COVID News Center:

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

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News Release - June 8, 2020

Judicial Council, Chief Justice Consider Ending Some Emergency Measures as California and Courts Expand Reopening

The Judicial Council of California will consider ending three temporary emergency rules governing evictions, judicial foreclosures and an emergency bail schedule, as California begins a phased re-opening and courts restore services shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Justice

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News Release - April 29, 2020

California Chief Justice Extends Criminal Trial Deadlines

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to hold criminal trials has been extended a total of 90 days.

News Release - April 27, 2020

California Supreme Court Orders Bar Exam Delayed, Administered Online

The California Supreme Court ordered the July California Bar Exam be postponed to Sept. 9-10, and directed the State Bar to make every effort to administer the test online with remote or electronic proctoring.

Bar Exam

California Supreme Court

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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.

Feature - April 6, 2020

California Chief Justice: "No need and no right will be overlooked"

Read remarks from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye.

Chief Justice

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Feature - June 8, 2018

Court Interpreters’ Conference Brings a Host of Languages to the Judicial Council

Court interpreters from around the world convened at the Judicial Council June 5 for the start of a four-day conference on the challenges and solutions in legal interpreting in the U.S. and Europe.

Language Access

Court Interpreters Program

Interpreter

Language Access

Feature - August 28, 2017

Courts Improving Service for Limited-English Speakers

Did you know that Spanish is the most requested language by limited-English-proficiency court users?

Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force

Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts

Language Access

Interpreter

News Release - March 15, 2019

Report: Video Remote Interpreting Effective for Court Users with Limited English Skills

At its March 15 business meeting, the Judicial Council approved recommendations for updating guidelines for video remote interpreting (VRI) and voted to have its staff coordinate a new VRI program for the judicial branch.

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts

Interpreter

Language Access

Judicial Council

News Release - September 24, 2019

Council Approves New Formula for Ranking Judicial Need

The formula forms the basis of the Judicial Needs Assessment, which estimates California needs an additional 173 judges.

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

Judicial Council Meeting

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.