2018 Year in Review
December 20, 2018 | Feature
In 2018, the state judicial branch was instrumental in ushering in major changes to the court system and ensuring equal access to justice for all Californians.
California has 58 Superior Courts, also known as trial courts, one in each California county.
Superior courts handle all types of state cases: criminal, civil, family and juvenile, and probate. They also handle Mental Health cases and certain appeals.
In the most recent year, over 7.5 million cases were filed statewide in the Superior Courts.
News Stream
Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect
December 18, 2018 | Feature
From erasing old marijuana convictions to helping courts weather natural disasters, track the new laws that will change California courts in 2019.
California Courts Complete 19th Annual Court Adoption and Permanency Month
November 30, 2018 | Feature
Hundreds of children awaiting adoption got their day in court and their forever families during the month of November.
Did You Know?
November 15, 2018 | Feature
Los Angeles County's effort to clear a backlog of children awaiting adoption more than 20 years ago is an annual event and started a national movement.
Categories: CA Superior Courts, Children and Families
Court Removes Legal Barriers to Help the Homeless
November 09, 2018 | Feature
Nearly 30 years ago, the nation's first homeless court held a special session at Stand Down to help homeless veterans restore their lives. Now, the program has expanded nationwide to assist the general homeless population.
Categories: CA Superior Courts, Innovations and Research
"You either self-destruct or you become a champion for others."
September 18, 2018 | Feature
A Q&A with Judge Donna Groman, a 2018 Distinguished Service Award recipient, who overcame a tough childhood to become an advocate for California's at-risk youth.
“There are few things that have as much of an effect as justice.”
September 18, 2018 | Feature
A Q&A with Rick Feldstein, a 2018 Distinguished Service Award recipient, who modernized the Napa court to withstand two natural disasters.
Local Courts Impacted by Northern California Wildfires
July 31, 2018 | News Release
Courts in Shasta, Lake, and Trinity counties have all reopened after wildfires forced their closure.
Categories: CA Superior Courts
What's in the Judicial Branch Budget?
June 27, 2018 | Feature
Governor Jerry Brown signed a state budget on Wednesday that will help restore court services slashed during the recession, fund courthouse projects, and improve access to justice for millions of Californians.
Courts Celebrate Jurors
May 23, 2018 | Feature
On May 14-18, courts celebrated the single largest cohort of court users in the nation—citizens appearing for jury duty.
Categories: CA Superior Courts, Judicial Council
