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

  • Rhode Island joins states issuing AI rules for lawyers

    Reuters
    June 17, 2026

    Rhode Island’s highest court on Wednesday amended its professional conduct rules and issued guidance on the use of generative AI, ​joining a growing number of states adopting AI guardrails for lawyers ‌as the technology spreads in the legal industry.

  • Judges may appoint colleague's spouse as minor's counsel, draft opinion says

    Daily Journal
    June 18, 2026

    (Subscription required) Judicial ethics committee seeks comment on draft opinion finding judges generally may appoint a colleague's attorney spouse as minor's counsel without disqualification or mandatory disclosure.

  • US Supreme Court limits ban on gun ownership by marijuana users

    Reuters
    June 18, 2026

    The justices, in a 9-0 ruling, upheld a lower court's decision to dismiss an illegal gun possession charge brought under the law at issue against Ali Hemani, an American-Pakistani ‌dual citizen and Texas resident who told authorities he was a regular marijuana user.

    Related: Courthouse News Service

  • The [U.S.] Supreme Court’s major cases during the 2025-26 term

    Washington Post
    June 18, 2026

    Cases related to President Donald Trump are dominating the Supreme Court’s docket for the second straight term, and this time the stakes are higher. But Trump’s policies are not the only thing on the court’s docket. The justices are also deciding major cases on politics, transgender rights and more.

  • Judicial Profile: Los Angeles County Commissioner Erika Diaz

    Daily Journal
    June 18, 2026

    (Subscription required) Raised in an immigrant community and shaped by years advocating for domestic violence survivors, Commissioner Erika J. Diaz now presides over some of the most emotionally charged matters in family court, where she strives to ensure litigants feel heard even when they disagree with the outcome.

  • Trucking company's independent-contractor defense fails in $52M verdict

    Daily Journal
    June 18, 2026

    (Subscription required) A Los Angeles County jury awarded $52 million to a motorcyclist severely injured when a semi-truck turned into his path, rejecting the defense argument that the trucking company was insulated from liability because the driver was an independent contractor.

  • Americans and AI 2026: Chatbots, Smart Devices and Views on Impact

    Pew Research Center
    June 17, 2026

    Some people are bringing AI into their homes. About a third of Americans say they have a smart speaker, and smaller shares have a doorbell or thermostat with AI features. But Americans —including younger adults— are deeply skeptical of AI. More adults predict that AI will have a negative rather than positive impact on them and on society. And majorities think AI is advancing too quickly and will put their personal information at risk.

  • Invitation to Comment: Appointing the Spouse of a Judicial Colleague as Minor’s Counsel

    California Courts Newsroom
    June 17, 2026

    The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) invites public comment on a draft formal opinion addressing ethical guidelines a judge must consider when appointing the attorney spouse of a judicial colleague as minor’s counsel in a case before that judge.