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

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News Release - December 22, 2020

California Chief Justice Launches Program to Fast Track Backlogged Criminal Cases

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday announced she will launch a program to fast track the resolution of criminal cases and make retired judges available through the Temporary Assigned Judges Program to reinforce those efforts.

Chief Justice

News Release - May 29, 2020

Judicial Council Revises Emergency Rule on Statutes of Limitations in Civil Cases

The Judicial Council approved a revision to emergency rule 9 regarding the statutes of limitations for filing civil cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to clarify that the emergency rule also applies to “statutes of repose”.

Judicial Council

Temporary Emergency Rules

Judicial Council

Covid-19

News Release - April 17, 2020

Judicial Council Mandates Electronic Service of Documents in Most Civil Cases

The council's latest temporary emergency rule requires attorneys to electronically serve and receive notices and documents in all general civil actions and family and probate proceedings when requested to do so.

Judicial Council

Temporary Emergency Rules

Judicial Council

Covid-19

Feature - November 18, 2019

2019 Court Adoption and Permanency Month

For the 20th consecutive year, events throughout the state will put an emphasis on finalizing forever homes.

Sacha Lewis, a Temecula doctor, adopted a 2-year-old girl during the 11th Annual Adoption Finalization Day. Photo: Riverside County Department of Public Social Services.

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 - 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

News Release - May 18, 2017

Chief Justice directs action on traffic, civil cases, self-represented litigants, and technology

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye directs immediate council action on four recommendations from the Futures Commission.

Futures Commission Report

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye

Judicial Council of California

Chief Justice's Letter to Judicial Council Internal Chairs and Administrative D…

Criminal Justice Reform

News Release - December 16, 2016

Council Approves New Rules to Better Inform Defendants of Their Rights in Infraction Cases

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.

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Archived videocast of meeting

Judicial Council

$Judge Gail Dekreon presents recommendations to the council to improve due process for defendants in infraction cases. View report.$

News Release - January 23, 2014

Council Approves Expanding Interpreter Use in Civil Cases

SACRAMENTO—At its public meeting on January 23 in Sacramento, the Judicial Council approved recommendations that make it explicit that allowable expenses for court interpreter funds from the Trial Court Trust Fund include costs for: all appearances in...

book

Summary of Cases Accepted and Related Actions

As a service to the bench, bar, and public, this Web page includes the full text of the weekly summaries of the California Supreme Court. Subscribe here to receive weekly summaries via e-mail.

News Release - October 28, 2021

Ethics Committee Issues Advice to Judges on Disqualifying from School District Mask and Vaccine Mandate Cases

California Supreme Court ethics committee issues expedited guidance for judges engaged in civics education activities about disqualifying from cases about school district mask and vaccine mandates.

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

Ethics

California Supreme Court