Juror Appreciation Week this year is May 9–13, one way the California courts thank these citizens for fulfilling their obligation and making the justice system work. Learn about judicial branch initiatives to improve the jury system in California.

Juror Appreciation Week

Jury Duty

Jurors sit in a jury box inside a courtroom

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 - 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.

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

Access

Feature - December 31, 2020

Courts Help Put New Laws into Effect

Hundreds of new laws went into effect Jan. 1, including many that will protect the public and improve access to justice for all Californians.

Chief Justice

Child Welfare

Keeping Kids In School

Criminal Justice Reform

Jury Duty

Juvenile Justice

Feature - December 22, 2020

2020 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California

How the judicial branch kept courthouses open during a year of unprecedented challenges.

Judicial Council

Feature - August 6, 2020

Courts use Remote Technology for Community Outreach

Since the COVID-19 state of emergency issued in mid-March, courts around the state have been holding more court hearings remotely. Now courts are looking for ways to expand remote technology to support community engagement.

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.