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

  • State Supreme Court Diversity – November 2025 Update

    Brennan Center for Justice
    November 18, 2025

    This year, the Brennan Center updated its data to offer a snapshot of the composition of every state supreme court plus the highest court in Washington, DC, as of November 12, 2025, including information on justices’ demographics and professional backgrounds

  • ‘Ministerial Exception’ Doesn’t Bar Wage-and-Hour Claim

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    November 26, 2025

    Div. Five of the First District Court of Appeal has reversed a summary judgment in favor a Zen Buddhist church in a wage-and-hour dispute, rejecting the judge’s notion that the action is barred under the “ministerial exception” to employer-liability laws and repudiating the contrary view of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

     

  • Judge May Order Sale of Copyright to Satisfy Alimony Debt

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    November 26, 2025

    There is no legal impediment to a bench officer in a family law court ordering that a copyright be sold to enable the owner, bereft of other assets, to pay off alimony and child support debts, Div. One of the Court of Appeal for this district has declared in a case of first impression which involved paintings by the late entertainer Michael Jackson.

     

  • Pat-Down Search Not Rendered Unnecessary Because Detainee Was Handcuffed, C.A. Says

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    November 25, 2025

    It was not unreasonable for a police officer to conduct a pat-down search of a detained suspect who was in handcuffs, Div. Six of this district’s Court of Appeal declared yesterday, rejecting the contention that the appellant could not have posed a danger to officers while restrained.