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​“The Judicial Council of California and its chair, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, are committed to providing equal access and fairness in our justice system,” said Judge Marla O. Anderson.

Hundreds of new laws went into effect Jan. 1, including many that will protect the public and improve access to justice for all Californians.

May 9-13 is Juror Appreciation Week, but courts are making the jury system better all year with check-in kiosks, text reminders, and web-based services.

The Judicial Council has revised rules of court and forms to help implement a statute that expands the use of expedited jury trials in California, effective July 1.

"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.

Guide addresses more than 200 questions and topics related to facilities, personnel, jury management, case management and processing, and communications.

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.

Statewide investment in self-help services has helped Alameda Superior Court open a second center.

Facing growing numbers of civil and family law litigants representing themselves, courts are expanding services offered through “self-help” centers.

Every year, nearly 1.2 million people come to self-help centers in California courthouses seeking guidance with civil cases such as divorces, evictions, and restraining orders. While every county court has its own self-help center, nearly a dozen also use JusticeCorps students to help serve users.

In 2018, a number of new laws were created in the hope of expanding the rights of Californians through the court system.