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

Feature - April 12, 2018

Wildfire Litigation Spotlights Civil Case Coordination

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.

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 - 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 - August 16, 2021

Report: Remote Proceedings Increased Access for Court Users During Pandemic

Chief Justice’s Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives also finds remote hearings spurred case resolutions in juvenile cases, child support hearings.

Chief Justice

Access

remote access

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.

Feature - December 20, 2021

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

On Jan. 1, hundreds of new laws go into effect, including many that will protect the public and improve access to justice for all Californians. Here are a few worth noting.

Access

Jury Duty

Criminal Justice Reform