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

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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.

Judicial Council

Access

Budget

Technology

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.

News Release - May 15, 2020

Judicial Council Hears Report on State Budget Proposal’s Impact to Judicial Branch

At its May 15 teleconference meeting, the council received reports on potential reductions to judicial branch funding, as well as planning efforts to restore court access and services restricted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Feature - February 25, 2020

San Diego Superior Court Restores North County Probate Services

Starting Monday, March 2, North County residents will no longer be required to drive to downtown San Diego to file their probate matters.

San Diego

Budget

News Release - May 17, 2019

Council Hears How Increase in Funding Helped Courts Expand Services for the Public

The Judicial Council received a report on how the state’s trial courts used additional funding included in this fiscal year’s judicial branch budget to expand hours, reopen closed locations, and invest in new technology to increase access to justice for the public.

News Release - May 9, 2019

May Budget Revise Statement from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

A statement from California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on the revised budget proposal for the judicial branch.

California Budget 2019-20

Budget

Feature - March 18, 2019

2011–2019: The Judicial Branch Under the Leadership of Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

As the Chief Justice prepares to address the Legislature on the 2019 State of the Judiciary, a look back at some key judicial branch milestones.

Feature - March 7, 2018

Millions of Californians Without Lawyers Find Help in the Courts

Facing growing numbers of civil and family law litigants representing themselves, courts are expanding services offered through “self-help” centers.

News Release - September 14, 2017

Chief Justice Names Members of Advisory Committee on Audits and Financial Accountability

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Wednesday named nine members to the Judicial Council’s Advisory Committee on Audits and Financial Accountability for the Judicial Branch.

News Release - July 28, 2017

Council Approves Changes to Trial Court Funding

At its July 27-28 business meeting, the Judicial Council approved changes to the way it determines how the state’s 58 trial courts are funded.

Meeting agenda and reports

Resource Assessment Study

Trial Court Funding Allocations

Budget Change Proposals

Judicial Council

Budget

Judge Lorna Alksne, chair of the council's Workload Assessment Advisory Committee, helped explain how the judicial branch weighs the number and type of cases handled when determining a court’s workload.

News Release - March 22, 2017

Traffic Amnesty Program Ends April 3

The amnesty program reduces unpaid fines and assessments on qualifying traffic tickets and non-traffic infractions.

Traffic Amnesty Program

Program Progress Reports

Traffic Amnesty

$Traffic Infraction Amnesty Program Ending$

Feature - December 15, 2016

Creating Access: The Judicial Council’s 2016 Annual Review

In 2016, the Judicial Council continued focusing on efforts to better stabilize branch funding, improve branch governance, and to address concerns about fairness raised by the public, our sister branches of government, and stakeholders throughout the state.