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After being sidelined by the pandemic, court-supported outreach programs rebound.

Recent social media posts from courts and educators in California tell the stories of courtrooms staying open on nights and weekends for the return of the Mock Trial Program, an annual competition held remotely for the last two years.

“This year’s budget represents an unprecedented investment in our judicial branch,” said Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes $1.2 billion in new funding for the judicial branch, including restoring $200 million in previous cuts and making major investments in judicial branch programs improving access to justice.

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. 

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.

"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.

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

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye today issued a statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal for the judicial branch.

Statement from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on the judicial branch budget for 2019-20.