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

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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.

Judicial Council

Access

Budget

Technology

Feature - April 6, 2021

Court Self-Help Centers Offer In-Person, Remote Assistance to Californians Amid Pandemic

Court self-help centers aim to help Californians without legal representation navigate the court system.

Report: Impact of SelfHelp Center Expansion in California Courts

Self-Help

Technology

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 25, 2020

San Diego Superior Court Restores North County Probate Services

Starting Monday, March 2, North County residents will no longer be required to drive to downtown San Diego to file their probate matters.

San Diego

Budget

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

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.

News Release - May 9, 2019

May Budget Revise Statement from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye

A statement from California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye on the revised budget proposal for the judicial branch.

California Budget 2019-20

Budget

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.

Feature - March 7, 2018

Millions of Californians Without Lawyers Find Help in the Courts

Facing growing numbers of civil and family law litigants representing themselves, courts are expanding services offered through “self-help” centers.

Feature - November 9, 2017

Court-Clergy Conferences Support Court Outreach Efforts

First held in Los Angeles in 2002, these events help court in several counties stay connected to their community.

Courts & Kids & Clergy Conference in San Bernardino County

Los Angeles Superior Court Outreach

Court Outreach and Education Resources

Feature - August 31, 2017

Courts Adapt to Tech-Savvy Users

More than 150 judges, court managers and IT professionals came together in Sacramento last week to find new ways to harness technologies to offer better service and access to the public.

News Release - July 27, 2017

Study: Free legal services help settle high-stakes civil cases

A pilot program that funds free legal services for low-income Californians facing critical civil cases drastically increased the likelihood of settlement, improved the longevity of court orders, and reduced court costs, a new study shows.

Judicial Council Report to the Legislature: Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act

Shriver Custody Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Housing Projects Fact Sheet - Aug 2018

Shriver Guardianship Project Fact Sheet - Aug 2018