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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

Judicial Council

Superior Courts

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

Jury Innovations

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

Kiosks help expedite the juror check-in process, helping courts operate and serve jurors more efficiently.

Feature - December 15, 2016

Creating Access: The Judicial Council’s 2016 Annual Review

In 2016, the Judicial Council continued focusing on efforts to better stabilize branch funding, improve branch governance, and to address concerns about fairness raised by the public, our sister branches of government, and stakeholders throughout the state.

Judicial Council

Feature - May 10, 2017

Plain-Language Jury Instructions Work

A recent study showed that test-jurors understood plain-language instructions better and reached a correct verdict significantly more often.

Plain-Language Jury Instructions

Jury Service in California

Judicial Council

Feature - May 23, 2018

Courts Celebrate Jurors

On May 14-18, courts celebrated the single largest cohort of court users in the nation—citizens appearing for jury duty.

Peer Courts = Juror Training

Courts Use Technology to Improve Jury Service

One Day or One Trial

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

Feature - March 18, 2019

2011–2019: The Judicial Branch Under the Leadership of Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

As the Chief Justice prepares to address the Legislature on the 2019 State of the Judiciary, a look back at some key judicial branch milestones.

Chief Justice

Judicial Council

Feature - February 24, 2020

Innovation in a Click (or Tap)

Court of Appeal in Fresno spearheads projects to modernize and expand access to justice for Californians appealing their cases.

Courts of Appeal

Judicial Council

News Release - September 21, 2020

Judicial Council Considers Funding for Court Technology Projects

At its Sept. 25 meeting, the council will consider funding for technology initiatives, a report on remote appearances, a new requirement for anti-bias training, and more.

Judicial Council

News Release - March 5, 2021

Judicial Council to Hear Plan to Expand Digital Court

Will receive reports on addressing defendants with mental health issues, how state youth facility closures will affect local courts

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Feature - April 6, 2021

Court Self-Help Centers Offer In-Person, Remote Assistance to Californians Amid Pandemic

Court self-help centers aim to help Californians without legal representation navigate the court system.

Report: Impact of SelfHelp Center Expansion in California Courts

Feature - December 20, 2021

2021 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to challenge the state’s ability to ensure access to justice for the citizens of California. But like the previous year, California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Judicial Council supported the courts as they remained flexible and innovative to ensure the justice system was open and vital services remained accessible to the public.

Judicial Council