective Feb. 27. Parker served as an advisory member of the council as chair of its Court Executives Advisory Committee. He has also served on many other council advisory bodies and curriculum committees during his judicial branch career. Judicial Council of California 100th Anniversary Video: The conclusion of the business meeting featured a preview of a video produced to highlight the council’s creation in 1926 and its role in improving the statewide administration of justice. Once finalized, the council will post the video to its 100th anniversary website, which also features bios of previous Chief Justices and council administrative directors, as well as a timeline of actions taken or supported by the council that helped transform the court user-experience in California over the last 100 years. Watch archived webcast of this portion of the meeting The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/report-shows-strong-support-remote-court-proceedings Report Shows Strong Support for Remote Court ProceedingsCorren, Blaine Fri, 02/13/2026 - 15:39 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—Judicial Council members at their February 20 business meeting will receive a report showing that litigants and court staff who took part in remote appearances in civil and criminal proceedings had an overwhelmingly positive experience. The council collects data regarding overall user experience from California trial courts that use the Zoom remote technology platform. Between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, the council collected 44,526 user responses—44% from court users and 56% from court workers. Respondents reported their experiences using the remote technology: Approximately 90% of court users and 98% of court staff reported a positive experience   Only 1.7% of total respondents reported experiencing an audio technical issue   Just 0.9% of total respondents reported experiencing a visual technical issue Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda: Presentation From the Department of Finance: The council will get an update on the state's fiscal situation from the California Department of Finance. Council members will also have an opportunity to ask questions about how the overall state budget may affect the judicial branch. Funding for Court Technology Projects The council will consider approving a midyear reallocation of IT modernization funding to help courts with their technology projects. The reallocation would include funding for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to continue hosting a shared solution that sends automated text message notifications—such as hearing reminders—to court users in nine participating courts. Education for Judges and Court Staff: The council will consider its next two-year education plan for developing and delivering education to justices, judges, and court staff to help them maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, and performance for the benefit of the public. The plan includes on-demand videos, online courses, webinars, podcasts, and publications, as well as live interactive programs and courses, offered both in person and remotely. Judicial Council of California 100th Anniversary Video: The council will see a preview of a new video produced to highlight the council’s creation 100 years ago and how its role in improving the statewide administration of justice has helped transform the court user-experience in California. The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to a live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/milestones-african-americans-california-judicial-branch Milestones for African Americans in the California Judicial BranchKaren.Datangel Tue, 02/03/2026 - 11:31 Feature This February, California courts and the Judicial Council of California join the nation in recognizing Black History Month. As of Dec. 31, 2024, 9.7% of California judges identify as Black or African American, compared to 4.6% in 2006. The state judicial branch's strategic plan includes the goal of Access, Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion, where "The makeup of California’s judicial branch will reflect the diversity of the state’s residents." Learn more about historical milestones including landmark court cases and legislation, prominent African American citizens, and African American jurists who have impacted California history in our interactive timeline. If you are not able to view the timeline below, click here. This feature was originally published on February 5, 2024 and has been updated. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/new-california-laws-going-effect-2026 New California Laws Going into Effect in 2026natalie.l.ston… Tue, 12/30/2025 - 14:15 Feature More than 500 laws were passed in 2025 impacting the courts. Many of these laws will support the judicial branch to meet the needs of court users with diverse backgrounds and interests.  Immigration   California law offers some of the strongest protections for immigrants in the country. This year, as California was at the heart of the federal administration’s immigration activities, the courts have worked to ensure that court proceedings remain fair and accessible to all court users.   One law that supports this effort is SB 281, which requires the court to give a verbatim immigration advisement before a plea of guilty or no contest can be made. This means that the court must advise a defendant that if they are not a citizen, pleading guilty or no contest may result in immigration consequences like deportation. Pleading no contest means the defendant does not admit guilt but does concede the charge.    AB 1261 requires the state to provide legal counsel to immigrant youth in federal or related state immigration proceedings. The law would define immigrant youth as unaccompanied undocumented minors. The state can contract with qualified nonprofit legal services organizations or an office of the public defender to provide this counsel.    Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice   In 2026, new laws will help counties and state departments further strengthen their child welfare services. AB 779 authorizes counties to establish a three-year pilot program. In this program, domestic violence consultants will offer guidance to county social workers on how to best support families potentially experiencing both domestic violence and child maltreatment. Counties will also be required to adopt a placement transition plan for foster youth (AB 896). This plan would be adopted before foster youth transition either between placement settings or from foster care to reunification. Additionally, the state’s Office of Child Abuse Prevention will develop a standardized curriculum for mandated reporters, available online by July 1, 2027 (SB 119).   In court proceedings, new laws aim to enhance minors’ experience with the court. Incarcerated parents now must be given the opportunity to be physically present at dependency hearings related to their child. If physical presence is waived, they can participate through videoconference or teleconference (AB 651). Additionally, the Family Preparedness Act of 2025 expands the definition of “relative” in caregivers’ authorization affidavits, which allow a caregiver to make decisions for a child without establishing formal guardianship. The new definition will include any adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, such as stepparents. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake pornography, which is AI-generated media imitating real people, is a concerning new form of exploitation that AB 621 seeks to protect minors from. This law revises the existing cause of action, or the circumstances that give a person the right to seek a remedy in court, for deepfake pornography. This law adds a cause of action against a person who knows, or reasonably should know, that an individual depicted in deepfake pornography material was a minor.   Mental Health   Image Caption The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act creates civil court proceedings, also known as CARE court, that can provide support for certain adults with severe mental illnesses.  California first implemented the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act (CARE) in 2023. This program allows adults to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan. CARE plans provide adults experiencing severe mental illness with services like behavioral health care or housing. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, eligibility for the CARE Act will include individuals who have bipolar I disorder with psychotic features (SB 27).   Criminal Law   Existing law says that a crime punishable by death, by imprisonment by the state, or by imprisonment in county jail for more than one year is a felony. All other offenses are either infractions or misdemeanors. AB 321 will allow the court to determine if a case will move forward as a felony or a misdemeanor at any time prior to trial.  Civil Law   AB 250 will allow plaintiffs to revive claims that would otherwise be barred prior to Jan. 1, 2026, because the statute of limitations has or had expired. The claim must allege that the plaintiff was sexually assaulted, that one or more entities are legally responsible for damages from the assault, and that the entities engaged in a cover up of previous allegations of sexual assault.    The Social Security Tenant Protection Act of 2025 will allow a tenant of a residential property to claim Social Security hardship as a defense for why they are not paying their rent. Social Security hardship is defined as a loss of income due to an interruption in the payment of Social Security benefits. Tenants would need to provide the court evidence that the payments have been interrupted, and they would need to pay all past due rent when Social Security benefits are restored.   Currently, when an adult petitions to change their name to match their gender identity, the court must review written objections to the petition. Beginning July 1, 2026, the court will no longer have an objection process for adult petitions. For minors, anyone objecting to a name-change petition must file a written objection within four weeks (AB 1084). Name-change petitions for minors are confidential, and starting on July 1, 2026, name-change petitions for adults will also be confidential (SB 59).   Court Procedure and Operations     AB 1524 will make public electronic records viewable at the court. The public will be able to use their own equipment to copy court records for free, while the integrity of the record will still be protected.   In bench trials, where a judge makes a ruling without a jury, any party in the trial may request a statement of decision. In a statement of decision, the court will explain the factual and legal basis for its decision. Currently, the length of a trial determines when a party can request a statement of decision. Under AB 515, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027, all trials will have the same rules for statements of decision, regardless of their length. Parties will have to request a statement of decision before the matter is submitted for decision. The court will also be able to issue a statement of decision without a request from the parties involved. Traffic Law  A program requiring a person convicted of Driving Under the Influence (a DUI) to install an ignition interlock device has been extended through January of 2033. If the person installs an ignition interlock device, they can apply for a restricted driver’s license (AB 366). Lawmakers have approved local California governments to establish automated traffic enforcement systems. The systems will be able to detect red light violations and ticket vehicles rather than drivers. Violations will be a civil penalty and will not result in the Department of Motor Vehicles suspending or revoking licenses (SB 720).   Artificial Intelligence   The popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in the last several years and the widespread use of generative AI, or AI that can create original content, presents new legal considerations. With the passage of AB 316, a defendant may not say artificial intelligence that they developed, modified, or used that is alleged is to have caused harm to the plaintiff did so autonomously.   Additionally, law enforcement agencies will need to identify when artificial intelligence was used in official reports and the type of program they used (SB 524).  