https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-hold-october-7-oral-argument-san-francisco California Supreme Court to Hold October 7 Oral Argument in San FranciscoBalassone, Merrill Wed, 09/30/2026 - 12:51 News Release The California Supreme Court has announced that, due to unforeseen circumstances, its October 7, 2026 oral argument calendar, previously scheduled for hearing as a special outreach session in Redding, will instead be heard in its San Francisco courtroom. The court regrets that it is unable to visit Redding at this time, and it plans on conducting a special outreach session in Redding in a future court year. The oral argument calendar will remain as previously set by the court. Oral argument will be livestreamed on the Judicial Branch website, supreme.courts.ca.gov and on the California Courts Newsroom, newsroom.courts.ca.gov. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-consider-appointments-courts-appeal-14 Commission to Consider Appointments to Courts of AppealKaren.Datangel Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:20 News Release The live webcast will begin on Oct. 9 at 9:30 a.m. The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold remote hearings on Oct. 9 starting at 9:30 a.m. to consider three appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The commission will consider the following appointments: 9:30 a.m.: Judge Alexander Giza, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) 10:30 a.m.: Judge Cindy Pánuco, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) 11:30 a.m.: Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) The hearing webcasts will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom. The state Constitution specifies that a gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Appeal is effective when confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.  The commission members who will consider the appointments are California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearings)*; and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearing). Appointee BiographiesJudge Alexander Giza would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Anne H. Egerton, effective Oct. 11. He has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2019. He previously worked as a partner and associate in private practice from 2001 to 2018. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Judge Cindy Pánuco would fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Rashida Adams to presiding justice. She has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2024. She previously worked in private practice as of counsel from 2023 to 2024, as partner from 2016 to 2019, and as an associate from 2009 to 2016. She worked in multiple roles at the Los Angeles Public Counsel including as vice president and chief programs officer from 2020 to 2023 and directing attorney of the Consumer Rights and Economic Justice Project from 2018 to 2020. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Maurice Sanchez, effective Oct. 2. She has served as an Orange Superior Court judge since 2009 and as an Orange Superior Court commissioner from 2006 to 2009. She previously served as a senior deputy public defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 1995 to 2006 and worked as an associate in private practice from 1992 to 1995. She received her Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law. Testimony and CommentRequests to testify or written comments on the appointment must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 2 (five court days prior to the hearing). Anyone wishing to testify before the commission must state that request in writing and include a summary of the facts on which any testimony or opinion will be based.   Submissions via email to coja@jud.ca.gov are strongly encouraged. Hard copies are not required.  If you would like to mail your request, you may also reach the commission at:  Commission on Judicial Appointments  c/o Chief Justice of California  Supreme Court of California  350 McAllister Street  San Francisco, California 94102  Attention: Secretary to the Commission   Guidelines for the Commission on Judicial Appointments are published in the appendix to the California Rules of Court and are posted on the California Courts website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-makes-appointments-state-bar-court-and-supreme-courts-advisory California Supreme Court Makes Appointments to the State Bar Court and to the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial EthicsKaren.Datangel Thu, 09/24/2026 - 08:01 News Release The Supreme Court of California today announced two appointments to the State Bar Court and its appointments to the court’s reconstituted Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics. The court appointed Judge W. Kearse McGill as the State Bar Court’s next presiding judge to succeed current Presiding Judge Richard Honn, who is retiring at the end of October 2026 after serving nearly 25 years on the State Bar Court. Judge McGill currently serves as a judge on the Review Department, which is the appellate level of the State Bar Court. To fill the vacancy in the Review Department created by the retirement of Presiding Judge Honn, the court appointed Dennis Saab, who is currently serving as a judge on the State Bar Court’s trial-level Hearing Department in Los Angeles. The Speaker of the Assembly originally appointed Judge Saab to the State Bar Court in 2019. Separately, the court also made appointments to reconstitute its Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics, which considers and offers the court recommendations regarding possible amendments to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and its commentary.  The court appointed Judge Samantha Jessner of the Los Angeles Superior Court to serve as the committee’s chair. The court appointed former Presiding Justice Laurence D. Rubin (ret.) of the Second Appellate Division, Division Five, to serve as the committee’s vice chair. The court also appointed the following judicial officers to the reconstituted committee: Judge George Abdallah, Jr., San Joaquin Superior Court Judge James Bianco, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Enright, San Diego Superior Court Judge Lisa Lench, Los Angeles Superior Court Associate Justice Tara Desautels, First Appellate District, Division Two Associate Justice Aimee Feinberg, Third Appellate District Associate Justice Charles Wilson, Sixth Appellate District Judges Abdallah, Bianco, Enright, and Lench and Justice Rubin have served on the prior iteration of the committee, and the rest of the appointees are new members. In June 2026, the court approved new rule 9.81 of the California Rules of Court to govern the composition, duties, and procedures for the committee. