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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.

Budget

Dependency

Interpreter

Language Access

Collaborative Courts

Self-Help

exterior of capital building in Sacramento

Feature - October 4, 2019

Restorative Justice Programs Offer Veterans a New Mission

Veterans surrender to a personal mission thanks to a growing number of Veterans Courts.

Council Approves $23.5 Million in Grant Funding for Court Innovations

Court Innovation Grant

San Luis Obispo County Judge John Trice, who retired in 2017, calls establishing a local Veterans Treatment Court one of his greatest achievements.

Feature - September 30, 2019

In this Fresno Courtroom, A Safe Haven

Seeded with more than $500,000 in grant money from the Judicial Council, the Fresno court is one of 50 programs funded through the Court Innovations Grant Program.

To break the cycle of children sold for sex, the legal system is trying somethi…

Fresno

Court Innovation Grant

Feature - June 28, 2019

5 Things to Know about the Judicial Branch Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom signed his first state budget on Thursday, which includes nearly $470 million in new judicial branch funding to continue the courts’ steady recovery after years of deep cuts.

Chief Justice Releases Statement on Judicial Branch Budget for 2019-20

News Release - February 17, 2021

Judicial Council Sponsors Bill to Celebrate California Native American Day

“The Judicial Council of California and its chair, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, are committed to providing equal access and fairness in our justice system,” said Judge Marla O. Anderson.

Chief Justice

Access

Superior Courts

Judge Abby Abinanti, Yurok Tribe member and co-chair of the Judicial Council’s Tribal Court-State Court Forum.

Feature - December 31, 2020

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

Hundreds of new laws went into effect Jan. 1, including many that will protect the public and improve access to justice for all Californians.

Chief Justice

Child Welfare

Keeping Kids In School

Criminal Justice Reform

Jury Duty

Juvenile Justice

News Release - January 8, 2021

California Chief Justice Releases Statement on Governor's Budget Proposal

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Friday issued the following statement on the Governor’s budget proposal for the judicial branch:

Chief Justice

Budget

Feature - May 10, 2016

Youth Courts Helping Keep Kids in School

Youth court leaders, judges, youth court staff, volunteers, education and youth-focused organizations, and community service leaders will gather in Santa Cruz this June to exchange information on best practices for youth courts.

Peer/Youth Courts Website

2016 Youth Court Summit (PDF)

California Association of Youth Courts

Video: Cheif Justice Cantil-Sakuaye Speaks at Marin YMCA on Youth Courts

Collaborative Courts

Marin

L.A. Superior Court Judge David Wesley is the president of the state's association of youth courts (CAYC). Judicial Council staff organize an annual summit for youth courts throughout the state.

News Release - June 29, 2020

California Chief Justice Issues Statement on Budget

"We in the judicial branch will do our best to serve the public in these unprecedented times of a global pandemic and recession," Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said.

Budget

Covid-19

Chief Justice

Feature - November 9, 2018

Court Removes Legal Barriers to Help the Homeless

Nearly 30 years ago, the nation's first homeless court held a special session at Stand Down to help homeless veterans restore their lives. Now, the program has expanded nationwide to assist the general homeless population.

Community/Homeless Courts

San Diego Homeless Court Program

Collaborative Courts

$Dozens of homeless veterans register for Homeless Court, a special court session offered by the San Diego Superior Court. The goal of homeless court is to help homeless people resolve minor misdemeanors and infractions.$

Feature - September 18, 2018

“We’re building strength instead of wagging a finger.”

A Q&A with Steve Binder, a 2018 Distinguished Service Award recipient from San Diego whose innovative court model started a nationwide movement.

NBC News: Hear ye, hear ye, Homeless Court is in session

Veterans Village of San Diego Homeless Court

Stand Down 2018 serves veterans

Collaborative Courts

San Diego

Feature - June 27, 2018

What's in the Judicial Branch Budget?

Governor Jerry Brown signed a state budget on Wednesday that will help restore court services slashed during the recession, fund courthouse projects, and improve access to justice for millions of Californians.