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News Release - August 19, 2020

Justice Laurie Zelon to Retire from Second Appellate District

Jurist known for her intelligence, skill, and tireless commitment to expanding access to justice

Justice Zelon bio

Second Appellate District

Judiciary

News Release - March 6, 2018

Survey: California Bench Continues to Grow More Diverse

Women now represent 35 percent of superior court judges, compared to 27 percent in 2006, continuing a steady upward trend.

Judicial demographic data

Judiciary

News Release - March 14, 2019

Supreme Court Committee Issues Opinion to Judges on Disclosing Campaign Contributions

A state Supreme Court committee today issued a formal opinion that guides trial court judges on campaign contributions and other campaign assistance they should disclose.

Frequently Asked Questions: Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions

Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions

Judiciary

News Release - March 5, 2019

Survey: California Bench Continues to Grow More Diverse

For the 13th straight year, data show a steady increase in women and non-white justices and judges.

Judicial demographic data

Judiciary

Appointments

News Release - March 2, 2020

Survey: California Bench Growing More Diverse

New report shows for the 14th straight year, California’s judicial bench has grown more diverse.

Judicial demographic data

Judiciary

Appointments

Governor Newsom last year appointed Teri L. Jackson to the First District Court of Appeal, that court's first African-American female justice.

News Release - March 16, 2017

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Objects to Immigration Enforcement Tactics at California Courthouses

Dear Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Kelly:

As Chief Justice of California responsible for the safe and fair delivery of justice in our state, I am deeply concerned about reports from some of our trial courts that immigration agents appear to be stalking undocumented immigrants in our courthouses to make arrests.

Our courthouses serve as a vital forum for ensuring access to justice and protecting public safety. Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our country’s immigration laws.

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye Bio

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye's Letter

Diversity

Judiciary

News Release - March 8, 2017

Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar Announces Retirement from State Supreme Court

Justice Kathryn M. Werdegar today announced her retirement from the Supreme Court of California effective August 31, 2017, after 23 years on the high court and 55 years of public service.

Justice Werdegar's Bio

Supreme Court of California

Published Opinions

Judiciary

News Release - March 1, 2022

Survey Results: California Bench Growing More Diverse

Data show steady increase over the last 16 years in the number of women, and justices and judges of color

Judicial demographic data

Judicial Diversity Toolkit

Judicial Mentorship Program

Diversity

Appointments

Judiciary

Chart showing demographics of California justices and judges over the last 16 years

News Release - October 5, 2020

Gov. Newsom Selects Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) for California Supreme Court

FROM THE OFFICE OF GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM—Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his nomination of Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) for Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court.

Justice Jenkins has held several prominent state and federal judicial positions throughout his career. He would be the first openly gay California Supreme Court justice and only the third African American man ever to serve on the state’s highest court. It has been 29 years since an African American man has served on the California Supreme Court.

Judicial Selection in California

Appointments

Judiciary

News Release - September 22, 2020

California Chief Justice Commemorates Constitution Day

Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, state and federal judges, teachers and students celebrate the 223rd Anniversary of the Signing of the U.S. Constitution.