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

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News Release - May 13, 2022

Chief Justice Issues Statement on Governor's May Budget Revise

Revised budget proposal includes funding for a Judicial Council unit to provide training, technical assistance, and legal support to California’s trial courts on environmental and climate change issues.

Judicial Council

News Release - March 3, 2022

California Chief Justice Rescinds Temporary Emergency Measures

Four emergency measures will be rescinded effective April 30, governing extensions of time for preliminary hearings and civil trials, the use of technology, and fast-tracking local court rules.

Chief Justice

Covid-19

Feature - January 7, 2022

Santa Clara Judge to Lead New Statewide Juvenile Justice Effort

Santa Clara County Judge Katherine Lucero will head a new Office of Community and Youth Restoration, part of California's overhaul of its juvenile justice system.

Santa Clara

Juvenile Justice

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 - November 23, 2021

Adoption Proceedings Increase During Pandemic

Recent investments in technology and innovations in hybrid court design help connect more forever families.

California Child Welfare Indicators Project

Public Supports Remote Hearings

Child Welfare

San Joaquin

youth standing with arms around two women wearing adopt tshirts

News Release - November 19, 2021

Council Receives Strategies for Helping Court Users at Risk of Becoming Homeless

Also approved revision to standard promoting an environment free of bias in court proceedings and declared November to be Court Adoption and Permanency Month

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

Chief Justice

Feature - October 22, 2021

Chief Justice Speaks on Emergency Orders, Remote Services, Diversifying California Judiciary

On October 21, Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a virtual Conversation with Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakakuye.

Chief Justice

Covid-19

Judiciary

article banner with photo of chief justice in round frame

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

Access

News Release - May 21, 2021

Judicial Council Approves Data Analytics Strategy on Use of Branch Data and Information

Goal is to expand vital public services with better-informed decision-making

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council Meeting

graphic showing notes on data policy concepts for California judicial branch

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

Access

Superior Courts