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

  • Annotation on Check Referencing Debt Not Time-Bar Waiver

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    May 14, 2026

    Div. One of the Fourth District Court of Appeal has held that a notation on the memo line of a check made out to the plaintiff that references a loan between the parties for which repayment was years overdue is insufficient to qualify as a clear, unconditional written acknowledgement of an ongoing obligation to revive the promise to pay in the face of an expired statute of limitations.

  • LA Judge Admonished, Again, for Poor Demeanor Toward Litigants

    The Recorder
    May 13, 2026

    (Subscription required) The Commission on Judicial Performance has now disciplined Superior Court Judge Thomas Griego twice in two years for "demeaning, impatient and undignified" behavior.

    Related: Daily Journal

  • Column | The crisis of incivility requires immediate judicial attention

    Daily Journal
    May 14, 2026

    (Subscription required) In an era of overwhelming federal dockets and increasingly aggressive discovery practice, swift judicial intervention remains one of the few effective tools for preserving professionalism and the integrity of the process.

  • Chief Justice Issues Statement on Governor's May Budget Revise

    California Courts Newsroom
    May 14, 2026

    "As the state faces significant budget challenges, I appreciate Governor Newsom’s continued support of the judicial branch to protect access to justice for all. This includes increased funding for operational costs, court interpreters, and court-appointed counsel. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Administration and the Legislature to finalize the budget in the coming weeks."

    Related: Department of Finance - California Budget 2026-27

  • Judge keeps deposition protocol in social media bellwether dispute

    Daily Journal
    May 14, 2026

    (Subscription required) A Los Angeles judge ruled that an existing deposition protocol will govern questioning of a newly added therapist witness in the next social media addiction bellwether trial.

  • Judicial Profile: Los Angeles County Commissioner Caitlin Taylor

    Daily Journal
    May 13, 2026

    (Subscription required) Drawing on more than two decades in dependency court, Superior Court Commissioner Caitlin C. Taylor approaches juvenile justice with an emphasis on listening, education and accountability, encouraging minors to think about school, careers and life beyond the courtroom.

  • How one South LA school teaches the ‘nitty-gritty’ work of democracy

    LAist
    May 13, 2026

    “We focus on some of the nitty-gritty work of democracy that's not as election-focused,” Joel Snyder said of his curriculum. “Then hopefully we are able to turn those skills into an argument for why their legislators matter, which translates to voting in the future.”

  • CA Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Case of Covina Murder

    MyNewsLA
    May 13, 2026

    The California Supreme Court refused Wednesday to hear the case of a man who was convicted of second-degree murder for shooting his roommate, who was sitting inside a vehicle at the Covina mobile home park where they lived.