https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/san-bernardino-county-brings-legal-services-court-users-remote-areas San Bernardino County Brings Legal Services to Court Users in Remote AreasKaren.Datangel Wed, 04/23/2025 - 16:41 Feature At 20,105 square miles, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the contiguous United States by area. Spread throughout the county, in places often populated with more mountains and desert than people, the area’s 2 million residents sometimes must travel up to three hours to get to court. To increase access to justice for residents of the vast county, the Public Defender’s Office created its Mobile Defense Program. The program dispatches legal service RVs to isolated areas of the county so defendants can more easily appear in remote hearings related to low-level criminal cases. Public Defender’s Office Partners With San Bernardino Court  The Superior Court of San Bernardino County works with the Public Defender’s Office to coordinate calendar logistics and ensure a judicial officer is available to preside over the proceedings. The court uses remote technology installed at the courthouse to connect to the RVs out in the field. Additionally, the court’s Self-Help Center staff is available on-site for litigants who may need their services. “Implementing alternative proceedings is crucial for our community, especially in rural areas where access to local courts can be a significant challenge,” said Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan of the San Bernardino Superior Court. “In San Bernardino County, we face a shortage of judicial resources and facilities, making it difficult to adequately serve these remote locations. Participating in this program aims to bridge that gap, ensuring that justice is accessible and affordable for all constituents.” It's a win-win situation for both the litigant and the court. Litigants can clear a bench warrant or fine, which improves their quality of life, and the court lightens its caseload. Up to 100 cases can be cleared during one event. Outreach Events Offer More Than Just Legal Services The Mobile Defense Program events not only provide legal assistance, but other county agencies and organizations can provide help such as dental screenings, medical care, and job search assistance on site. “We have the largest county in the nation, so we are trying to develop creative ideas to provide direct assistance and relief to the community,” said Thomas W. Sone, San Bernardino County Public Defender. “The Mobile Defense Program aims to mitigate these challenges by bringing services directly to these isolated areas.” The first Mobile Defense Program event was held on May 21, 2024 in the unincorporated community of Landers. The most recent event held on Mar. 12 at The River’s Edge Ranch in Lucerne Valley attracted more than 200 attendees. Mobile Defense Program events are hosted throughout the county every six weeks. The next event will be held at the Joshua Tree Community Resource Fair at the Joshua Tree Community Center on Wednesday, May 14. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/remote-proceedings-have-enhanced-californias-courtrooms-and-improved-court-participation Remote Proceedings Have Enhanced California’s Courtrooms and Improved Court Participationelaine.chan Wed, 04/09/2025 - 09:19 Feature Over the past five years, remote proceedings have become an integral part of ensuring that courts are accessible to all Californians. Thousands of court hearings occur remotely each day, saving Californians millions of trips to courthouses each year. Litigants and Court Staff Give Remote Proceedings High RatingsCourts’ use of remote proceedings has received an overwhelmingly positive response from court users and staff. According to the most recent Judicial Council report to the Legislature, Report on the Use of Remote Technology in Civil Actions by the Trial Courts, 57 courts throughout the state reported using remote technology from Sept. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024. During that period, a total of 1,146,184 remote civil proceedings took place statewide. These included civil proceedings such as civil unlimited (46%), family law (19%), probate (13%), civil limited (9%), juvenile dependency (6%), juvenile delinquency (4%), small claims (2%), and civil mental health (1%). In a survey of remote proceedings participants, more than 90% of them had an overall positive experience and fewer than 2% reported experiencing an audio or visual technical issue. Remote Proceedings Can Benefit Vulnerable Parties Vulnerable court users, such as victims of domestic violence and elder abuse, have reported they had less anxiety and stress by not having to appear in court with the perpetrator. “In many cases, appearing remotely reduces the fear of appearing in a courtroom, especially for cases involving domestic violence and elder abuse,” said Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Ann Moorman during a 2024 Judicial Council meeting. “Remote proceedings do, and can, reduce further traumatization for participants and the potential for conflict in the courtroom.” Watch Judge Moorman’s presentation from the January 2024 Judicial Council business meeting: https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-courts-report-successful-start-care-act California Courts Report Successful Start to CARE ActCorren, Blaine Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:23 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its Jan. 19 meeting received an update