• Judicial Profile: 5th District Justice Donald Franson

    Daily Journal
    April 28, 2026

    (Subscription required) A third-generation judicial officer, Justice Donald R. Franson Jr. reflects on his path to the 5th District Court of Appeal, his father's influence, and a career rooted in Fresno's legal community. 

  • LA court launches eviction diversion pilot in Compton

    Daily Journal
    April 28, 2026

    (Subscription required) A pilot program launched at the Compton Courthouse aims to resolve eviction cases through mediation and financial assistance to cover back rent without a trial, the Los Angeles County Superior Court announced Monday. The court issued a standing order requiring plaintiffs filing qualifying unlawful detainer cases in Compton to serve a notice informing defendants about the program.

  • 3rd District Justice Elena Duarte to retire after 15 years

    Daily Journal
    April 28, 2026

    (Subscription required) California Court of Appeal Associate Justice Elena J. Duarte will retire from the 3rd District at the end of May, concluding 15 years on the appellate bench and more than 19 years of judicial service.

    Related: California Courts Newsroom, Metropolitan News-Enterprise

  • [U.S.] Supreme Court Reviews Police Use of Cell Location Data to Find Criminals

    The New York Times
    April 27, 2026

    Geofence searches allow law enforcement to find suspects and witnesses by sweeping up location data from cellphone users near crime scenes. The justices will examine how the Constitution’s traditional protections apply to rapidly changing technology that has made it easier for the police to scoop up vast amounts of data to assemble a detailed look at a person’s movements and activities.