For decades, California has held a perverse sort of pride over how difficult its bar exam is, with passage rates far lower than other states. Now it has become an outlier for more embarrassing reasons. While most states use a standardized exam to test whether law school graduates are qualified to practice there, the State Bar of California crafts its own exam — one that is currently in shambles.

(Subscription required) Since taking the bench in 2022, she's presided over 71 preliminary hearings, 27 criminal motions, and 10 jury trials. She regularly sees as many as 120 defendants on her calendar. She greets the courtroom every morning and break. "I want everyone to feel welcome," she said.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta says the state’s sovereignty was “trampled” by President Donald Trump when he ordered National Guard troops to the immigration protests in Los Angeles.

(Subscription required) Los Angeles Superior Court's appellate division adopts eService starting June 16, promising faster, more efficient justice. Attorneys praise the overdue change, while self-represented litigants can opt in.