News Release

Judicial Council to Hear Plan to Expand Digital Court

Will receive reports on addressing defendants with mental health issues, how state youth facility closures will affect local courts
Mar 5, 2021

VIA WEB CONFERENCE—The Judicial Council at its Mar. 12 meeting will consider an update to its tactical plan for technology to enhance electronic access to courts and court services for litigants, lawyers, justice partners, and the public.

The proposed plan would expand technology projects already underway, including:

  • Remote video appearances;
  • Language access technology (such as video remote interpreting and voice-to-text services)
  • Online self-help services;
  • E-filing; and
  • Online dispute resolution

The plan also includes improvements to information security, data analytics, and electronic evidence and record management.

Other items on the council meeting agenda include:

California Juvenile Justice Realignment: The council will hear about recent legislation to close state juvenile facilities and require each county and court to manage juvenile offenders who remain under juvenile court jurisdiction. This presentation will highlight changes to the law and the issues for the judicial branch in implementing these changes with other key juvenile justice stakeholders.

Improving Outcomes for Defendants with Mental Health Issues: The council will receive a report on people who have mental illness in the criminal justice system. It documents progress made to improve responses to defendants who have mental illnesses in adult criminal court, outlines areas where work remains, and identifies further efforts needed.

Payment Policies for Contract Court Interpreters: The council will consider a proposal to increase daily compensation rates, changes to travel reimbursements rates, and other revisions to the payment policies for contract court interpreters.

The complete 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.

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