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

News Release - January 22, 2021

Judicial Council Allocates $25 Million to Address Case Delays Due to COVID-19

Council also approves expansion of an online pilot program enabling low-income litigants to request reductions in traffic infraction fines and fees remotely

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

News Release - September 25, 2020

Judicial Council Approves $25 Million for Court Technology Projects

The proposal from the council’s Technology Committee included 13 major areas of investment to receive budget funds allocated to modernize court operations.

Judicial Council

Meeting information

Judicial Council

Judicial Council Meeting

screen capture of webcast of council meeting

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

Access

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 - March 11, 2020

Reaction: 2020 State of the Judiciary Address

A roundup of social media from the Chief Justice's annual address to the Legislature.

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

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 - December 20, 2019

2019 Year in Review: Judicial Council of California

The Judicial Council of California marked another successful year in its advocacy and support for programs and funding that ensure equal access to justice for all Californians.

Feature - December 6, 2019

Operation Mobile Justice

To prepare for potential emergencies, the Orange County court collaborated with Cal State Fullerton to practice using the campus’s emergency operations center as a makeshift courtroom.

Superior Court of Orange County

Orange

Physical Access