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.
Find information, tools, and resources to help resolve many common legal issues.
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, current as of July 27, 2012.
Find fillable Judicial Council forms, current as of July 27, 2012.
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, current as of July 27, 2012.
Access the official California Rules of Court, current as of July 27, 2012.
From the Chief Justice
May 14, 2013
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye
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On the May Revise
“I’m disappointed that the Governor’s revised budget proposals provide no more fiscal relief to the courts. Given the state’s current fiscal condition, I had hoped for more effort to help stop the downward spiral of the judicial branch budget."
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Judicial Branch Budget Crisis
May 08, 2013
Judicial Council Adopts New Funding Model
A new budget development and allocation process for trial courts was adopted by the Judicial Council at its Apr 26 meeting. The distribution of funds will be based on workload instead of the pro rata formula used for the last 15 years. The new process will gradually shift current baseline funding from some courts to others. The action came the same day the Trial Court Funding Workgroup presented its final report.InFocus: Budget Crisis in the Judicial Branch
One penny for every dollar. That's how much our state court system receives from the state's General Fund to provide justice for 38 million Californians. Nearly $1.2 billion in cumulative budget reductions have crippled the California courts. Learn how on the InFocus: Budget Crisis in the Judicial Branch website.
Court Locations
Jury Info, Court Info, Court WebsitesSTAY CONNECTED
OF CURRENT INTEREST
May 13, 2013
Juror Appreciation Week
On May 13–17, the judicial branch recognizes the millions of Californians who answer the call to serve their communities and put into practice the fundamental American ideal of justice. Learn more about jury service and the 16th annual Juror Appreciation Week.May 08, 2013
Chief Justice Q&A with Students
"What advice would you give to a student with average grades?" The Chief Justice answered this and other questions presented by students at Balboa High School Law Academy. Video, photos and audio clips provide highlights of her visit.Apr 18, 2013