Read the full 2025 Summary of Court-Related Legislation. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/2025-year-review-0 2025 Year in ReviewCorren, Blaine Fri, 12/19/2025 - 10:31 Feature In 2025, California’s Chief Justice, the Judicial Council, and the courts continued their efforts to improve court operations, enhance services, and expand access to the justice system for the public. This Year in Review feature includes the following sections highlighting those efforts: Foreword from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero News and Events By the Numbers Year in Photos Data Dashboards Award Recipients Judicial Council Programs and Services https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-honors-2025-distinguished-service-and-aranda-access-justice-award-recipients Judicial Council Honors 2025 Distinguished Service and Aranda Access to Justice Award RecipientsCorren, Blaine Tue, 12/16/2025 - 11:27 Feature View photos from award presentation on FlickrView videos from award presentation on Youtube At its Dec. 12 business meeting held last week in San Francisco, the Judicial Council of California honored three recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California. Two jurists were honored with the Aranda Access to Justice Award, which honors a judge demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving and promoting fairness and access to the courts, especially for low-and moderate-income Californians. The Aranda Award is cosponsored by the Judicial Council, California Judges Association, and California Lawyers Association, in association with the California Access to Justice Commission. Watch the videos below to learn about each award recipient: 2025 Distinguished Service Award HonoreePresiding Justice Arthur Gilbert Throughout his 50 years on the bench, Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert has sought to improve the justice system by serving on Judicial Council committees, volunteering as faculty for judicial education programs, lecturing at State Bar events, and participating in moot court sessions at law schools. In addition, his long-time monthly Daily Journal column “Under Submission” has served to spread his knowledge of the courts, the rule of law, and the opinion-writing process to fellow judges and attorneys. 2025 Distinguished Service Award HonoreeJudge Jonathan Conklin As presiding judge of the Fresno Superior Court from 2014 to 2015, and a longtime member of the court’s executive committee, Judge Jonathan Conklin helped lead the court through significant budget challenges, including the closure of rural branch courts while expanding remote access through video proceedings, electronic warrants, and e-filing. For the past decade, Judge Conklin has also chaired the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee, guiding the council in assessing new approaches to achieving greater equality in trial court funding. 2025 Distinguished Service Award HonoreeRebbecca Fleming As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Santa Clara Superior Court, Rebecca Fleming has led numerous technology initiatives to improve public access and streamline internal court operations. She also serves as vice-chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee (TCBAC) and has testified before the California Legislature to help create viable budget solutions during years of financial uncertainty. 2025 Aranda Access to Justice Award HonoreeJudge Samantha Jessner Judge Samantha Jessner served as presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court from 2023–24. During her tenure, she led efforts to increase access for court users and the public, which included streamlined case processing, a court-connected mediation program, free public transit to residents travelling to and from jury service, and a digital evidence system in the small claims department. Judge Jessner also serves as chair of the council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee and as vice-chair of its Information and Technology Advisory Committee. 2025 Aranda Access to Justice Award HonoreeJudge Bruce Chan Judge Bruce Chan created the San Francisco Superior Court’s Young Adult Court (YAC) for low-income young adults ages 18–25, many of whom have experienced poverty, abuse and neglect, community violence, homelessness, and systemic marginalization. First of its kind and having inspired similar efforts across the nation, the YAC works with transitional-age youth facing felony charges who seek to have their records expunged in exchange for successful participation in and graduation from the program. Learn more about the award recipients and their work https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-continue-efforts-improve-availability-court-interpreters Judicial Council to Continue Efforts to Improve the Availability of Court InterpretersCorren, Blaine Fri, 12/12/2025 - 14:14 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its December 12 business meeting approved recommendations from a study on how to expand access to the pool of court interpreters able to assist the state’s nearly 6.4 million limited-English-proficient (LEP) residents and potential court users. Study considerations for the council include reviewing interpreter examination standards and content, adopting carryover scoring to aid candidates, and creating structured career pathways—including tiered systems and apprenticeship programs, particularly for Spanish interpreters. The study also advises that the council work with courts to develop a statewide directory for interpreters trained in video remote interpreting and continue expanding access to American Sign Language (ASL) and emerging languages. “There was broad agreement among the stakeholders for the recommendations and considerations,” said Court Executive Officer Anabel Romero, vice-chair of the council’s Court Interpreters Advisory Panel. “The study offers a roadmap for the branch to improve interpreter services for the public and to ensure our goals of high-quality equitable access for all Californians, regardless of the language they speak.” The study also calls for action by