on the successful implementation of the CARE Act, which authorizes specified people to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan that can include treatment, housing support, and other services for persons with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The council heard from two superior courts that have started receiving CARE Act petitions, including lessons learned on the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and reaching out to the community. “The most important ingredient for a successful program is collaboration among all the stakeholders,” said Orange County Judge Ebrahim Bayteih. “The objective for everyone, from beginning to end, is to provide wraparound services to those people and their families who so desperately need it.” Judge Bayteih added that while nearly half of the petitions filed in his court were submitted by family members, some were filed--with help from the Public Defender--directly by those who need the services. “Our court intends to communicate successful outcomes to build trust and increase participation in the CARE Act process,” added San Diego County Judge Kimberlee A. Lagotta. “That includes expanding our outreach to 13 neighborhood community centers, which are one-stop shops that improve access to legal services. We are committed to the success of the program.” Seven counties (Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Stanislaus, Tuolumne) started CARE Act implementation Oct. 1. Los Angeles County implemented the act on Dec. 1, and the remaining 50 counties must implement by Dec. 1, 2024. So far, those eight courts have received more than 220 CARE Act petitions. The act tasked the council with collecting data on the program’s implementation, which it reports quarterly to the California Department of Health Care Services. The council helped courts put the legislation into practice by approving new court rules and forms and creating fact sheets, webinars, and videos to educate courts and the public about the CARE Act process. The council also continues to meet with courts and county stakeholders to gauge progress and identify challenges. Watch Remote Appearances in Civil Cases Get High Marks The council also received a report finding the ability to hold remote appearances in civil cases is popular with court users and staff. The report shows that: California courts statewide handled nearly 150K civil proceedings remotely per month, equaling 7,000 per court day   More than 90% of court users and 98% of court staff reported a positive experience   Overall, less than 5% of litigants and only 2% of court staff reported experiencing technical issues during the remote proceeding In addition to the written report, the council also heard from Mendocino County Judge Ann Moorman, on how the option for attending remotely can increase participation and save litigants both time and money by not having to travel to the courthouse. She noted these benefits were seen in multiple areas, including proceedings in juvenile, conservatorships, domestic violence, and elder abuse cases. Set to sunset Jan. 1, 2026, Senate Bill 133 extends the option to appear remotely for a court conference, hearing, proceeding, or trial using remote technology in civil cases. The bill also requires the council to submit annual reports to the Legislature on any technology issues affecting the remote proceedings. Watch Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Racial Justice Toolkit for Judicial Officers and Court Staff: The council reviewed a new toolkit designed to help bench officers, trial court leaders, and court staff incorporate racial diversity, equity, and inclusion into their court operations; build effective community partnerships; train and educate staff; and develop and sustain a diverse workforce. The online toolkit has links to studies, practice guides, and sample racial justice programs and outreach activities, such as presenting information at townhall events, professional conferences, and self-help centers. Watch Update on Program Providing Free Legal Services in High-Stakes Civil Cases: The council received an update on the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act pilot program, which funds free legal services for low-income Californians facing critical civil cases such as child custody, eviction, conservatorship, elder abuse, and restraining orders. Since its launch in 2011, nearly 80,000 litigants have received legal services via the Shriver program, and 91% of those were in housing cases. Housing cases were significantly more likely to resolve via settlement and less likely to involve a trial when tenants had legal representation. Watch Education for Judges and Court Staff: The council approved its next two-year education plan for developing and delivering education to the judicial branch, which includes justices, judges, and court staff. 