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Feature - May 9, 2022

Jurors Play Key Role in Justice System

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

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 - June 14, 2021

In Memoriam: Justice Cruz Reynoso

The California Supreme Court on June 2 honored the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso, the first Latino state Supreme Court justice in California history.

Cruz Reynoso, California’s first Latino state Supreme Court justice, dies at 90

California Supreme Court

Language 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 - 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.

Feature - June 26, 2020

Jury Service Begins for Trials Delayed by COVID-19 Pandemic

Delayed by COVID-19 for nearly three months in most parts of the state, jury trials are resuming in counties large and small.

Covid-19

Jury Duty

Superior Courts

residents stand in line on sidewalk in the sun

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

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

Feature - May 13, 2019

California Courts Appreciate Jurors

Juror Appreciation Week is one way the courts thank citizens for helping make the justice system work. See ways California courts aim to make the civic right and obligation of jury service more convenient.

Juror Appreciation Week

One-day One-Trial Jury Service

Postponing Jury Service

Plain-language jury instructions

Technological Improvements

Jury Duty