The software company delivering the online test said that 98% of takers were able to successfully begin their exams Monday, but test takers have reported a variety of technical problems.

(Subscription required) Three cases the California Supreme Court will hear Wednesday could have significant implications for how judges and attorneys interpret recent changes to the state's criminal statutes.

(Subscription required) Assistant Presiding Judge Samuel K. Feng was elected to head the San Francisco County Superior Court next year, it was announced Friday. Feng will take over Jan. 1 from Presiding Judge Garrett L. Wong.

(Subscription required) The commissioner said he provides indicated sentences if requested and meets with attorneys in chambers to work out potential settlements. Kubelun added that about 90% of cases on his calendar are resolved.

California Governor Gavin Newsom nominated former First Appellate District Justice Martin Jenkins to the state’s highest court, marking nearly three decades since a Black man has sat on the California Supreme Court bench.

Accused of ignoring the needs of physically and mentally ill and suicidal inmates at its jails, Contra Costa County has agreed to a settlement that requires $250 million in spending over five years to increase staffing and improve health care.

(Subscription required) "Judicial participation in community outreach activities should be considered an official judicial function to promote public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice."

Some criminal justice advocates argue that SB-10 gives judges nearly unfettered discretion to detain individuals pretrial and will exacerbate racial inequities in the criminal justice system. However, other advocacy groups support the law.

Studies for many years have shown that minorities in California are more likely than whites to be stopped and arrested by police. A new report shows particularly wide disparities in police stops for “non-traffic infractions,” like sitting on the sidewalk, loitering in public or jaywalking, all punishable by hundreds of dollars in fines and fees.

(Subscription required) These issues stem from three problems: (i) the exam does not accurately measure competency, (ii) the exam arbitrarily limits the legal market available to the public, and (iii) ExamSoft is not competent to administer a remote bar exam.