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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

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.

Judicial Council

Superior Courts

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

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.

Superior Courts

residents stand in line on sidewalk in the sun

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.

Chief Justice

Judicial Council

Feature - May 23, 2018

Courts Celebrate Jurors

On May 14-18, courts celebrated the single largest cohort of court users in the nation—citizens appearing for jury duty.

Peer Courts = Juror Training

Courts Use Technology to Improve Jury Service

One Day or One Trial

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

Feature - May 10, 2017

Plain-Language Jury Instructions Work

A recent study showed that test-jurors understood plain-language instructions better and reached a correct verdict significantly more often.

Plain-Language Jury Instructions

Jury Service in California

Judicial Council

Feature - May 10, 2016

Courts Use Technology to Improve Jury Service

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.

Juror Appreciation Week

Jury Service in California

Jury Innovations

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

Kiosks help expedite the juror check-in process, helping courts operate and serve jurors more efficiently.

Feature - April 29, 2016

Chief Justice to Create Judicial Council Budget Committee

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye this week called for the creation of a Judicial Council Budget Committee to review recommendations on statewide budget changes, the use of statewide reserves, and proposals for grant funding for judicial branch ...

Chief Justice

Judicial Council

Feature - April 22, 2016

Making the Jury System More Efficient

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.

Latest Council Action on Expedited Jury Trials

Jury Service in California

Judicial Council

Superior Courts