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

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News Release - June 8, 2020

Judicial Council, Chief Justice Consider Ending Some Emergency Measures as California and Courts Expand Reopening

The Judicial Council of California will consider ending three temporary emergency rules governing evictions, judicial foreclosures and an emergency bail schedule, as California begins a phased re-opening and courts restore services shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Justice

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News Release - April 29, 2020

California Chief Justice Extends Criminal Trial Deadlines

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline to hold criminal trials has been extended a total of 90 days.

News Release - April 27, 2020

California Supreme Court Orders Bar Exam Delayed, Administered Online

The California Supreme Court ordered the July California Bar Exam be postponed to Sept. 9-10, and directed the State Bar to make every effort to administer the test online with remote or electronic proctoring.

Bar Exam

California Supreme Court

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Feature - June 8, 2020

California Chief Justice Speaks out on Addressing Racism and Bias

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statement on the justice system's role in addressing racism and bias.

Chief Justice

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Feature - April 6, 2020

California Chief Justice: "No need and no right will be overlooked"

Read remarks from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye.

Chief Justice

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News Release - March 10, 2020

California Chief Justice Delivers State of the Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye today delivered her annual State of the Judiciary address to the California Legislature.

Chief Justice

Fines And Fees

Collaborative Courts

State Of The Judiciary

News Release - October 28, 2016

Chief Justice Appoints Working Group to Recommend Changes in Pretrial Detention

SAN DIEGO--Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye announced today the formation of a working group to study and recommend ways to make the bail system fair while protecting the public and ensuring court appearances of defendants.

Pre-Trial Detention Reform Workgroup

Ending Debtors' Prison

Judicial Council Meeting on Pre-Trial Risk Assessment

Fines And Fees

Pretrial

News Release - September 21, 2016

Judicial Council Receives Grant to Study Ability to Pay Fines and Fees

The Judicial Council of California has been awarded $488,000 by the U.S. Department of Justice to study and identify issues related to defendants’ inability to pay fines and fees. The grant would include the development of an ability-to-pay...

Council Adopts Rule on Contesting Traffic Infractions

Department of Justice News Release

Administrative Director Named to National Task Force: Fines, Fees, and Bail

Fines And Fees

Snapshot of the DOJ Press Release announcing grant

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.