The Kern County court is seeking public input on its upcoming five-year strategic plan through a public survey, which asks questions about how the courts serve the public and access to justice.

The District Court for the Southern District of California gained personal jurisdiction over a Chinese citizen notwithstanding that the summons was handed to a cohabitant of the dwelling in which the defendant was residing, rather than personally serving him, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held yesterday.

(Subscription required) The new Court Access Portal, available at CAP.lacourt.ca.gov, consolidates case information, calendars and document access for civil, criminal, family law, juvenile justice, juvenile dependency, mental health and probate matters.

(Subscription required) The 2nd District Court of Appeal revived several of Leah Remini's defamation claims against the Church of Scientology, ruling she presented sufficient evidence to pursue allegations that the church falsely accused her of lying and mistreating family members while striking other claims as protected opinion or rhetorical hyperbole.