How to Prepare for the Bilingual Interpreting Exam: Preparation and Study TipsCaliforniaCourts2026-09-29 | How to Prepare for the Bilingual Interpreting Exam: Preparation and Study TipsVirtual Supervised VisitationCaliforniaCourts2024-05-14 | This video provides general information to assist the courts, parents, and others in a better understanding of virtual supervised visitation. General information about how supervised visitation and exchange services operate in California, is highlighted in the companion YouTube video —Supervised Visitation Services in California. (youtube.com/watch?v=nVetWWvBmMM)California Supreme Court Oral Argument: May 8, 2024CaliforniaCourts2024-05-09 | The California Supreme Court hears oral argument in Legislature of the State of California v. Weber (Hiltachk) on May 8, 2024 in San Francisco.Why I Choose to Serve in Californias Judicial BranchCaliforniaCourts2024-05-06 | To honor the public servants of California's judicial branch, the Judicial Council of California asked six of California's dedicated public servants why they choose to serve. This video features:
• California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero; 0:10
• Tyler Nguyen, a court interpreter in the Vietnamese language for the Superior Court of Sacramento County; 1:03
• Tina Hopper, a senior research attorney for the Superior Court of Kern County; 1:42
• Scharonica Smith, a criminal court clerk supervisor for the Superior Court of Alameda County; 2:14
• Jose Lara, an attorney who assists unrepresented litigants for the Superior Courts of Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties; 2:47 and
• La Taunya Green, a court services supervisor for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County;. 3:18
Schools honored with the Civic Learning Award of Excellence:
Madera Elementary School, Ventura County Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory Middle School and High School, Sacramento County John F. Kennedy High School, Orange CountySupreme Court Oral Argument April 3, 2024 - Session OneCaliforniaCourts2024-04-03 | This is a recording of the oral argument for Make UC a Good Neighbor et al. v. The Regents of the University of California et al. (Resources for Community Development et al., Real Parties in Interest), S279242. Heard by the Supreme Court of California on April 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA.
Make UC A Good Neighbor v. Regents of University of California, S279242. (A165451; 88 Cal.App.5th 656, mod. 88 Cal.App.5th 1293a; Alameda County Superior Court; RG21110142.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed the judgment in a civil action. This case presents the following issues: (1) Does the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) (CEQA) require public agencies to consider as an environmental impact the increased social noise generated by student parties that a student housing project might bring to a community? (2) Under CEQA, when a lead agency has identified potential sites for future development and redevelopment in a programmatic planning document, is the agency required to revisit alternative locations for a proposed site-specific project within the program?2024 State of the Judiciary AddressCaliforniaCourts2024-03-20 | On March 19, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero delivered her annual State of the Judiciary Address to the California Legislature.What were some of the obstacles you faced Student Q&A with Chief Justice Patricia GuerreroCaliforniaCourts2024-02-24 | During a Q&A with students at a Supreme Court Oral Argument session held in San Diego, the year of her swearing in, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero is asked about obstacles along the path to becoming the first Latina to leader of the California's judicial branch.Fair and Free - featuring Sandra Day OConnor (EN)CaliforniaCourts2024-02-14 | This film was created by the National Association for Women Judges' Informed Voters Project. Find out more at http://ivp.nawj.orgCommission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Monique Langhorne WilsonCaliforniaCourts2024-02-06 | The Commission on Judicial Appointments on Jan. 30 confirmed the appointment of Judge Monique Langhorne Wilson as an associate justice of the First District Court of Appeal, Division One (San Francisco).
