COVID News Center:

Statewide emergency actions and updates on county court services and operations here.

Search results

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

Access

Budget

Technology

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 Meeting

Technology

Judicial Council Title text on teleprompter

Feature - May 19, 2020

Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

Since April, the state Supreme Court rolled a large screen television into its San Francisco courtroom to conduct oral arguments.

Oral Arguments

Covid-19

Technology

Social distancing in the Supreme Court of California's courtroom in San Francisco. May 5, 2020

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.

Court Innovation Grant

Fifth Appellate District

Technology

Ming Chin

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 - May 14, 2019

Self-Help Resources Expand to Courts of Appeal

Self-represented litigants who seek help with appealing their case now have access to a new online resource center.

Fifth District Court of Appeal

Appellate Self-Help Resource Center

California Courts Self-Help Center

Fifth Appellate District

Innovations

Technology

Self-Help

A new online resource center for self-represented litigants who seek help with the appeals process.

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.

News Release - November 30, 2018

Council Adopts New Rules on Appointed Counsel in Death Penalty Review Cases

The Judicial Council at its November 29–30 meeting approved changes to rules of court that govern appointed counsel in death penalty appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.

News Release - March 2, 2018

Council Approves Framework for IT Disaster Recovery Planning

The Judicial Council at its March 2 business meeting approved a framework to help courts and other judicial branch entities with disaster recovery planning efforts, which are critical in enabling the recovery of data and services in the event of a disaster.

Feature - January 23, 2018

Courts Without Borders

With dozens of Santa Barbara court employees cut off by mudslides, an unusual partnership with a neighboring county helps keep the court running.

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.

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