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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. 

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.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye has selected Administrative Presiding Justice Judith D. McConnell for the Chief Justice's Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership for her outstanding work in civics.

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.

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye recently visited three schools earning a Civic Learning Award of Excellence—the highest honor —this year: Kumeyaay Elementary in San Diego County, Bellflower High School in Los Angeles County, and Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Charter in Sacramento County.

A record 92 public schools throughout California were recognized by the Civic Learning Awards. Now in it's seventh year, the awards recognize public schools for their civic education achievements.

A group of five recent graduates share how their civic engagement at a young age prepared them for their next steps in life. All have been involved in youth courts, youth government, and other civic education programs.

Juvenile courts in California are uniquely responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders. But increasingly, courts and schools are recognizing the value of keeping students in classrooms and out of the court system altogether.

The Constitutional promise of being tried by a “jury of your peers” is taken to the extreme in peer courts, an alternative approach to the traditional juvenile justice system where teens judge other teens.

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

With dozens of Santa Barbara court employees cut off by mudslides, an unusual partnership with a neighboring county helps keep the court running.