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News Release - June 7, 2015

Council Adopts Rule on Contesting Traffic Infractions

SAN FRANCISCO—At an urgent open meeting via teleconference, the Judicial Council unanimously adopted a new rule today that directs courts to allow people who have traffic tickets to appear for arraignment and trial without deposit of bail, unless...

Traffic Amnesty

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 - March 28, 2016

Proposition 47 in the Courts: Workload Impacts

California superior courts received more than 200,000 petitions for resentencing or applications for reclassification during the first 13 months after voters approved Proposition 47.

Judicial Council Staff Report: Prop 47 First Year Impacts

Prop 47 Filings: Detailed Data

More About Prop 47

Criminal Justice Reform

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 9, 2016

State Judicial Staff Attorneys Can Now Help Bridge the Justice Gap

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and judicial leaders in California’s six Courts of Appeal have approved a new policy that will help judicial branch staff attorneys who want to provide pro bono services without compromising their work.

California's Justice Gap: Facts & Figures

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.

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

Feature - May 18, 2016

Drug Courts Evolve to Repair Lives; Reduce Recidivism

Roughly 206 drug courts serve residents in 53 of California’s 58 counties. By helping people with substance abuse issues repair their lives, drug courts divert those who could otherwise cycle repeatedly through the criminal justice system.

Drug Courts

Collaborative Justice Courts

Collaborative Courts FactSheet

California Drug Court Cost Analysis Study

Collaborative Courts

Monterey

Siskiyou

Orange County Superior Court Judge Wendy Lindley (ret.) oversees the special treatment court just for combat veterans. Photo Credit: Megan McCloskey | Stars & Stripes (stripes.com)

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

Feature - July 22, 2016

Requests to Lift License Suspensions up 20 Percent

California courts have resolved 132,879 delinquent infraction and misdemeanor accounts and sent 104,105 requests to the state Department of Motor Vehicles to lift holds on drivers licenses since the traffic amnesty program began in October 2015.

Traffic Amnesty/Infraction Program

Traffic Amnesty Program Reports

Traffic Amnesty

News Release - March 22, 2017