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/memoriam-california-supreme-court-justice-joyce-l-kennard-1941-2026 In Memoriam: California Supreme Court Justice Joyce L. Kennard (1941–2026)Balassone, Merrill Fri, 09/18/2026 - 14:36 News Release Joyce L. Kennard, whose perseverance and professional excellence propelled her to become one of the longest-serving justices in the history of the California Supreme Court, has passed away. She was 85. “Justice Kennard’s life was a testament to resilience, and she brought that same strength to 25 years of service to this court,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “She carefully analyzed the law, studied the facts, and strived to protect fundamental freedoms and promote the independence of the judiciary. Her rigor on the bench and her extraordinary personal journey continue to inspire attorneys and judges.” Justice Kennard was born in Indonesia to parents of Dutch, Indonesian, Chinese, and German descent. As a young child during World War II, she and her family were held in a Japanese internment camp. As a teenager, she had her leg amputated after developing a tumor and wore a prosthetic for the rest of her life. She immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where she worked as a secretary while pursuing her education. She earned an associate’s degree from Pasadena City College, then a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in public administration, and a law degree, all from the University of Southern California. Justice Kennard began her legal career as a Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice. Later, she served as a Senior Attorney for Associate Justice Edwin F. Beach at the Second District Court of Appeal. Governor George Deukmejian appointed her to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1986, to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 1987, to the Second District Court of Appeal in 1988, and finally to the Supreme Court in 1989, making her only the second woman and the first person of Asian descent to serve on the state’s highest court. During her 25 years on the court, Justice Kennard developed a reputation for independence and was known for her rigorous questioning during oral arguments. She retired from the court in April 2014. At the last oral argument session in which she participated, fellow Associate Justice Marvin Baxter described Justice Kennard’s life as “a successful effort to overcome extraordinary challenge and adversity” and noted her “record of achieving success against all odds.” He offered the following tribute: “ ‘Dedication’ is a word that perfectly applies to Justice Kennard. Whether they agree or disagree with her on particular cases, her colleagues know she has given each and every one her thoughtful, sincere, and scholarly attention. And drawing upon her own remarkable life experience, she has striven always for excellence, fairness, and the correct rule of law. This is her only agenda, and no one works harder to get it right. And for these qualities, she has earned the highest respect of her fellow justices.” In her letter to Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, Jr. announcing her retirement, Justice Kennard wrote, “Any success I achieved could have happened only in America, a land that encourages impossible dreams, a land where one can succeed against all odds.” The court will convene an in memoriam session in recognition of Justice Kennard during its 2026–2027 term.   https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-hold-oral-argument-outreach-session-shasta-county California Supreme Court to Hold Oral Argument Outreach Session in Shasta CountyBalassone, Merrill Thu, 09/17/2026 - 11:24 News Release Media interested in attending the session are asked to contact merrill.balassone@jud.ca.gov The California Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Redding on Oct. 7, continuing its tradition of holding annual outreach sessions in locations across the state. The special session will be held at Shasta Union High School District and will be attended by students and teachers from nearby schools. Before observing oral argument, students will have an opportunity to ask the justices questions about their roles in the judicial system. Said Chief Justice Guerrero: “The California Supreme Court is honored to welcome Shasta County students to our special oral argument session. The opportunity for these students to observe real legal arguments helps turn an abstract idea like the rule of law into something tangible. We hope they leave here with a better understanding of California’s justice system and even consider a future career in law.” The court last held oral argument in Shasta County in 2005. Last year’s special outreach session took place in Monterey, with previous recent sessions in Fresno (in 2024) and San Diego (in 2023). The session will be open to the general public. The event will also be broadcast live on the Supreme Court website and the California Courts Newsroom. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-maurice-sanchez-retire-california-court-appeal-fourth-district-division-three Justice Maurice Sanchez to retire from the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division ThreeMartin.Novitski Wed, 09/16/2026 - 16:13 News Release SANTA ANA–Associate Justice Maurice Sanchez of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three, will retire on October 2, 2026, after a remarkable and distinguished 45-year legal career. Justice Sanchez was the first Latino, the first person of color, and the first Orange County native to serve as a Justice on the Fourth District, Division Three in its 43-year history. Justice Sanchez was guided as a jurist by the beliefs that his duty was to interpret the law faithfully, promptly, and transparently; judges must remain independent, willing to make unpopular decisions, and be above reproach in their professional and personal conduct; and the law must be accessible to all and every person who appears before the court must be treated with dignity and respect. “As the first person of color appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, Justice Sanchez served with distinction and spearheaded the court’s outreach efforts. His deep dedication to the law and the communities we serve has left an indelible mark. His legacy will endure through the profound impact of his opinions and the many lives inspired by his judicial career.”