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Feature - February 24, 2023

California Mock Trials Return to the Courtroom to Showcase Emerging Legal Talents

Recent social media posts from courts and educators in California tell the stories of courtrooms staying open on nights and weekends for the return of the Mock Trial Program, an annual competition held remotely for the last two years.

Constitution Rights Foundation Mock Trial Program

Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative

National High School Mock Trial Championship

Civics

Kern County

Riverside County

Los Angeles County

News Release - December 27, 2022

Judge Roger Chan Named 2022 Wilmont Sweeney Juvenile Court Judge of the Year

Judge Chan credits his experience as a public defender, coupled with his cultural background, for his ability to be the judge he is today.

California Judges Association

San Francisco

Feature - August 6, 2020

Courts use Remote Technology for Community Outreach

Since the COVID-19 state of emergency issued in mid-March, courts around the state have been holding more court hearings remotely. Now courts are looking for ways to expand remote technology to support community engagement.

Feature - October 4, 2019

Restorative Justice Programs Offer Veterans a New Mission

Veterans surrender to a personal mission thanks to a growing number of Veterans Courts.

Council Approves $23.5 Million in Grant Funding for Court Innovations

Court Innovation Grant

San Luis Obispo County Judge John Trice, who retired in 2017, calls establishing a local Veterans Treatment Court one of his greatest achievements.

News Release - August 9, 2019

Judicial Council Funds 16 Pretrial Pilot Programs

The Judicial Council on Friday awarded millions of dollars to fund pretrial projects in 16 trial courts throughout the state.

Fact Sheet: Pretrial Pilot Program Highlights

Judicial Council Report

Archived Meeting Webcast

Criminal Justice Reform

Feature - June 28, 2019

5 Things to Know about the Judicial Branch Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom signed his first state budget on Thursday, which includes nearly $470 million in new judicial branch funding to continue the courts’ steady recovery after years of deep cuts.

Chief Justice Releases Statement on Judicial Branch Budget for 2019-20

Feature - November 30, 2018

California Courts Complete 19th Annual Court Adoption and Permanency Month

Hundreds of children awaiting adoption got their day in court and their forever families during the month of November.

Feature - June 27, 2018

What's in the Judicial Branch Budget?

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.

Feature - November 9, 2017

Court-Clergy Conferences Support Court Outreach Efforts

First held in Los Angeles in 2002, these events help court in several counties stay connected to their community.

Courts & Kids & Clergy Conference in San Bernardino County

Los Angeles Superior Court Outreach

Court Outreach and Education Resources

Feature - September 21, 2017

Court Gets Dog to Help Child Witnesses

About 10 superior courts in the state have access to a facility dog to help children share their testimonies in court.

San Francisco CASA

Nemo, SFCASA's New Courthouse Dog, Sworn-in

Watch Nemo the Courthouse Comfort Dog Make His Debut

Canine Companions for Independence

San Francisco

Dependency

On August 25, Nemo, the young black Labrador Retriever, was sworn in as a courthouse dog. He is pictued with his two CASA handlers, Judge Nancy Davis and SFCASA Executive Director, Renee Espinoza.

News Release - July 27, 2017

Study: Free legal services help settle high-stakes civil cases

A pilot program that funds free legal services for low-income Californians facing critical civil cases drastically increased the likelihood of settlement, improved the longevity of court orders, and reduced court costs, a new study shows.

Judicial Council Report to the Legislature: Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act

Shriver Custody Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Housing Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Guardianship Project Fact Sheet - Aug 2018