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

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News Release - June 21, 2022

Council Launches Working Group to Study Remote Proceedings in Civil Cases

Recommendations will include which case types and proceedings could be handled remotely.

Code of Civil Procedure Section 367.9 Working Group

remote access

remote hearings

Civil

Blue on white seal of the judicial council

Feature - May 9, 2022

Jurors Play Key Role in Justice System

Juror Appreciation Week this year is May 9–13, one way the California courts thank these citizens for fulfilling their obligation and making the justice system work. Learn about judicial branch initiatives to improve the jury system in California.

Juror Appreciation Week

Jury Duty

Jurors sit in a jury box inside a courtroom

Feature - March 28, 2022

Going Online to Settle Small Claims a Big Hit

Los Angeles County's online tool is just one of the programs in the state helping parties settle their cases without a trip to the courthouse.

remote access

Innovations

Technology

Graphic showing online dispute resolution

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

Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives

Interim Report: Improving the Juror Experience

Jury Duty

remote access

Covid-19

News Release - March 4, 2022

Judicial Council to Consider Ending Remaining Emergency Rules

Proposed action follows the Chief Justice's rescission of four other pandemic-related measures

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Covid-19

News Release - March 3, 2022

California Chief Justice Rescinds Temporary Emergency Measures

Four emergency measures will be rescinded effective April 30, governing extensions of time for preliminary hearings and civil trials, the use of technology, and fast-tracking local court rules.

Chief Justice

Covid-19

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.

Access

Jury Duty

Criminal Justice Reform

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.

News Release - November 12, 2021

Council to Consider Ways to Help Court Users at Risk of Homelessness

Will also hear about standards to prevent bias in court proceedings, a new remote proceedings guide, and efforts to educate youth about the court system

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

bias

Civics

Covid-19