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. Participants in those live courses benefit from the curriculum and by creating lasting relationships with their colleagues attending the programs. Watch 2024 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, and efficient court operations. Watch The complete meeting agenda, council reports, and archived webcast are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-get-update-care-act-programs Judicial Council to Get Update on CARE Act ProgramsCorren, Blaine Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:21 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its Jan. 19 meeting will receive an update from two of the eight superior courts that have started receiving CARE Act petitions, including lessons learned from their experiences. The act authorizes specified people to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan that can include treatment, housing support, and other services for persons with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. At the meeting, judges from Orange and San Diego counties will highlight their courts’ efforts around stakeholder engagement and implementing the CARE Act, which include: Holding meetings for judicial officers and training for court staff; Collaborating with community stakeholders, including county partners, legal aid, and treatment providers; and Community outreach and education via websites, publications, and media Seven counties (Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Stanislaus, Tuolumne) started CARE Act implementation Oct. 1. Los Angeles County implemented the act on Dec. 1, and the remaining 50 counties must implement by Dec. 1, 2024. The act tasked the council with collecting data on the program’s implementation, which it reports quarterly to California Department of Health Care Services. Presenters will share the latest statewide statistics on the act’s implementation at the council meeting.  The council helped courts put the legislation into practice by approving new court rules and forms and creating fact sheets, webinars, and videos to educate courts and the public about the CARE Act process. The council also continues to meet with courts and county stakeholders to gauge progress and identify challenges. Remote Appearances in Civil Cases Get High Marks The council will also receive a report finding the ability to hold remote appearances in civil cases is popular with court users and staff. On June 30, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 133 to extend the option to appear remotely for a court conference, hearing, proceeding, or trial using remote technology in civil cases. Set to sunset January 1, 2026, the bill also requires the council to submit annual reports to the Legislature on any technology issues affecting the remote proceedings. The latest report shows that: California courts statewide handled nearly 150K civil proceedings remotely per month More than 90% of court users and 98% of court staff reported a positive experience Overall, less than 5% of litigants and only 2% of court staff reported experiencing technical issues during the remote proceeding Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Racial Justice Toolkit for Judicial Officers and Court Staff: The council will review a new toolkit designed to help bench officers, trial court leaders, and court staff incorporate racial diversity, equity, and inclusion into their court operations; build effective community partnerships; train and educate staff; and develop and sustain a diverse workforce. The online toolkit has studies, practice guides, and links to sample racial justice programs. Update on Program Providing Free Legal Services in High-Stakes Civil Cases: The council will receive an update on the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act pilot program, which funds free legal services for low-income Californians facing critical civil cases such as child custody, eviction, conservatorship, elder abuse, and restraining orders. Education for Judges and Court Staff: The council will consider its next two-year education plan for developing and delivering education to the judicial branch, which includes justices, judges, and court staff. The plan includes live programs and courses, offered both in person and remotely, as well as on-demand videos, online courses, webinars, podcasts, and publications. 2024 Legislative Priorities: The council will consider 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, and efficient court operations. 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/2023-year-review-judicial-council-california 2023 Year in Review: Judicial Council of CaliforniaCorren, Blaine Tue, 12/12/2023 - 15:40 Feature California’s new Chief Justice, the Judicial Council, and the courts continued to identify, refine, and enhance court operations and services to improve access to the justice system. The following are highlights of those efforts: New Chief Justice Prioritizes Access, Diversity, and Public ServiceChief Justice Patricia Guerrero was sworn into office on January 2, 2023, making history as the first Latina to serve as California’s Chief Justice. In her first State of the Judiciary address, and throughout her first year in office, Chief Justice Guerrero acknowledged her family’s sacrifices, the importance of her heritage, and her commitment to a more diverse and inclusive judicial branch. The Chief Justice also placed a high priority on accountability, public service, and providing high-quality services to court users. To meet these goals, she’s advocated for stable and reliable funding, additional judgeships for under-resourced courts, and increasing the ability of court users to conduct business online through remote technology and procedures employed during the pandemic. Sister Branches’ Continued Support for Judicial BranchThe fiscal year 2023-24 state budget included no cuts to court operational funding, which Chief Justice Guerrero called “a continued commitment by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to support the judicial branch with a sustainable budget, which is a cornerstone of our ability to provide access to justice for all