Welcome to the California Judicial Branch
Committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for all Californians.
Online Self-Help Center
Find information, tools, and resources to help resolve many common legal issues. Centro de ayuda en línea.
Find information, tools, and resources to help resolve many common legal issues. Centro de ayuda en línea.
Jury Service
Learn all about jury basics or find links to your local court. For employers, learn about how you can support jury service.
Learn all about jury basics or find links to your local court. For employers, learn about how you can support jury service.
Judicial Council of California
Chaired by the Chief Justice of California, the Judicial Council establishes policies and priorities for the statewide administration of justice in the California Courts.
Chaired by the Chief Justice of California, the Judicial Council establishes policies and priorities for the statewide administration of justice in the California Courts.
About California Courts
California has 58 superior courts to hear civil and criminal cases, as well as the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.
California has 58 superior courts to hear civil and criminal cases, as well as the Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Judicial Council Forms
Find fillable Judicial Council forms
Find fillable Judicial Council forms
Jury Instructions
Learn more about the plain language civil and criminal jury instructions adopted by the Judicial Council and that accurately convey the law using language that is understandable to jurors.
Learn more about the plain language civil and criminal jury instructions adopted by the Judicial Council and that accurately convey the law using language that is understandable to jurors.
Invitations to Comment
We invite you to comment on proposed changes to the California Rules of Court, Standards of Judicial Administration, Judicial Council forms, California Civil and Criminal Jury Instructions, and Judicial Council–sponsored legislation.
We invite you to comment on proposed changes to the California Rules of Court, Standards of Judicial Administration, Judicial Council forms, California Civil and Criminal Jury Instructions, and Judicial Council–sponsored legislation.
Rules of Court
Access the official California Rules of Court
Access the official California Rules of Court
From the Chief Justice
Apr 23, 2015
Civic Learning Awards Presentation
On Apr 23, the Chief Justice presented the Civic Learning Award of Excellence to Evergreen Elementary School (pictured) and Mayfair Middle School in Los Angeles County, and Camino Creek Elementary School in San Diego County.
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Judicial Branch Administration
Apr 07, 2015
Judicial Council Seeks Nominations
Numerous advisory bodies of the state Judicial Council are seeking nominations for members. The 2015 advisory body nomination form lists the positions for which nominations are being solicited in this cycle. Nominations may be submitted through Friday, May 8, 2015.
Mar 23, 2015
County-By-County Impacts of Court Funding Crisis
Unprecedented budget cuts since 2008 have closed 52 courthouses, reduced services statewide, and eroded the public’s access to justice. To learn about impacts in your local court, visit the InFocus: Judicial Branch Budget Crisis website.Court Locations
Jury Info, Court Info, Court WebsitesSTAY CONNECTED
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Apr 27, 2015
Language Access Task Force
California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye named 12 new members to the Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force, which includes judicial officers, court administrators, court interpreters, legal services providers, and community members.Apr 23, 2015
Distinguished Service Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the Judicial Council's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Awards. Nominations may be submitted online through June 1, 2015.Apr 17, 2015