—Presiding Justice Joanne Motoike Justice Sanchez was born in Orange and raised in Santa Ana, California. His parents were immigrants from Mexico who spoke very little English yet worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children. After graduating from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Justice Sanchez earned a B.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine in 1978 and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 1981. Following law school, Justice Sanchez returned to Orange County to work as an associate at Rutan & Tucker. He later worked as senior counsel at Hyundai Motor America and managing counsel at Mazda Motor of America, named partner at Alvarado Smith & Sanchez, partner at Baker & Hostetler, and partner at Nelson Mullins. He established an expertise in automobile franchise law and represented many motor vehicle, motorsport, and heavy-equipment manufacturers in both litigation and transactional matters. Justice Sanchez reflected, “[t]hose years in private practice taught me that fairness, clarity, and balance are indispensable to justice.” Despite the demands of an active law practice, Justice Sanchez made time to handle pro bono cases and volunteer to serve abused children and students from families with limited resources. To that end, he served for 29 years on the board of directors of the Olive Crest Abused Children’s Foundation, including three years as its chair. His law practice and pro bono work taught Justice Sanchez a lesson that would prove most valuable as a jurist—“I represented the powerless and the powerful and I learned that behind every case lies a person whose life will be shaped by the court’s decision.” Governor Edmund G. Brown appointed Justice Sanchez to the Superior Court in 2018. He enjoyed his stint in the family law division and found it to be rewarding because there he dealt with matters which, though basic, were of the utmost importance to people in their daily lives. In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Justice Sanchez to the Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three. He was rated as exceptionally well qualified by the Judicial Nominations Evaluation Commission.   One of Justice Sanchez’s most important accomplishments as an appellate justice was working with then-Presiding Justice Kathleen O’Leary to have the Santa Ana courthouse for the Fourth District, Division Three named after the late Justice Cruz Reynoso. In so honoring another Orange County native and the first Latino justice on the California Supreme Court, Justice Sanchez hoped to inspire Hispanic youth, and indeed all young people, to pursue the possibilities open to them.  In addition to his daily work deciding cases, Justice Sanchez served as Chair of the Judicial Council of California’s Court Interpreters Advisory Program, participated in the California Judicial Mentor Program, sat by assignment on the California Supreme Court, and acted as Presiding Special Master in a proceeding before the Commission on Judicial Performance. Justice Sanchez frequently has appeared as a panelist in judicial education and continuing legal education programs and has written a number of articles and papers on the law.  Throughout his career, Justice Sanchez has been active in the legal community. He has served as president of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and Judicial Trailblazer Award in 2020. He also has been honored by receiving the Spotlight on Excellence Award from the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (2024), the Lauds and Laurels Award from the University of California, Irvine (2023), the Ring of Honor from Mater Dei High School (2023), and a resolution of appreciation from the California New Motor Vehicle Board (2019) highlighting his contributions to the State of California’s motor vehicle industry. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-invite-educators-celebrate-constitution-month-and-america250 California Courts Invite Educators to Celebrate Constitution Month and America250 Martin.Novitski Wed, 08/26/2026 - 08:50 News Release This year’s commemoration highlights the California courts’ ongoing commitment to fostering public understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and our nation’s foundation. “As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, it is vital that we continue to open our doors and courtrooms to the next generation,” said California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, sponsor of the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative. “I’m proud to see the number of judges coming forward to support this important work as we look ahead to the new school year.”  Several opportunities offered by the Power of Democracy initiative extend throughout the school year. For Constitution Month, efforts are ramped up to include additional seasonal activities like swearing in elected student leaders and delivery of the California Civic Learning Award. Chief Justice Guerrero will continue her tradition of delivering in person the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence to schools in Sacramento, Riverside, and Orange Counties. “During my time as Chief Justice, one of the most meaningful experiences I look forward to every year is the opportunity to step into classrooms and meet students face-to-face. Presenting these awards that I co-sponsor with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction lets me continue that honor,” said the Chief Justice. Key Highlights of This Year’s Initiative Include: Judges in the Classroom: Judicial officers are accepting invitations from K-12 schools to speak with students about the framework of American democracy.  In addition, judges are prepared to administer the Oath of Office for newly elected student leaders.   Civic Learning Awards: Local judges will hand-deliver honors to schools recognized for their achievements in civics. A total of 19 awards will be presented.    America250 Outreach Challenge: Courts and judges taking the America250 Challenge pledge to connect with 250 students before the end of 2026.   First Annual Soapbox Challenge: Inspired by educators and students in the Anaheim Union High School District—which holds a record of 51 Civic Learning Awards since 2013—this new competition invites all K-12 schools to encourage students to deliver persuasive speeches on civics issues they feel strongly about.     “250 Words of Liberty” Essay Contest: materials are available for educators, school districts, and county offices of education to challenge students to a 250-word reflection on one of our country's foundational governing documents -- the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution. Get Involved: The America250 Outreach Challenge K-12 public schools interested in connecting with their local court, scheduling a classroom visit, planning a Constitution Month assembly, or organizing a "Steps of Justice" courthouse tour can submit a request through the Power of Democracy Website.