Californians.” Funding for key priorities of the judicial branch included: An inflationary adjustment to account for increases in operational costs that helps keep courthouses open and accessible to the public   Implementation of new laws related to language access, racial justice, pretrial programs, firearm relinquishment, user-friendly court forms, and the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act   Courthouse construction and maintenance, including two new projects in Nevada and Santa Clara counties, and additional funding for previously approved projects in Monterey and San Bernardino counties   Backfill for declining revenues from civil fees and criminal fines and penalties   New Judgeships Authorized to Help Serve PublicBased on the Judicial Council’s 2022 Judicial Needs Assessment, 17 counties require additional judgeships, for a total of 98 new judicial positions in the state. In some counties, this judicial need is expected to widen due to continued, dramatic population growth. In response, the state Legislature passed and the Governor signed SB 75 in October, authorizing 26 new superior court judgeships subject to an appropriation by the Legislature. Making the Jury System Better for JurorsRecognizing the importance of the right to a trial by jury, following are recent initiatives to improve jury service in California: Legislation enabling jurors to get reimbursed for mileage expenses both to and from court—also authorizes courts to partner with local public transit to provide low-cost or no-cost roundtrip transportation (see Los Angeles court’s partnership)   Upcoming pilot program in seven superior courts to study the impact of increasing juror compensation on participation and representation among juries (see AB 1981)   E-payment pilot project in Stanislaus County to pay jurors faster and more conveniently, without the need for paper checks   Expanded access to online jury portals, where individuals can check dates of service, sign up for reminders, and request postponements and excusals (see example of jury portal)   Increased diversity of jury pools by using three source lists—Department of Motor Vehicles, local Registrar of Voters, and Franchise Tax Board—to summon people for jury service   Produced in collaboration with the California Judges Association, a newly adapted video on understanding the challenges of implicit bias that serves as a guide and a tool for jurors to identify whether they may have a preconception that would impact their ability to serve Remote Proceedings and Services Stay Popular With Court UsersThe Judicial Council in November received the final report from the Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives that included recommendations to continue practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic that increased access to justice for court users and the public. The workgroup identified successful remote practices and received input from court users, judicial officers, court staff, legal aid representatives, and criminal and civil attorneys. The report highlighted the workgroup’s efforts and recommendations outlined in its interim reports, which included: Expansion of remote access on a permanent basis for most proceedings   Consideration of conducting juror questionnaires, hardship forms, and selection online   Recommendations on case and proceeding types to conduct remotely, protocols for ensuring court users fully understand their options, and statewide guidelines to ensure court users receive the best possible levels of service and access The council continues to work with the Legislature to maintain remote options for court users, ultimately negotiating an extension of authority for courts to hold proceedings remotely in criminal cases through Jan. 1, 2025—and in general civil, civil commitment, and juvenile justice proceedings through Jan. 1, 2026. Helping Drivers Struggling with Traffic FeesThe MyCitations ability-to-pay program is an online tool where people can look up their traffic citation, answer questions about their income level, and submit a request to the court for a fee reduction. Users can also request a payment plan, more time to pay, or community service. Launched in 2019 in just a few courts, 38 superior courts now offer the MyCitations tool—the remaining 20 courts are scheduled to adopt it by June 30, 2024. Statewide as of December 1, 2023: Number of users/requesters: 86,851   Number of requests: 122,027   Total original amount due on all requests: $68,863,445   Total amount forgiven by courts: $45,180,608   Positive Impact of Pretrial ProgramsPretrial programs aim to increase the safe and efficient release of arrestees before trial, using the least restrictive monitoring practices possible while still protecting public safety and ensuring court appearances. A study released this year of California’s pretrial pilot program tracked more than 422,000 defendants awaiting trial in 17 superior courts. The study showed: Pretrial programs increased the release of people facing misdemeanors by 5.7% and by 8.8% for those arrested for felonies   Pretrial programs decreased the likelihood of rearrest for people awaiting trial by 5.8% for those booked on misdemeanors and by 2.4% for those booked on felonies While the pilot programs increased pretrial releases across the board, positive effects were especially large for certain people of color. Before program implementation, Black and Hispanic defendants booked on misdemeanors were 1.2% less likely to be released pretrial compared to White defendants booked