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Statewide emergency actions and updates on county court services and operations here.

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Feature - June 28, 2022

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

“This year’s budget represents an unprecedented investment in our judicial branch,” said Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

Feature - June 15, 2022

Courts Using Data to Improve Services

Data informs decisions on judge coverage, jury duty, and self-help services

Related:

Data Analytics Advisory Committee

Court Innovation Grants

Government Technology article on Orange County court’s data pilot project

Judicial Council

Court Innovation Grant

Projection screen on stage with podium

News Release - March 23, 2022

Report Cites Ways to Help Increase the Diversity of Jurors

Strategies include providing court users with remote options at various stages of jury service

Related:

Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives

Interim Report: Improving the Juror Experience

jury box

Feature - December 20, 2021

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

On Jan. 1, hundreds of new laws go into effect, including many that will protect the public and improve access to justice for all Californians. Here are a few worth noting.

Criminal Justice Reform

remote hearings

domestic violence

Supreme Court mural above bench

Feature - December 20, 2021

2021 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to challenge the state’s ability to ensure access to justice for the citizens of California. But like the previous year, California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Judicial Council supported the courts as they remained flexible and innovative to ensure the justice system was open and vital services remained accessible to the public.

Judicial Council

Language Access

empty boardroom filled with tech

Feature - October 22, 2021

Chief Justice Speaks on Emergency Orders, Remote Services, Diversifying California Judiciary

On October 21, Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a virtual Conversation with Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakakuye.

Chief justice Cantil-Sakauye at PPIC interview

Feature - July 12, 2021

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes $1.2 billion in new funding for the judicial branch, including restoring $200 million in previous cuts and making major investments in judicial branch programs improving access to justice.

Related:

California's Judicial Branch Budget Process

california capitol

Feature - July 10, 2020

California Counties Keeping COVID-19 Emergency Bail Schedules

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

covid-19 pie chart

Feature - June 30, 2020

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

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.

Language Access

Collaborative Courts

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

Feature - June 26, 2020

Jury Service Begins for Trials Delayed by COVID-19 Pandemic

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

Feature - June 8, 2020

California Chief Justice Speaks out on Addressing Racism and Bias

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statement on the justice system's role in addressing racism and bias.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

Feature - May 19, 2020

Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

Since April, the state Supreme Court rolled a large screen television into its San Francisco courtroom to conduct oral arguments.

Social distancing in the Supreme Court of California's courtroom in San Francisco. May 5, 2020

Summary