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News Release - November 12, 2020

Ethics Committee Issues Advice On Ex Parte Communications While Investigating Complaint Against Judge

The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions issued a formal ethics opinion about the duties of a presiding judge or other judge with supervisory duties when investigating a complaint filed against a trial judge.

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

News Release - December 22, 2020

California Chief Justice Launches Program to Fast Track Backlogged Criminal Cases

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Tuesday announced she will launch a program to fast track the resolution of criminal cases and make retired judges available through the Temporary Assigned Judges Program to reinforce those efforts.

Chief Justice

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.

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Child Welfare

Keeping Kids In School

Criminal Justice Reform

Jury Duty

Juvenile Justice

News Release - January 8, 2021

California Chief Justice Releases Statement on Governor's Budget Proposal

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on Friday issued the following statement on the Governor’s budget proposal for the judicial branch:

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Budget

News Release - January 14, 2021

Commission Confirms Appointment to Court of Appeal

Justice Truc T. Do is the first Asian American woman justice on the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

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Commission On Judicial Appointments

Fourth Appellate District

News Release - February 3, 2021

Ethics Committee Seeks Public Comment: When Can Judges Advise Family Members On Law-Related Matters?

Draft opinion provides guidance to judges on advising family members on matters that implicate legal issues. Deadline to comment is March 22.

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

News Release - February 9, 2021

Committee Issues Advice on Accepting Attorney Services from Law Firms

A state Supreme Court committee issued expedited advice regarding whether an appellate court justice may accept the services of an attorney, who is an employee and incoming associate of a law firm, to temporarily work in the justice’s chambers.

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

News Release - February 17, 2021

Committee Issues Advice on Gift Exchanges Between Judges and Court Staff

A state Supreme Court committee issued an expedited opinion providing guidance for judges who wish to exchange gifts with staff to celebrate holidays, birthdays, or other occasions.

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

News Release - February 17, 2021

Judicial Council Sponsors Bill to Celebrate California Native American Day

“The Judicial Council of California and its chair, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, are committed to providing equal access and fairness in our justice system,” said Judge Marla O. Anderson.

Chief Justice

Access

Superior Courts

Judge Abby Abinanti, Yurok Tribe member and co-chair of the Judicial Council’s Tribal Court-State Court Forum.

News Release - February 23, 2021

Committee Issues Advice to Judges: Campaign Contributions from Political Action Committees

A state Supreme Court committee issued an advisory opinion explaining when a judge may accept campaign contributions from a political action committee when the contribution includes funds from another political action committee organized and funded by court employees.

Expedited Opinions and Oral Advice Summaries

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions

News Release - April 28, 2021

Meeting on Addressing Bias in Court Proceedings

Chief Justice’s work group addressing bias in court proceedings will provide information on the work group’s charge and work to date, presentations from local court bias committees, and information on existing complaint procedures.

Work Group homepage

Chief Justice Appoints Work Group

Implicit Bias

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