on similar charges. After program implementation, Black defendants were 3% more likely to be released compared to White defendants, while Hispanic defendants had no significant difference in pretrial release rates compared to White defendants booked on similar charges. The state budget now provides ongoing funding to implement pretrial release programs statewide. Courts Making Data-Informed DecisionsA statewide data analytics summit convened more than 200 court professionals from 42 courts to share best practices for using data to support changes to their processes, which not only improved their internal operations, but improved the experience for court users. Courts sharing their data-informed strategies included: Los Angeles: the court designated specific courtrooms to hear domestic violence restraining orders to better streamline its family court calendars   Monterey: the court changed when it heard certain case types to help ensure interpreters are available   Santa Barbara: the court became more efficient in how many people it calls for jury duty each day   Courts Help Implement CARE ActEnacted this year, the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act authorizes specific adult persons to petition a civil court to create a voluntary CARE agreement or a court-ordered CARE plan, which includes treatment, housing support, and other services for persons with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Per the legislation, seven counties (Glenn, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Stanislaus, Tuolumne) started CARE Act implementation Oct. 1. Los Angeles County implemented the act on Dec. 1, and the remaining 50 counties must implement it by Dec. 1, 2024. The Judicial Council helped courts prepare to put the legislation into practice by approving new court rules and forms and creating fact sheets, webinars, and videos to educate courts and the public about the CARE Act process. El Centro Courthouse Courthouse Construction Projects Improve Safety, ServiceThe state budget this year included funding to build critically needed new courthouses that will improve court operations and services to the public, including two new projects in Nevada and Santa Clara counties, and additional funding for previously approved projects in Monterey and San Bernardino counties. Overall, 19 projects are in various stages, ranging from site acquisition to design to construction. This year, the branch completed a new courthouse in El Centro and a renovation in Willows. Since assuming responsibility for court construction in 2002, the council has completed 34 new courthouses. Courts Prepare for Rise in Climate and Water Law CasesAs our climate continues to change, legal and policy experts expect a corresponding increase in the number of climate and water-related lawsuits and other regulatory issues coming before the courts. This year, a group of California judicial officers and court staff attorneys came together for the Judicial Council’s first Environmental Summit, where attendees heard the current science on climate change, the potential impacts on the public, and the expected lawsuits and disagreements courts will help to resolve. The council also expanded training for courts on climate change and water law, including in-person courses, videos, podcasts, and publications on environmental law topics. Judicial Branch Celebrates First Juneteenth State HolidayOn June 19, the judicial branch joined Californians in celebrating Juneteenth as a state holiday for the first time. The Judicial Council supported the bill, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Said California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero: “This year, our judicial branch honors this monumental day in our history, reminding us of the long struggle to freedom for Black Americans. To honor that struggle and our commitment to equal treatment under the law, we reaffirm access, fairness, diversity, and inclusion as foundational goals for our court system. We celebrate California’s diversity as a strength and our progress toward a court system that is more diverse and reflective of the communities we serve.” Judges in the Classroom Helping to Revive Civics EducationAs part of the Chief Justice’s Civic Learning Initiative, the Judges in the Classroom program continues to match judges with schools for in-person or remote visits with students. The visits help students understand the legal system, promote civic engagement, and highlight careers in the law. Statewide, the Judges in the Classroom program now has 213 volunteer judges from 32 counties. The superior courts in San Diego and Santa Clara counties collectively received more than 140 requests from teachers seeking in-person visits for Constitution Month in September. And in Orange County, of the 14 classrooms lined up to receive visits during Constitution Month, nearly all of them reported the lesson was the first time their students learned about the three branches of government. Judicial Branch Honors Individuals for Outstanding ServiceThe Judicial Council honored two recipients with its 2023 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California. This year’s recipients—Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon and Justice Marsha Slough (Ret.)