Justice Shama Mesiwala (3:25) | Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District Assistant District Attorney Paul Gero (8:03) | County of Napa Judge Brenda Harbin‐Forte (Ret.) (11:35) | Superior Court of Alameda County Judge Raymond Allen Guadagni (Ret.) (17:19) | Superior Court of Napa County
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (22:54) Appointee Statement and Q&A (28:15) Confirmation and Swearing-In (34:38)
WITNESSES: Justice Goodwin H. Liu (2:25) | Supreme Court of California Michael J. Mongan (6:05) | Solicitor General, California Department of Justice Jodi Linker (9:47) | Federal Public Defender, Office of the Federal Public Defender
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (18:24) Appointee Statement and Q&A (22:25) Confirmation and Swearing-In (28:40)
Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-15Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Activity Report January 2024CaliforniaCourts2024-01-25 | California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero highlights recent activities as leader of California's judicial branch at the Judicial Council business meeting held on January 19, 2024.CARE Act Eligibility CriteriaCaliforniaCourts2024-01-03 | Who is eligible for services under the CARE Act? This video will walk through the seven eligibility criteria that must be met in order for someone to be eligible for services under the CARE Act. For more information about the CARE Act please visit the Adult Mental Health webpage: courts.ca.gov/48654.htm
Revised January 2024.Aranda Access to Justice Awards Ceremony—Introduction and Award Presentation to Judge Mark JuhasCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Award Ceremony Opening Remarks (Judge Moorman) Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (1:38) Introduction to Honoree Judge Mark Juhas (6:44) Tribute Video (7:52) Presentation of Award (13:14) Remarks from Judge Mark Juhas (19:56)Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony—Introduction and Award Presentation to Justice Marsha SloughCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Award Ceremony Opening Remarks (Judge Moorman) Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (1:38) Introduction to Honoree Justice Marsha Slough (6:44) Tribute Video (9:28) Presentation of Award (15:02) Remarks from Justice Marsha Slough (21:42)Distinguished Service Award Ceremony—Award Presentation to Presiding Justice Lee EdmonCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Award Ceremony Opening Remarks (Judge Moorman) Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (1:38) Introduction to Honoree Presiding Justice Lee Edmon (6:44) Tribute Video (8:24) Presentation of Award (13:53) Remarks from Presiding Justice Lee Edmon (28:53)2023 Distinguished Service Award—Tribute to Presiding Justice Lee Smalley EdmonCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | This tribute video honoring Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon, the first woman to be named presiding judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, was created for the 2023 award ceremony.
Each year, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California.
Learn more about Presiding Justice Edmon and her work: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-announces-2023-distinguished-service-award-recipients2023 Distinguished Service Award Honoree—Justice Marsha SloughCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Justice Marsha Slough has been a leading voice on key branch initiatives through three consecutive terms on the Judicial Council. She chaired the council’s Executive and Planning Committee and played a key role in drafting emergency court rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Justice Slough also chaired the Pretrial Reform and Operations Workgroup, which launched pretrial pilots that have since grown to include programs in all 58 counties.
Each year, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California.
Learn more about Justice Slough and her work: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-announces-2023-distinguished-service-award-recipients2023 Aranda Access to Justice Award Honoree—Judge Mark A. JuhasCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Throughout his career, Judge Mark A. Juhas has dedicated his work to improve services and access to justice in family court, particularly for low- and moderate-income, self-represented litigants. That work included a program to educate and promote the practice of family law to attorneys statewide.
Judge Juhas was also the longtime chair of the California Access to Justice Commission, including work to create the commission’s Incubator Project. The project is part of a national movement to connect practical training for newer lawyers to help provide affordable legal assistance to low- and moderate-income clients.
Cosponsored by the Judicial Council, California Lawyers Association, and California Judges Association, and in coordination with the California Access to Justice Commission, the Aranda award honors a judge demonstrating a long-term, tireless commitment to improving, and promoting fairness and access to the courts, especially for low-and moderate-income Californians.