the Legislature, courts, and experienced court interpreters, which includes recommendations to continue adequately funding interpreter services, review and improve compensation packages, and develop mentorship programs. Watch Funding for Children’s Waiting RoomsThe council approved children’s waiting room fund balance cap adjustments requested by superior courts, which will allow them to continue planned operations and expansion of their children’s waiting rooms. The state encourages each courthouse to provide a waiting room for children whose parents or guardians are attending court proceedings. The waiting rooms offer professional childcare and activities, and protect children from the stress and potential trauma of courtroom environments. The Children’s Waiting Room (CWR) Distribution and Fund Balance Policy sets a cap on how much money each court may retain in its CWR fund. If a court’s balance exceeds this cap, the excess must be returned to the Trial Court Trust Fund for the benefit of courts statewide, unless the council approves a request from the court to increase the cap. For today’s meeting, the council received requests from five superior courts to increase their caps to cover costs related to maintenance and expansion of their children’s waiting rooms. By approving the requests, courts can retain this funding to support their waiting rooms. “This funding apparatus is a splendid example of the Judicial Council’s transparency in this aspect of our funding but also how efficiently we’re using this money,” said Judge Ann Moorman, chair of the council’s Judicial Branch Budget Committee. “Because of the biannual review that occurs, trial courts have to evaluate how much they need and how they use it, and then turn it back when they don’t use it. We can then support these five courts—Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara—with their expanded financial needs using the same money that’s been allocated.” Watch Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda: Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules: The council adopted the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules, 2026 Edition: Traffic, Boating, Forestry, Fish and Game, Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Business Licensing (UBPS). The UBPS includes schedules for traffic infractions, traffic misdemeanors, boating, forestry, fish and game, public utilities, parks and recreation, and business licensing. With specified exceptions, the traffic infraction schedule must be followed by the courts. On an annual basis, trial courts must also revise and adopt countywide schedules of bail and penalties for all misdemeanor and infraction offenses except Vehicle Code infractions. To achieve substantial uniformity of penalties throughout the state, courts must consider the UBPS in performing those duties. Changes to the annual schedules are primarily based on legislative changes but can also result from input by courts and justice system partners. Watch Trial Court Trust Funds: The council approved requests from trial courts under a program that allows them to request that a reduction in their Trial Court Trust Fund allocations be retained as a restricted fund balance for the benefit of those courts. The funds are then allocated back to the courts by the council for only the purposes stated in their approved requests, which can include projects related to technology infrastructure and upgrades, new audio and visual equipment, and courthouse maintenance and repairs. A report on this project funding is made publicly available on the California courts public website. Watch Legislative Priorities: The council approved the types of legislation it should support to increase access to justice for court users, which includes: adequate court funding to address increased costs; remote access to the courts while balancing due process; new judicial officer positions in counties with the greatest need; ensuring the availability of verbatim records of court proceedings; efficient court operations; and increased security to safeguard personnel, the public, and court systems from physical and cyber threats. Watch The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/return-beyond-bench-conference-encourages-collaboration-support-children-families-and Return of Beyond the Bench Conference Encourages Collaboration to Support Children, Families, and Communities in California Karen.Datangel Tue, 12/09/2025 - 15:59 Feature About 1,000 judicial officers, court staff, attorneys, county agency representatives, tribal court leaders, and other professionals eager to learn and connect on issues related to juvenile law convened at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles Nov. 17-19 for the in-person return of Beyond the Bench. Hosted by the Judicial Council’s Center for Families, Children, and the Courts (CFCC), this year’s signature multidisciplinary conference devoted to children, youth, and families in the California court system was the first in-person event of its kind since 2019.  “After six transformative years, Beyond the Bench 2025 is more than a reunion—it’s a recommitment,” said Sarah Davis, director of the council's CFCC . “This conference has always been about connection—across disciplines, systems, and lived experiences. It’s in that spirit of collaboration that we move forward, united in our mission to build a more just and supportive future for every child and family.” This Year's Conference Focused on Collaboration, Sharing Information The theme of this year’s conference was Coming Together Again to Support Children, Families, and Communities, based on the need to improve collaboration within the broader child welfare system affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover, and other factors. This year’s workshops highlighted the court partnerships, voices of lived experience, and topics impacting children and families involved in juvenile dependency and delinquency cases, including cross-over legal issues such as mental health and trauma-informed practice.  