—were honored for their work related to improving judicial diversity, leading courts through the COVID-19 pandemic, driving court-based innovations to better serve the public, and helping to shape a stable funding system for the state’s judicial branch. In addition, Judge Mark Juhas received the 2023 Aranda Access to Justice Award, which honors a judge’s commitment to improving and promoting fairness and access to the courts, especially for low- and moderate-income Californians. The California Lawyers Association presents the award in partnership with the Judicial Council and California Judges Association, and in association with the California Commission on Access to Justice. Watch these videos to learn about this year's award recipients New Judicial Council Administrative Director In September, the council unanimously voted to select Shelley Curran as the Judicial Council’s next Administrative Director. Curran will assume the role Jan. 1, following the retirement of Acting Administrative Director Millicent Tidwell. Curran is the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the permanent leadership role at the council. Curran, the council’s chief policy and research officer, has served the council since 2009. During that time, she has been a key player in advancing major policy issues for the judicial branch that include remote court proceedings, pretrial detention, evidence-based practices in sentencing, recidivism reduction, ability-to-pay determinations for fines and fees, and the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act. ____________________________________________________________________ Stay connected in 2023 by subscribing to the California Courts Newsroom and Twitter/X feed. (See bottom of this page for links) https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-implement-new-video-conferencing-system California Supreme Court to Implement New Video Conferencing SystemBalassone, Merrill Thu, 11/30/2023 - 12:00 News Release The Supreme Court of California next month will begin using a new video conferencing service to support remote appearances during oral argument sessions.  The court will use the Zoom for Government service for counsel who choose to appear remotely beginning Dec. 5 for its oral argument session in Los Angeles. The court previously used the BlueJeans meeting service, which allowed the court to quickly pivot to virtual oral arguments at the start of the pandemic nearly four years ago. However, Verizon announced they would discontinue the service by early 2024. In choosing Zoom for Government, the court looked for ease of use, security, and accessibility, said California Supreme Court Clerk and Executive Officer Jorge E. Navarrete. While offering a similar experience as the commercial Zoom platform, Zoom for Government complies with federal government security standards and leverages U.S.-based cloud infrastructure, data centers, and personnel to manage the platform. It also includes in-meeting controls that help government users safeguard their meetings, and it provides accessibility features similar to the previous BlueJeans platform. Although the court has returned to in-person oral arguments, counsel continues to have the option to appear in person, or remotely via video pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2022-10-05. The court’s practice of webcasting its oral arguments will remain unchanged, and members of the public will be able to continue to view both live and archived sessions on the California Supreme Court website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-work-expanding-remote-access-court-services Judicial Council to Work on Expanding Remote Access to Court ServicesCorren, Blaine Fri, 11/17/2023 - 12:42 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its November 17 meeting received a report from the Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives summarizing its work to identify, refine, and enhance successful court practices that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.   For instance, since the pandemic, courts regularly use remote technology to conduct case proceedings—with around 6,000 hearings conducted remotely around the state each day. “We learned so much about the adaptability, creativity, and ingenuity of the trial courts and justice partners,” said Justice Marsha Slough (Ret.), who chaired the workgroup. “The input we heard in our listening sessions made it very clear that providing access to the courts through the use of remote technology is an access to justice issue. Individuals who face barriers to accessing their court proceedings in person, can effectively resolve those issues when they can appear remotely.” The report highlights the workgroup’s efforts and recommendations outlined in its interim reports, which included: Expansion of remote access on a permanent basis for most proceedings   Consideration of conducting juror questionnaires, hardship forms, and selection online   Recommendations on case and proceeding types to conduct remotely, protocols for ensuring court users fully understand their options, and statewide guidelines to ensure court users receive the best possible levels of service and access “The workgroup was a remarkable opportunity born out of an extraordinary crisis,” said Judge Marla Anderson, who served on the workgroup. “It was an opportunity to not only self-assess and examine how courts were able to pivot and adapt in a crisis, but also to consider how to maximize innovation to better respond to the needs of court users and the public.” The report also underscores the workgroup’s recommendation that the council’s advisory bodies and staff should research the possibility of establishing virtual visitation options in family and juvenile law, allowing remote appearances