Learn more about Judge Juhas and his work: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-announces-2023-distinguished-service-award-recipientsChief Justice Patricia Guerrero Visiting Los Angeles Court’s Adoption SaturdayCaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | Joining Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visited the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for its 24th annual National Adoption Day celebration, to commemorate the adoption of 232 children by 148 LA County families on Nov. 18.Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Activity Report July 2023CaliforniaCourts2023-12-05 | California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero highlights recent activities as leader of California's judicial branch, including:
Commencement address to UC Davis School of Law Civic education in California (1:10) Student Q&A session at Supreme Court Oral Argument (2:44) Mentorships and work experience programs (4:12) Judicial Council updates (5:50) Liaison meetings with justice system partners (8:41) Climate change/ Environmental Summit (11:39) California State Assembly (12:22) Juneteenth State Holiday (13:17)Introduction to the Judicial Council of CaliforniaCaliforniaCourts2023-12-02 | The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. Judicial Council staff implements the council’s policies. courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-jc.htm2023 - Justice for All: Orientation to Jury ServiceCaliforniaCourts2023-11-28 | California’s official jury orientation video provides an overview of the juror experience, including the jury selection process, the trial, jury deliberations, and the verdict. While this video was designed specifically for viewing in jury assembly rooms to help courts prepare jurors for this important civic duty, it also serves as a valuable public education tool on the essential role that jurors serve in our justice system.Jury Service and Fairness: Understanding the Challenges of Implicit BiasCaliforniaCourts2023-11-28 | Jury Service and Fairness: Understanding the Challenges of Implicit Bias serves as a guide and a tool for jurors to identify whether they may have preconception that would impact their ability to serve. Originally developed by the Perception Institute, it was adapted in 2023 by the Judicial Council in partnership with the California Judges Association.Commission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Martha GoodingCaliforniaCourts2023-10-02 | The Commission on Judicial Appointments on Sept. 26 confirmed the appointment of Judge Martha Gooding as an associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three (Santa Ana).
WITNESSES: Presiding Judge Maria D. Hernandez (2:50), Superior Court of Orange County Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary (11:18), Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (17:41) Appointee Statement and Q&A (23:10) Confirmation and Swearing-In (30:21)
Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointment-court-appeal-5Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Activity Report September 2023CaliforniaCourts2023-09-21 | California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero highlights recent activities as leader of California's judicial branch at the Judicial Council business meeting held on September 19, 2023.Commission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Audra MoriCaliforniaCourts2023-07-20 | The Commission on Judicial Appointments on April 17 confirmed Judge Audra Mori as an associate justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four (Los Angeles).
WITNESSES: Associate Justice Carlos R. Moreno (Ret.) (2:52), California Supreme Court Acting Presiding Justice Brian S. Currey (7:24), Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four Judge Helen Zukin (9:43), Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (16:34) Appointee Statement and Q&A (21:47) Confirmation and Swearing-In (28:59)
Andrew Michael Wolf (2:44) Attorney Associate Justice Steven Perren (Ret.), ( 12:30) Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six Judge Brian J. Back (Ret.), (19:59) Superior Court of Ventura County
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (26:55) Appointee Statement and Q&A (31:11) Confirmation and Swearing-In (41:50)
WITNESSES: Presiding Justice Laurence Rubin (2:36), Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Five Presiding Justice Lee Edmon (10:41), Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (18:48) Appointee Statement and Q&A (23:52) Confirmation and Swearing-In (33:16)
Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-12Improving Court Practices In Mental Health and Information-Sharing WebinarCaliforniaCourts2023-07-19 | Please join us to review the ethical, medical, and legal principles of confidentiality and privilege that apply to mental and behavioral health information and information sharing. We will apply the law to scenarios from different court settings and propose some best practices and recommended strategies for thinking about mental health confidentiality and information sharing in the courtroom from the perspective of promoting and centering mental health and wellbeing.Commission on Judicial Appointments: Justice Brian CurreyCaliforniaCourts2023-07-17 | The Commission on Judicial Appointments on July 10 confirmed Justice Brian Currey as presiding justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four (Los Angeles).
