News Release

Judicial Council to Hear Reports on Chatbot Services, Pretrial Risk Assessment, Courthouse Building Standards

Will also review toolkit of best practices on complying with the Indian Child Welfare Act
Nov 6, 2020

VIA WEB CONFERENCE—The Judicial Council at its Nov. 13 meeting will review and consider a number of reports and recommendations, including:

Intelligent Chat for Self-Help Services: The council will consider a report on chatbots, which help court users ask questions and receive information online about the court process.

Pretrial Risk Assessment: The council will consider recommendations on pretrial detention and release reform, which included an examination of risk assessment tools that help judicial officers decide whether, or under what circumstances, to release a criminal defendant before trial.

Courthouse Design and Building Standards: The council will consider revisions to the facilities standards for the design and construction of trial court facilities in California to adhere to current code provisions and best management practices.

Toolkit for State Courts on Indian Child Welfare Act: The council will review a new toolkit of best practices and policies to help state courts comply with the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in cases governed by the act, improving outcomes for Indian children, families, and tribes.

Note: The November 13 meeting will be the last for Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, after serving for six years on the council as the chair of the state Senate Judiciary Committee.

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.

Images