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Delayed by COVID-19 for nearly three months in most parts of the state, jury trials are resuming in counties large and small.

Council also approves expansion of an online pilot program enabling low-income litigants to request reductions in traffic infraction fines and fees remotely

Council will also receive reports on the branch’s ability-to-pay program, self-help centers, and voice-to-text language services

Funding used for remote video, online services, and expanding self-help also helped limit the service impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on court users

In the wake of wildfires that devastated parts of California’s Wine Country last October, nearly 100 civil lawsuits were filed against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. alleging the utility had a role in sparking the blaze. The answer to this influx was civil case coordination.

At its public meeting on December 16 in Sacramento, the Judicial Council approved changes to the California Rules of Court to standardize and improve court procedures―and notice of those procedures―to defendants in infraction cases.

Funding for remote video, online services, and other technology projects improves services and helps limit the impact of pandemic on court users

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.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes $1.2 billion in new funding for the judicial branch, including restoring $200 million in previous cuts and making major investments in judicial branch programs improving access to justice.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a state budget on Wednesday that will help restore court services slashed during the recession, fund courthouse projects, and improve access to justice for millions of Californians.  

How the judicial branch kept courthouses open during a year of unprecedented challenges.