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

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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.

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Jury Duty

Criminal Justice Reform

Legislation

remote access

remote hearings

domestic violence

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.

News Release - September 20, 2021

Study shows remote proceedings increase efficiency, access

Remote proceedings have improved case clearance rates and cleared previous case backlogs in some areas

Chief Justice

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News Release - August 16, 2021

Report: Remote Proceedings Increased Access for Court Users During Pandemic

Chief Justice’s Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives also finds remote hearings spurred case resolutions in juvenile cases, child support hearings.

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remote access

Feature - July 12, 2021

What to Know About the Judicial Branch Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that includes $1.2 billion in new funding for the judicial branch, including restoring $200 million in previous cuts and making major investments in judicial branch programs improving access to justice.

California's Judicial Branch Budget Process

Chief Justice

Budget

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News Release - July 9, 2021

Council Approves Funding Allocation for Trial Courts

Also hears from pandemic workgroup that remote technology is crucial to providing access to courts

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Budget

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Blue on white seal of the judicial council

News Release - May 3, 2021

Public Webinar: How to Get Multilingual Information to Limited-English Court Users

Free public webinar on May 13 will show participants how to use and distribute multilingual educational materials available to help limited-English speakers access the courts.

Language Access

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Language Access

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

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Superior Courts

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

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

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Judiciary

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.

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