The city of Tracy in San Joaquin County is one step closer to reopening its courthouse, which has been closed for nearly 15 years, after new state funding was allocated to move the project forward. Officials have long said the lack of a local courthouse has created challenges for residents.

A U.S. appeals court on Friday rebuked a Florida lawyer and ​county official for filing briefs riddled with what it called “fake and hallucinated” material generated by ‌artificial intelligence and issued a broad warning against outsourcing legal work carelessly to AI.

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.