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

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News Release - August 19, 2020

Justice Laurie Zelon to Retire from Second Appellate District

Jurist known for her intelligence, skill, and tireless commitment to expanding access to justice

Justice Zelon bio

Second Appellate District

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Judiciary

News Release - February 17, 2021

Judicial Council Sponsors Bill to Celebrate California Native American Day

“The Judicial Council of California and its chair, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, are committed to providing equal access and fairness in our justice system,” said Judge Marla O. Anderson.

Chief Justice

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Superior Courts

Judge Abby Abinanti, Yurok Tribe member and co-chair of the Judicial Council’s Tribal Court-State Court Forum.

Feature - June 8, 2020

California Chief Justice Speaks out on Addressing Racism and Bias

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statement on the justice system's role in addressing racism and bias.

Chief Justice

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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 - December 23, 2019

Supreme Court Attorneys Give Back

Forty attorneys from the California Supreme Court and First Appellate District in San Francisco joined forces this year to log hundreds of hours of volunteer legal work.

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California Supreme Court

First Appellate District

Feature - December 20, 2019

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

Keeping guns from dangerous people, restricting courthouse immigration arrests, and limiting "deepfake" election videos are just a few of the new laws that will change California in 2020.

Criminal Justice Reform

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 - January 10, 2020

Chief Justice Releases Statement on Governor's Budget Proposal for 2020-21

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye today issued a statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal for the judicial branch.

Feature - July 12, 2021

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

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.

California's Judicial Branch Budget Process

Chief Justice

Budget

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News Release - July 9, 2021

Council Approves Funding Allocation for Trial Courts

Also hears from pandemic workgroup that remote technology is crucial to providing access to courts

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Budget

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Blue on white seal of the judicial council

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 - 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.