Visit the links provided on this interactive map for more details, county by county. Budget snapshots and video reports will help you learn about both the impacts of budget cuts and how each superior court plans to use any new funds to increase efficiency and improve access to justice.
One-page snapshots from California's 58 counties provide details about how courts have been impacted after years of cuts, and give information about shortfalls expected in the coming fiscal year.
Since 2008:
• Court closures have deprived more than 2 million Californians of access to justice in their local communities.
• 52 courthouses and a total of 202 courtrooms have closed.
• 30 courts have had to reduce hours at public service counters.
• 15 courts have had to institute limited court service days (where the majority of courtrooms and clerk's offices are closed).
• Nearly 4,000 court staff have lost their jobs. Many courts are leaving vacant positions unfilled, and some courts continue to furlough employees.
Download the file containing all 58 county snapshots
Judicial Council liaison reports, available on YouTube, tell the stories of local courts struggling to keep their courtrooms open under the weight of drastic budget cuts over the years.
Budget cuts have had major impact on court staffing. What does this mean to the public? Longer drives to reach courthouses, longer lines at courthouses, and unprecedented case delays.
Here are some of the impacts on critical services reported by surveyed courts:
Without adequate reinvestment in the courts, the public will see further strain :