COVID News Center:

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 - 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 - 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 - February 25, 2020

San Diego Superior Court Restores North County Probate Services

Starting Monday, March 2, North County residents will no longer be required to drive to downtown San Diego to file their probate matters.

San Diego

Budget

Feature - October 10, 2019

Judicial Council Presents 2019 Awards of Distinction and Service

The Judicial Council presented the 2019 Distinguished Service Awards on Nov 14 in San Francisco. The prestigious Aranda Access to Justice Award was also presented in partnership with the California Lawyers Association and the California Judges Association.

Distinguished Service Awards

Aranda Access to Justice Award

Judge Chittick's Veterans Treatment Court