News | California Courts Newsroom

Video: Colleagues Salute Retiring California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin

July 28, 2020

Fellow California Supreme Court justices paid tribute to Justice Chin before his last oral argument, which was held by videoconference.

Supreme Court

Judicial Council

justice ming chin standing in audience holding microphone speaking

Live Chat for Online Self-Help

July 23, 2020

(The information below is based on a news release from the Santa Clara Superior Court)

To continue providing services for self-represented litigants safely and responsibly, following temporary COVID-19 protocols and as an alternative to in-person assistance, the Santa Clara Superior Court’s self-help center has introduced Live Chat.

computer monitor with smartphone illustration with chat icons

Ethics Committee Advises Caution for Judges Attending Protests

July 22, 2020

A California Supreme Court committee today published guidance for judges who want to attend public demonstrations and rallies, citing a slate of ethical issues for judges to consider before participating.

Supreme Court

Council to Consider Allocation of State Budget Funds to Trial Courts

July 20, 2020

July 24 business meeting will determine how the council incorporates an ongoing budget reduction of $167.8 million, as well as $50 million in one-time funding included in the budget to help courts deal with backlogs caused by COVID-19-related service reductions.

California Supreme Court Lowers Bar Exam Passing Score

July 16, 2020

The California Supreme Court on Thursday announced it will permanently lower the passing score for the California Bar Exam and released plans for an October test administered online.

Supreme Court

California Counties Keeping COVID-19 Emergency Bail Schedules

July 10, 2020

At least 31 California counties home to 80 percent of the state's residents have kept COVID-19 emergency bail schedules to help curb the spread of the virus in jails and surrounding communities during the pandemic, according to data from superior courts.

Superior Courts

California Supreme Court Names Jury Selection Work Group

July 6, 2020

The Supreme Court of California on Monday named members to its Jury Selection Work Group to study changes or new measures to guard against impermissible discrimination in jury selection.

Supreme Court

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

June 30, 2020

The budget cuts $200 million from the state court system, though $150 million could be restored if the federal government sends additional aid by the fall.

Judicial Council

Superior Courts

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

California Chief Justice Issues Statement on Budget

June 29, 2020

"We in the judicial branch will do our best to serve the public in these unprecedented times of a global pandemic and recession," Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said.

Chief Justice

Superior Courts

Jury Service Begins for Trials Delayed by COVID-19 Pandemic

June 26, 2020

Delayed by COVID-19 for nearly three months in most parts of the state, jury trials are resuming in counties large and small.

Superior Courts

residents stand in line on sidewalk in the sun