• Improper juror access in social media case, judge warns media

    Daily Journal
    February 27, 2026

    (Subscription required) The Los Angeles County judge overseeing the bellwether social media addiction trial on Friday warned that a "clear violation" of her no-contact rule with jurors had occurred, suggesting the culprit was a member of the media and mentioning the possibility of a media gag order.

  • Ethics panel says court commissioners may solicit peers in judicial campaigns

    Daily Journal
    February 27, 2026

    (Subscription required) A California judicial ethics panel on Thursday cleared the way for state court commissioners running for judge to solicit fellow commissioners for campaign donations and endorsements, ruling that restrictions on judges pressuring subordinates don't apply in this setting.

    Related: Metropolitan News-Enterprise

  • Shooting at Police Is Felony Resisting Even if Gun Is Empty

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    February 27, 2026

    The California Supreme Court held yesterday that a man was properly convicted of resisting police by force or violence based on his having pointed an unloaded firearm at an officer’s head and allegedly pulling the trigger, rejecting the defendant’s assertion that the statute requires the accused to have had the “present ability” to cause an injury.

  • 2026 Civic Learning Awards to Spotlight Excellence in Civic Education

    California Courts Newsroom
    February 27, 2026

    K–12 schools invited to showcase programs that empower students as engaged citizens; top honorees announced via livestream on Law Day, May 1. Last year, a total of 34 schools in eight counties received recognition. Schools earning the highest honor received their award in person from Chief Justice Guerrero.