Search results

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.

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.

See how new and renovated courthouses are making jury service a more comfortable experience.

The Court Facilities Advisory Committee today voted to recommend to the Judicial Council that all 23 current judicial branch projects continue based on the general criteria of working with available funding, not incurring additional costs, or wasting funds. Projects would be grouped into four broad categories that would determine how far an individual project can proceed until adequate funding is restored.

Courthouse projects in various stages—all require funding to continue. Others are indefinitely delayed.

 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.

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

The Judicial Council at its January 14–15 business meeting heard from Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar on how California courts have increased access for court users with limited English skills.

At its March 15 business meeting, the Judicial Council approved recommendations for updating guidelines for video remote interpreting (VRI) and voted to have its staff coordinate a new VRI program for the judicial branch.

As the Chief Justice prepares to address the Legislature on the 2019 State of the Judiciary, a look back at some key judicial branch milestones.

At its May 17 business meeting, the council will receive a report on how the state’s trial courts are using new branch funding provided in the 2018 state budget to increase access and improve court efficiency for the public.