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

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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.

Judicial Council

Access

Budget

Technology

Feature - July 28, 2020

Video: Colleagues Salute Retiring California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin

Fellow California Supreme Court justices paid tribute to Justice Chin before his last oral argument, which was held by videoconference.

California Supreme Court

justice ming chin standing in audience holding microphone speaking

Feature - July 10, 2020

California Counties Keeping COVID-19 Emergency Bail Schedules

At least 31 California counties home to 80 percent of the state's residents have kept COVID-19 emergency bail schedules to help curb the spread of the virus in jails and surrounding communities during the pandemic, according to data from superior courts.

Covid-19

Bail

Superior Courts

Feature - June 30, 2020

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

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.

Feature - June 26, 2020

Jury Service Begins for Trials Delayed by COVID-19 Pandemic

Delayed by COVID-19 for nearly three months in most parts of the state, jury trials are resuming in counties large and small.

Covid-19

Jury Duty

Superior Courts

residents stand in line on sidewalk in the sun

Feature - May 19, 2020

Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

Since April, the state Supreme Court rolled a large screen television into its San Francisco courtroom to conduct oral arguments.

Oral Arguments

Covid-19

Technology

Social distancing in the Supreme Court of California's courtroom in San Francisco. May 5, 2020

Feature - April 6, 2020

California Chief Justice: "No need and no right will be overlooked"

Read remarks from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye.

Chief Justice

Access

Feature - April 15, 2019

The Judicial Council of California

Video Series: Council members explain what the Judicial Council does and why it exists.

About the Judicial Council of California

Judicial Council Members

Judicial Branch Strategic Branch

Judicial Council

Feature - March 18, 2019

2011–2019: The Judicial Branch Under the Leadership of Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

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.

Feature - January 3, 2018

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

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

Judicial Council

Criminal Justice Reform

Feature - October 5, 2017

Crafting the Next Generation of Judicial Leaders

For more than two decades, the Judicial Council has offered a unique opportunity to students with a keen interest in law, policy, and the administration of justice through the Judicial Fellowship Program.

Judicial Fellowship Program

California State University, Sacramento: Capital Fellows Program

Judicial Council

Feature - September 15, 2017

Court Helps Courageous Family Give Boy a New Start

The Judicial Council on Thursday voted to proclaim November “Court Adoption and Permanency Month," when many California courts will dedicate extra courtrooms and judges to settling large numbers of adoption cases.