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News Release - December 11, 2015

Courts Improving Access for Mentally Ill

SAN FRANCISCO— A task force appointed three years ago by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye to improve case processing and outcomes for court users with mental illness was sunsetted by the Judicial Council with an assurance that the council will carry on its work with the help of other advisory committees.

Mental Health

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

Jury Duty

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

Feature - May 12, 2016

Courthouse Upgrades for Jurors

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

Courthouse Projects

Juror Appreciation Week

News Release - July 27, 2017

Study: Free legal services help settle high-stakes civil cases

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.

Judicial Council Report to the Legislature: Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act

Shriver Custody Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Housing Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Guardianship Project Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Feature - August 28, 2017

Courts Improving Service for Limited-English Speakers

Did you know that Spanish is the most requested language by limited-English-proficiency court users?

Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force

Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts

Language Access

Interpreter

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 - 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 - March 7, 2018

Millions of Californians Without Lawyers Find Help in the Courts

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

News Release - August 3, 2018

Courts Expanding Language Services for the Public

Recent report details the increased access to interpreters in civil cases and the additional language services provided for court users inside and outside of the courtroom.

Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force

Language Access in the Courts

Language Access

Interpreter

Feature - September 4, 2018

California Courts Need More Interpreters

Find out how the judicial branch is recruiting bilingual professionals at schools, cultural festivals, and interpreting events in other industries.

How to Become a Court Interpreter

Court Interpreters Program

Language Access Metrics Report

Language Access

Interpreter

News Release - January 15, 2019

Judicial Council Hears How Language Services for Court Users Have Expanded

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.