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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 - June 22, 2016

California's Fifth District Court of Appeal to Webcast Oral Argument

The Fresno-based Fifth District Court of Appeal will begin webcasting on June 29, according to Administrative Presiding Justice Brad Hill.

Fifth Appellate District

Technology

News Release - May 18, 2017

Chief Justice directs action on traffic, civil cases, self-represented litigants, and technology

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye directs immediate council action on four recommendations from the Futures Commission.

Futures Commission Report

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye

Judicial Council of California

Chief Justice's Letter to Judicial Council Internal Chairs and Administrative D…

Criminal Justice Reform

Feature - June 9, 2017

Courts Offer Self-Help Services Remotely

Videoconference technology helps deliver self-help services remotely and increases a court's outreach.

Feature - July 5, 2017

Taking Minor Traffic Tickets out of Criminal Court

A new proposal by the Commission on the Future of California’s Court System seeks to do away with the oversized consequences of traffic tickets by making minor offenses civil violations.

Report to the Chief Justice: Commission on the Future of California's Court Sys…

Ventura

Chief Justice

Criminal Justice Reform

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 31, 2017

Courts Adapt to Tech-Savvy Users

More than 150 judges, court managers and IT professionals came together in Sacramento last week to find new ways to harness technologies to offer better service and access to the public.