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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

Feature - June 30, 2020

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

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.

News Release - May 15, 2020

Judicial Council Hears Report on State Budget Proposal’s Impact to Judicial Branch

At its May 15 teleconference meeting, the council received reports on potential reductions to judicial branch funding, as well as planning efforts to restore court access and services restricted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Feature - February 25, 2020

San Diego Superior Court Restores North County Probate Services

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

San Diego

Budget

Feature - June 17, 2019

Lessons from the Old Courthouse in El Centro

In a commentary, Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar reflects on growing up in the Imperial Valley and progress achieved through the Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court Initiative.

Keeping Kids In School

Imperial

Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar of the California Supreme Court

News Release - May 17, 2019

Council Hears How Increase in Funding Helped Courts Expand Services for the Public

The Judicial Council received a report on how the state’s trial courts used additional funding included in this fiscal year’s judicial branch budget to expand hours, reopen closed locations, and invest in new technology to increase access to justice for the public.

News Release - May 9, 2019

May Budget Revise Statement from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

A statement from California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on the revised budget proposal for the judicial branch.

California Budget 2019-20

Budget

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.

Feature - September 18, 2018

"You either self-destruct or you become a champion for others."

A Q&A with Judge Donna Groman, a 2018 Distinguished Service Award recipient, who overcame a tough childhood to become an advocate for California's at-risk youth.

Los Angeles

Criminal Justice Reform

Keeping Kids In School

Feature - August 2, 2018

Restorative Justice: Healing California’s Youth

Juvenile courts in California are uniquely responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders. But increasingly, courts and schools are recognizing the value of keeping students in classrooms and out of the court system altogether.

Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court

Center for Justice & Reconciliation

Indigenous Justice

Report: Impacts of Punitive Discipline

Victim Offender Reconciliation Programs in CA

Keeping Kids In School

Civics

Feature - March 7, 2018

Millions of Californians Without Lawyers Find Help in the Courts

Facing growing numbers of civil and family law litigants representing themselves, courts are expanding services offered through “self-help” centers.

News Release - September 14, 2017

Chief Justice Names Members of Advisory Committee on Audits and Financial Accountability

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Wednesday named nine members to the Judicial Council’s Advisory Committee on Audits and Financial Accountability for the Judicial Branch.