in traffic infraction cases, and expanding remote access and communication between in-custody defendants and their attorneys. Watch Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda:Report on Hybrid CourtroomsThe council received the final report studying hybrid courtrooms, which identified key concepts to help ensure an effective forum in which all participants could communicate and interact with the court, the other parties, and court staff. The report also provides recommendations on developing a request for proposal for technology equipment that would help expand the capability of courtrooms to conduct remote proceedings. The Chief Justice directed the council’s advisory committees to further review the report, develop a roadmap for furthering its goals, and submit a proposal for the council’s consideration. Watch New Requirements for American Sign Language Court Interpreters: The council approved recommendations to address the shortage of American Sign Language (ASL) court interpreters, which included approving the Texas Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Board for Evaluation of Interpreters as a testing entity and developing a proposal to certify persons with ASL generalist credentials to perform work in the courts. Only 39 certified ASL court interpreters remain currently active in California. Watch Court Adoption and Permanency Month: The council acknowledged Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s signing of a resolution proclaiming November as Court Adoption and Permanency Month. The resolution recognizes the ongoing efforts of California’s juvenile courts and their justice partners to provide children and families with access to fair, understandable judicial proceedings leading to timely, well-informed, and just permanency outcomes. The resolution also notes that state laws require courts to ensure that social services exercise due diligence in locating and engaging relatives and extended family members as the preferential placement for children. Watch 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/council-launches-working-group-study-remote-proceedings-civil-cases Council Launches Working Group to Study Remote Proceedings in Civil CasesCorren, Blaine Tue, 06/21/2022 - 12:35 News Release Updated June 2022:  Courts Using Data to Improve Services A new Judicial Council working group will propose statewide guidelines for conducting judicial proceedings remotely in civil cases, while providing equal and fair access to the court system for the public. “Providing access to the courts through remote technology increases access to justice as many of our court users may have to miss work or travel long distances to make court appearances,” said Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who chairs the council and appointed the working group members. “Remote technology should not replace all in-person court hearings, but Californians should have the freedom of choice to conduct their business remotely whenever appropriate.” Working Group Members and Charge The council’s diverse, 25-member Code of Civil Procedure Section 367.9 Working Group consists of judges, court executive officers, attorneys, court reporters, and interpreters. The working group will consider such issues as: Protocols for ensuring court users fully understand their options for accessing the court remotely; Case types and proceedings for which remote appearances are appropriate; Availability and use of interpreters and court reporters; and Procedural and technical guidelines for using remote technology. Working Group to Analyze Data Collected on Remote ProceedingsAssembly Bill 177 led to the enactment of section 367.9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, calling for the creation of the working group. That bill also created section 367.8 of the code, which requires the Judicial Council to collect data on the number of civil proceedings conducted remotely, technology issues, and court users’ and court employees’ experience using remote technology. The working group will use this data to help create its proposed recommendations, which are due to the Legislature and the Governor by January 1, 2023. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/going-online-settle-small-claims-big-hit Going Online to Settle Small Claims a Big HitCorren, Blaine Mon, 03/28/2022 - 15:59 Feature Roughly 150,000 small claims cases are filed every year in California, including between 50 to 60 thousand in Los Angeles County alone. By law these cases are worth less than $10,000, but they can be a large obstacle in many people’s lives. But the online dispute resolution (ODR) tool offered by the Los Angeles Superior Court is one of a handful of programs in the state giving court users the freedom to settle their cases without going to court or before a judge. How it WorksThe court’s ODR tool guides litigants through a series of simple questions regarding their dispute, and enables them to confidentially share documents and propose resolutions online. The tool offers assistance from trained mediators and information about available services from housing counselors during the negotiation process. Once a resolution is reached, the tool generates the forms for a settlement agreement and then automatically and electronically files the final agreement with the court at no cost, and with no court hearing. Parties who do not reach an agreement within two court days of their scheduled hearing will be required to appear in court (either in person or remotely). The court’s ODR