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

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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

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.

News Release - October 1, 2021

Council Supports Efforts to Continue Modernizing Courts

Funding for remote video, online services, and other technology projects improves services and helps limit the impact of pandemic on court users

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Technology

Judicial Council members attending Oct. 1 meeting remotely - new members raise their hands to take the oath of service

News Release - September 24, 2021

Report: Grant Program Spurred Court Innovations

Funding used for remote video, online services, and expanding self-help also helped limit the service impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on court users

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Technology

Blue on white seal of the judicial council

News Release - September 21, 2020

Judicial Council Considers Funding for Court Technology Projects

At its Sept. 25 meeting, the council will consider funding for technology initiatives, a report on remote appearances, a new requirement for anti-bias training, and more.

Judicial Council Meeting

Technology

Judicial Council Title text on teleprompter

Feature - May 19, 2020

Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

Since April, the state Supreme Court rolled a large screen television into its San Francisco courtroom to conduct oral arguments.

Oral Arguments

Covid-19

Technology

Social distancing in the Supreme Court of California's courtroom in San Francisco. May 5, 2020

Feature - February 24, 2020

Innovation in a Click (or Tap)

Court of Appeal in Fresno spearheads projects to modernize and expand access to justice for Californians appealing their cases.

Court Innovation Grant

Fifth Appellate District

Technology

Ming Chin

Feature - June 28, 2019

5 Things to Know about the Judicial Branch Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom signed his first state budget on Thursday, which includes nearly $470 million in new judicial branch funding to continue the courts’ steady recovery after years of deep cuts.

Chief Justice Releases Statement on Judicial Branch Budget for 2019-20

News Release - May 14, 2019

Self-Help Resources Expand to Courts of Appeal

Self-represented litigants who seek help with appealing their case now have access to a new online resource center.

Fifth District Court of Appeal

Appellate Self-Help Resource Center

California Courts Self-Help Center

Fifth Appellate District

Innovations

Technology

Self-Help

A new online resource center for self-represented litigants who seek help with the appeals process.

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.

News Release - November 30, 2018

Council Adopts New Rules on Appointed Counsel in Death Penalty Review Cases

The Judicial Council at its November 29–30 meeting approved changes to rules of court that govern appointed counsel in death penalty appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.

Feature - May 30, 2018

Can We Text You?

As Californians do more business on mobile devices, the state’s courts are joining in on the trend, from texting court payments to receiving jury service updates.