Report Shows Strong Support for Remote Court Proceedings

SAN FRANCISCO—Judicial Council members at their February 20 business meeting will receive a report showing that litigants and court staff who took part in remote appearances in civil and criminal proceedings had an overwhelmingly positive experience.

The council collects data regarding overall user experience from California trial courts that use the Zoom remote technology platform. Between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, the council collected 44,526 user responses—44% from court users and 56% from court workers.

Respondents reported their experiences using the remote technology:

• Approximately 90% of court users and 98% of court staff reported a positive experience
   
• Only 1.7% of total respondents reported experiencing an audio technical issue
   
• Just 0.9% of total respondents reported experiencing a visual technical issue

Other Items on Council Meeting Agenda:

Presentation From the Department of Finance: The council will get an update on the state's fiscal situation from the California Department of Finance. Council members will also have an opportunity to ask questions about how the overall state budget may affect the judicial branch.

Funding for Court Technology Projects The council will consider approving a midyear reallocation of IT modernization funding to help courts with their technology projects. The reallocation would include funding for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to continue hosting a shared solution that sends automated text message notifications—such as hearing reminders—to court users in nine participating courts.

Education for Judges and Court Staff: The council will consider its next two-year education plan for developing and delivering education to justices, judges, and court staff to help them maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, and performance for the benefit of the public. The plan includes on-demand videos, online courses, webinars, podcasts, and publications, as well as live interactive programs and courses, offered both in person and remotely.

Judicial Council of California 100th Anniversary Video: The council will see a preview of a new video produced to highlight the council’s creation 100 years ago and how its role in improving the statewide administration of justice has helped transform the court user-experience in California.

The complete council meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center. A link to a live webcast of the meeting will be on the California Courts website on the day of the meeting.