tool is a cooperative effort with the LA County Department of Consumer and Business affairs, who provided partial funding for software development, and who provide no-cost mediation services. “We continually seek more efficient and convenient ways to serve our communities and expand access to justice," said Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor, a strong supporter of the online program. "Our online dispute resolution program makes it possible for Los Angeles County residents to resolve their disputes online and more efficiently by reducing the need for in person hearings during the pandemic.” Stats from the Court’s ODR ProgramSince its launch in February 2021, the Los Angeles court’s ODR program has helped resolve 600 small claims cases and 700 more are pending. The court expanded its ODR program to eviction cases in December, and so far 69 of those disputes have been resolved and 119 are pending. The court first starting using ODR back in May 2019 so parents could negotiate and agree to parenting plans in child custody disputes. Parents working out the details of custody plans can negotiate and agree to a plan online. In 2021, the tool facilitated the negotiations of 177 parenting plans, while 83 of those negotiations got referred to mediation, where a partial agreement was reached. Increasing Use of Online Dispute ResolutionRecognizing the interest in and potential of ODR for small claims or other cases, Judicial Council advisory committees on technology and small claims studied the issue to help courts interested in launching their own remote services and streamlining procedures. The committees analyzed existing court programs and explored other options to identify best practices, rules, forms, and funding opportunities that could help additional courts launch their own programs. The following California superior courts offer ODR tools to help settle small claims disputes between parties online: Superior Court of Los Angeles County – small claims Superior Court of Orange County – small claims Superior Court of Santa Clara County – small claims Superior Court of Stanislaus County – small claims Superior Court of Yolo County – small claims https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/report-cites-ways-help-increase-diversity-jurors Report Cites Ways to Help Increase the Diversity of JurorsCorren, Blaine Wed, 03/23/2022 - 12:08 News Release Feature A new interim report from a judicial branch pandemic workgroup recommends expanding the number and diversity of people able to fulfill jury service by increasing juror pay, adjusting reporting times, and providing remote options. “One of the silver linings emerging from the trial courts’ response to the pandemic is looking with fresh eyes at ways to improve the juror experience,” said Justice Marsha Slough, chair of the pandemic workgroup. “We’ve been able to reimagine ways for people to participate in jury duty that might not have been thought possible a few years ago. Providing Californians with opportunities to participate online helps clear obstacles and enables them to participate in the fundamental civic responsibility of jury duty.” In crafting its recommendations, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye’s Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives heard from judicial officers, court executives, criminal and civil attorneys, and court staff. The workgroup asked these groups to comment on juror selection practices adopted during the pandemic via changes in jury management and operations, while maintaining the health and safety of court users, judicial officers, staff, and particularly prospective and sworn jurors. Based on those comments, the workgroup report recommends to:  Raise juror pay and travel reimbursement to reduce financial hardships and improve options for getting to the courthouse   Allow jurors to complete juror questionnaires and hardship forms online before being required to physically appear in court for voir dire   Stagger jury service appearance times with varying panel sizes in order to maximize efficiency for court staff and the summoned jurors   Develop tools for courts to conduct voir dire remotely, which helps streamline the juror selection process and gather information related to for-cause and peremptory challenges   We’ve been able to reimagine ways for people to participate in jury duty that might not have been thought possible a few years ago. — Justice Marsha Slough Pandemic Makes Fulfilling Jury Service Even Tougher The workgroup’s report notes the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many new and existing barriers to jury service, especially for low-income and unhoused individuals, communities of color, seniors, the disabled, parents of young children, those without access to reasonable transportation, and other vulnerable, underserved, or underrepresented populations. The workgroup explains its recommendations could help expand access to jury service and increase the diversity of jurors able to serve, resulting in better jury deliberations, fewer hung juries, and greater public confidence in the justice system. Next Steps The pandemic workgroup will coordinate its efforts to improve juror systems with the Judicial Council’s recently established Jury Administration and Management subcommittee, which consists of members from the council’s Court Executives Advisory Committee. The subcommittee will review jury operations, identify best practices, and make recommendations on potential reforms and other post-pandemic issues.