The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting will consider recommendations on how to allocate funding to the trial courts included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom.

(Subscription required) As the judge overseeing the felony early disposition calendar in Los Angeles County's East District, Rob B. Villeza manages the courthouse's busiest criminal entry point while serving as a mentor and judicial leader known for preparation, collaboration and independent decision-making.

(Subscription required) After nearly two decades prosecuting misdemeanor cases for the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Commissioner Aleen M. Avanesian now presides over child support and parentage matters, emphasizing careful preparation, patience and ensuring every litigant feels heard.

Div. Four of the First District Court of Appeal has held that, at evidentiary hearings aimed at determining whether retroactive amendments to the felony murder rule undermine a defendant’s conviction, courts are to ask whether prosecutors have shown that the suspect is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and not whether the suspect could be convicted of the charge under current law.