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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.

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.

At its public meeting on January 19, Judicial Council members heard a report that the use of evidence-based practices in pretrial risk assessment can reduce misconduct and failure to appear rates for criminal defendants.

"The judicial branch budget presented by the Legislature and signed by the Governor represents a tremendous investment in providing equal access to justice for all Californians," the Chief Justice said.

At its July 20 business meeting, the Judicial Council approved funding for the state’s 58 trial courts, including $47.8 million in new funding to boost the budgets of the neediest courts.

Hundreds of children awaiting adoption got their day in court and their forever families during the month of November.

The Judicial Council at its January 14–15 business meeting heard from Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar on how California courts have increased access for court users with limited English skills.

The Judicial Council of California marked another successful year in its advocacy and support for programs and funding that ensure equal access to justice for all Californians.

In her role as chair of the Judicial Council of California, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye has cancelled the Judicial Council meeting scheduled for March 24, citing the need for Judicial Council members to attend to essential work in their trial and appellate courts.

Emergency meeting of court and branch leaders from around the state will focus on measures to ensure California courts can meet stringent health directives while also providing due process and access to justice.

The measures aim to continue essential court services while guarding the health and safety of the public, court employees, attorneys, litigants, judicial officers, law enforcement, and staff and inmates in detention facilities.

The Judicial Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday, April 6, at 12:20 p.m. via teleconference, to consider a slate of 11 temporary emergency rules in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.