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 1, 2011.
Find fillable Judicial Council forms, current as of July 1, 2011.
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 1, 2011.
Access the official California Rules of Court, current as of July 1, 2011.
From the Chief Justice
May 14, 2012
"Cuts to Branch Devastating"
“The proposed cuts to the judicial branch are both devastating and disheartening. They will seriously compromise the public’s access to their courts and our ability to provide equal access to justice throughout the state.”
Judicial Branch Administration
May 14, 2012
InFocus: Budget Crisis in the Judicial Branch
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On May 14, after four years of ongoing budget cuts, the California Courts learned of the Governor's proposal to cut another $544 million from an already crippled judicial branch. The website InFocus: Budget Crisis in the Judicial Branch was launched to provide details on how these cuts are threatening public safety and access to justice for 38 million Californians.
Feb 02, 2012
Fact Check
A resource for obtaining accurate information on current issues and controversies, including the Judicial Branch Budget.
Court Locations
Jury Info, Court Info, Court WebsitesSTAY CONNECTED
OF CURRENT INTEREST
May 17, 2012
Layoffs Coming for the AOC
Branch budget reductions have significantly affected the Administrative Office of the Courts and will result in a fiscal-year workforce reduction of approximately 180 employees by the end of June 2012.May 17, 2012
Council's Review of Revised Budget
The Judicial Council met on May 17 in Sacramento to discuss the Governor’s May revision to the State Budget that includes a $544 million blow to the judicial branch. View video news release meeting summary.Apr 24, 2012