A preconference day held at the beginning of the week featured workshops on the new tier rate structure for foster youth (going into effect in 2027), the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), best practices for juvenile dependency attorneys, specific issues relating to juvenile court judges, and stories from incarcerated youth and restorative justice practices. The preconference event also included an all-day convening of court professionals, judicial officers, and state and local stakeholders involved in the Community, Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act.  Plenary Sessions Highlight Insights From Neuroscience, Lived Experience The opening plenary featured welcome remarks from the Judicial Council’s Administrative Director Shelley Curran, California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Secretary Kim Johnson, and Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Officer David Slayton. In her remarks, Curran emphasized the importance of the council and courts’ collaborations with state and county partners along with the judicial branch’s partnership with the legislative and executive branches of government.  Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran delivers remarks at Beyond the Bench 2025's opening plenary.   “The council has focused on giving our state agency partners voices in this conference to help us understand the needs of families and how we collaborate on improving safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes in juvenile proceedings,” said Curran.  Featured speaker Dr. Adriana Galván, dean of undergraduate education and professor of psychology at UCLA, shared neuroscience-based insights on the adolescent brain and its implications for juvenile courts.  The second day’s morning plenary featured a conversation with expert, author, and foster dad Peter Mutabazi and Orange County Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez. Presiding Judge Hernandez asked Mutabazi about being a foster dad, best practices for transitioning foster children back into their homes, and maintaining good relationships with biological parents. He emphasized it takes a village to raise a child, citing that legal professionals and social workers have a part in foster situations.  The closing plenary opened with recorded remarks by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Chief Justice Guerrero thanked all participants and encouraged them to remain “committed to collaboration and to our shared goal of building justice and social systems that are rooted in dignity, and support for all children, youth, families, and individuals in our state.” The Chief Justice’s remarks segued into the featured speaker Ali Hall’s presentation about cultivating hope. Hall, an attorney and expert in motivational interviewing, shared heartfelt videos and encouraged small group discussions and solo reflections for attendees to think and talk about how they can care for themselves as they care for others.  Prioritizing Kin-First Culture in California  Kin-first care is a system that prioritizes placing children with their extended family network in permanency and adoption matters. The council and the courts prioritize kin-first culture in partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).     Attendees learned more about kin-first culture in a popular panel session featuring perspectives from four counties. Judge Roger Chan, presiding judge of the juvenile court in the San Francisco Superior Court, led the "Promoting a Kin-First Culture" session, which featured insights from Bob Friend, director of the National Institute for Permanent Family Connectedness (NIPFC); Erin Thuston, permanency policy bureau chief of CDSS; and judicial officers and county agency representatives from Kern, Sacramento, San Diego, and Santa Cruz. Each county shared their unique demographics, challenges, and partnerships in their respective child welfare systems.  “Thriving kin-first culture looks like a child and family team,” said Friend. “They can decide who needs to be [at the hearings], who has influence, who has the shared agreement. Do they feel like they matter and can they participate?”  Focus on CARE Act  The CARE Act is a pathway to deliver mental health treatment and support services to the most vulnerable Californians. The law establishes a new, non-criminal process that authorizes certain people—such as family members or first responders—to petition a civil court for treatment and services for those with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, which as of Jan 1, 2026, will include bipolar I disorder with psychotic features.   The preconference CARE Act convening brought together courts and agencies to reflect on the one-year mark since full implementation. Representatives from each county—including the courts in those counties—sat together at their own tables. They discussed highlights and areas for improvement and collaboration, and shared out with the wider group. Sessions included remarks from the council’s Chief Operating Officer Salena Chow as well as state medical and psychiatric experts. The sessions also featured best practices on intra-court referrals and clarifying roles within the CARE Act process. In a breakout session during the main conference, judicial officers from El Dorado, Calaveras, and Alameda Counties talked about the intersection of the CARE Act with juvenile law. All the panelists spoke about how the CARE Act process has been positively received in their counties. Alameda County in particular has received a strong response amongst younger participants.  The judicial officers from El Dorado and Alameda also joined judicial officers from Los Angeles and Glenn Counties at a CARE Act working group meeting hosted by California Health and Human Services (CalHHS), where they shared their processes, challenges, and success stories.  About the Judicial Council’s Center for Families, Children, and the Courts  The council's Center for Families, Children, and the Courts (CFCC) is dedicated to improving the quality of justice and services to meet the diverse needs of children, youth, and families. To that end, CFCC develops and provides education for multidisciplinary audiences, including judges, court staff, attorneys, social workers, probation officers and self-represented litigants. View additional photos from Beyond the Bench 2025 below.