COVID News Center:

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

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News Release - May 13, 2022

Council Approves Proposals by Circulating Order

Judicial Council approved 16 proposals via circulating order that improve court operations and services for the public

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

News Release - May 13, 2022

Chief Justice Issues Statement on Governor's May Budget Revise

Revised budget proposal includes funding for a Judicial Council unit to provide training, technical assistance, and legal support to California’s trial courts on environmental and climate change issues.

Judicial Council

Feature - March 28, 2022

Going Online to Settle Small Claims a Big Hit

Los Angeles County's online tool is just one of the programs in the state helping parties settle their cases without a trip to the courthouse.

remote access

Innovations

Technology

Graphic showing online dispute resolution

News Release - March 23, 2022

Report Cites Ways to Help Increase the Diversity of Jurors

Strategies include providing court users with remote options at various stages of jury service

Ad Hoc Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives

Interim Report: Improving the Juror Experience

Jury Duty

remote access

Covid-19

Feature - March 16, 2022

Chief Justice Delivers State of the Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye released today her annual State of the Judiciary address, recorded prior to the first in-person Judicial Council meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Chief Justice

News Release - March 11, 2022

Judicial Council Votes to Retire Remaining Emergency Rules

Takes effect June 30; follows the Chief Justice's rescission of four other pandemic-related measures

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

News Release - March 4, 2022

Judicial Council to Consider Ending Remaining Emergency Rules

Proposed action follows the Chief Justice's rescission of four other pandemic-related measures

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Covid-19

News Release - March 3, 2022

California Chief Justice Rescinds Temporary Emergency Measures

Four emergency measures will be rescinded effective April 30, governing extensions of time for preliminary hearings and civil trials, the use of technology, and fast-tracking local court rules.

Chief Justice

Covid-19

News Release - January 21, 2022

Council Approves Legislative Priorities for the Courts

Legislative agenda includes advocating for stable and reliable funding, securing more judgeships, and implementing pretrial detention reform

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Legislation

Photo of Capitol building in Sacramento and words "2022 Legislative Priorities" and "January 21, 2022 Judicial Council Business Meeting"

News Release - January 14, 2022

Council to Consider Legislative Priorities for the Courts

This year’s recommended legislative agenda includes advocating for stable and reliable funding, securing more judgeships, and implementing pretrial detention reform.

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Legislation

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

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.