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal-2 Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Thu, 08/20/2026 - 14:54 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego:  Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) Judge Juliet Macaulay, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) Judge Lisa Rodriguez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) Judge Marsha Amin, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearing); and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearings). The confirmations of Justice Adams, Judge Macaulay, and Judge Rodriguez are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing.  Appointee Biographies Justice Rashida Adams fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Edmon. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Three, since 2023 and previously served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge from 2017 to 2023. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior appellate court attorney at the Second Appellate District, Division Eight from 2008 to 2017 and was in private practice as an attorney from 2005 to 2007 and from 2001 to 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Judge Juliet Macaulay fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice. She has served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served in various roles at the California Department of Social Services including as chief administrative law judge from 2020 to 2022; presiding administrative law judge from 2016 to 2020; and administrative law judge from 2012 to 2016. She served at the California Board of Parole Hearings as a commissioner in 2011 and a deputy commissioner from 2004 to 2011. She was in private practice as a sole practitioner from 1997 to 2004. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ibadan. Judge Lisa Rodriguez fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Terry B. O’Rourke after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2015 and has worked as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2014. Before serving on the bench, she served as a deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2015 and as a deputy city attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1998. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Judge Marsha Amin fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Joan Irion. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2023. Before joining the bench, she served at the Fourth Appellate District as managing attorney from 2018 to 2023 and as senior attorney from 2011 to 2018. She was a litigation attorney in private practice from 2006 to 2010. She served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law.     View the full photo album on the California Courts Flickr. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-makes-appointments-state-bar-board-trustees-committee-bar-examiners-1 California Supreme Court Makes Appointments to State Bar Board of Trustees, Committee of Bar ExaminersKaren.Datangel Thu, 08/20/2026 - 12:11 News Release The Supreme Court of California today announced six reappointments and two appointments to the State Bar of California's Board of Trustees and the Committee of Bar Examiners, all effective September 18. The court reappointed public member José Cisneros as chair of the Board of Trustees for a second and final one-year term. Cisneros is the first non-attorney to be appointed chair of the board. He has served as the Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco since 2004. The court also reappointed public member Dr. Mark Toney to a second one-year term as board vice chair. Dr. Toney has served as the executive director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. Additionally, the court reappointed attorney David Jargiello to his first four-year term on the Board of Trustees. Jargiello was appointed to a partial term last year to fill a position vacated by Brandon Stallings. The Board of Trustees is the State Bar’s governing body that establishes the strategic direction for the agency and ensures that the organization is fulfilling its mission. In addition, the court made appointments to the Committee of Bar Examiners. The court reappointed attorney Ashley Silva-Guzman to another term on the committee. The court also appointed Silva-Guzman, the committee’s current vice chair, as the committee’s next chair for a one-year term. The court appointed public member Kareem Gongora to a one-year term as the committee’s vice chair. Gongora is an appointee of the Speaker of the Assembly and has served as the director of communications and public information at the Riverside Superior Court since 2025. The court also reappointed Justice Shama Mesiwala and Judge Renee C. Reyna each to four-year terms on the committee. Justice Mesiwala has served in the Third Appellate District since 2023. Judge Reyna has served in the San Mateo Superior Court since 2021. The Committee of Bar Examiners oversees development and administration of the California Bar Exam and reviews the moral character determination and admissions processes for attorneys. The committee also accredits state law schools and registers unaccredited state law schools. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-sets-2027-oral-argument-calendar California Supreme Court Sets 2027 Oral Argument CalendarBalassone, Merrill Thu, 08/20/2026 - 09:37 News Release The Supreme Court of California today published its oral argument calendar for 2027. The court will continue its practice of hearing oral argument in courtrooms around the state. In addition to a special outreach session, oral argument will be held in San Francisco (in January, March, May, September, and November); Sacramento (in February); and Los Angeles (in April, June, and December). The court's practice of holding oral argument sessions in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles dates back to 1878. Next year’s special outreach oral argument session will take place in October at Shadow Hills High School in Indio in the Coachella Valley. The court’s special outreach sessions provide high school students and their teachers across the state with an opportunity to attend oral argument and learn about the judicial process. The 2027 calendar also identifies when the court's weekly petition conferences will occur, as well as court holidays.