NewsLinks is a collection of recent news items relating primarily to the California judicial branch. NewsLinks does not verify or endorse the accuracy or fairness of the news items, and the views expressed in opinions, editorials, and commentaries are those of the writers only. Some news articles linked from this page may require a subscription or be behind a paywall.

NewsLinks

  • Bumping Prospective Juror Leads to Reversal of Conviction

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    April 22, 2026

    The Sixth District Court of Appeal has reversed the felony conviction of a man for driving under the influence based on the prosecution’s peremptory challenge to a Hispanic prospective juror who recounted a negative experience with law enforcement but said he would be fair and impartial, finding inadequate the judge’s explanation of why he was honoring the challenge.

  • Discretion to Dismiss After Diversion Grant Is Not Unfettered

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    April 22, 2026

    The Sixth District Court of Appeal has held that a trial judge erred in dismissing criminal charges faced by a defendant who was placed on mental health diversion based on a finding that the party made “amazing progress” while in custody for a new crime spree committed during the period of supervision, declaring that a court does not have “unfettered” discretion to determine what qualifies as satisfactory performance.

  • Ninth Circuit Won’t Block Deportation of Convict

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    April 21, 2026

    The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday declined to grant review of a decision that deportation of a man who was convicted in Brazil of a homicide may proceed despite the proclamation of the prosecutor during his trial, in absentia, that he wanted the life of the defendant ended. 

  • Judicial Profile: Los Angeles County Judge Jacob J.H. Yim

    Daily Journal
    April 21, 2026

    (Subscription required) A longtime prosecutor with more than 130 trials under his belt, Judge Jacob Yim now presides over one of L.A. County's busiest felony arraignment courts, blending efficiency with a focus on rehabilitation. 

  • Appeals court weighs limits on state challenges to labor arbitration awards

    Daily Journal
    April 21, 2026

    (Subscription required) A California Court of Appeal on Monday grappled with whether an award aimed at improving prison workplace safety unlawfully forced the state to violate fire codes or spend unapproved funds. At the center of the case is a ruling requiring the state to address safety concerns raised by dental staff working in small, enclosed rooms with inmates inside prisons.

  • Newsom Appoints Two to L.A. Superior Court

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    April 20, 2026

    Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Los Angeles County Deputy Alternate Public Defender Erin Dixon and private practitioner Gary Tokumori to vacancies on the Los Angeles Superior Court.