WITNESSES: Presiding Justice (Ret.) Nora M. Manella (2:31), California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four Braden Currey (10:30)
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (14:26) Appointee Statement and Q&A (19:30) Confirmation and Swearing-In (35:37)
WITNESSES: Manny P. Alvarez (2:59), Founding Principal, BridgeCounsel Strategies LLC Laurie J. Hepler (11:46), Partner, Greines, Martin, Stein and Richland LLP Justice Martin J. Jenkins (14:02), Supreme Court of California
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (24:12) Appointee Statement and Q&A (29:49) Confirmation and Swearing-In (39:12)
WITNESSES: Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner (3:14), Superior Court of Los Angeles County Judge Dolly M. Gee (14:45), District Judge, United States District Court, Central District of California Judge Lawrence Riff (19:20), Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (25:00) Appointee Statement and Q&A (30:00) Confirmation and Swearing-In (54:02)
WITNESSES: Justice Louis R. Mauro (2:55 ) California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District Anne Marie Schubert (6:07) Former District Attorney, County of Sacramento Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon (12:23) Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (21:10) Appointee Statement and Q&A (25:15) Confirmation and Swearing-In (29:21)
WITNESSES: Assistant Presiding Judge Maureen F. Hallahan (02:50), Superior Court of San Diego County Associate Justice Douglas P. Miller (11:04), Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two Administrative Presiding Judge Judith D. McConnell (21:50), Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (28:45) Appointee Statement and Q&A (34:12) Confirmation and Swearing-In (39:48)
WITNESSES: David Carrillo (3:13), Executive Director, California Constitution Center Judge Jonathan E. Karesh (6:11), Superior Court of San Mateo County Presiding Justice Therese M. Stewart (9:05), Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Two
Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (17:25) Appointee Statement and Q&A (23:10) Confirmation and Swearing-In (31:52)
Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-13Special Outreach Session: Supreme Court Hosts San Diego High Schoolers for Oral ArgumentCaliforniaCourts2023-06-12 | The California Supreme Court revived a special tradition on June 6, filling its audience for oral argument with 80 students from San Diego high schools, including Monarch School, Crawford High School’s Academy of Law; King-Chavez Community High School; Barrio Logan College Institute; and Reality Changers, a nonprofit preparing students to become first-generation college graduates. It was the court’s first special outreach session since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Welcome by Chief Justice Guerrero (00:00:02) Q&A with Students (1:57:00)2023 Civic Learning AwardCaliforniaCourts2023-05-01 | On Law Day, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero announced the Civic Learning Award of Excellence and Distinction. The Award is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond with the support of the California Lawyers Association.Commission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Jose S. CastilloCaliforniaCourts2023-04-13 | Judge Jose S. Castillo was unanimously confirmed as associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One (San Diego) on April 7, 2023. Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-11Commission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Julia KeletyCaliforniaCourts2023-04-13 | Judge Julia Kelety was unanimously confirmed as associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One (San Diego) on April 7, 2023. Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-11Commission on Judicial Appointments: Justice Tracie L. BrownCaliforniaCourts2023-04-13 | Justice Tracie L. Brown was unanimously confirmed as presiding justice of the First District Court of Appeal, Division Four (San Francisco) on April 7, 2023. Read more: newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-112023 State of the Judiciary AddressCaliforniaCourts2023-03-30 | On March 27, 2023, California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero gave her first State of the Judiciary Address. This marks the first time that a Latina chief justice has addressed the legislature of California. newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-chief-justice-delivers-state-judiciary-address-0 Chief Justice Address (8:21)Commission on Judicial Appointments: Judge Shama Hakim MesiwalaCaliforniaCourts2023-02-21 | The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala to the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento.
Opening (00:28) WITNESSES: Justice Arthur Scotland (3:33) (Ret.) Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District George Bond (14:23), former Executive Director for the Central California Appellate Program Ithma Amaad (19:47), Deputy Attorney General Judicial Nominees Evaluation Report (25:15) Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala Statement and Q&A (29:47) Confirmation and Swearing-In (39:12)
Speaking: • Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes • Stephanie Finelli, speaking on behalf of Justice Kelli Evans (3:29) • Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell, speaking on behalf of Chief Justice-elect Patricia Guerrero (10:07) • Governor Gavin Newsom (17:10) • Swearing In (21:04)Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero Sworn In As Chief Justice of CaliforniaCaliforniaCourts2023-01-03 | Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero was sworn in as Chief Justice of California, and Justice Kelli Evans was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court on January 2, 2023.
Speakers are: • Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes • Stephanie Finelli, speaking on behalf of Justice Kelli Evans • Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell, speaking on behalf of Chief Justice-elect Patricia Guerrero • Governor Gavin Newsom2022 - Aranda Award: Judge Bobbi TillmonCaliforniaCourts2022-12-31 | Aranda Access to Justice Award Judge Bobbi Tillmon Superior Court of Los Angeles County2022 - DSA Presentation: Nancy EberhardtCaliforniaCourts2022-12-31 | The Judicial Council honored court executive Nancy Eberhardt for her commitment to helping lead the state’s court executives through COVID-19 pandemic, her tireless efforts to expand services for self-represented litigants and families, and serving as the head court administrator of nation’s largest county (20,056 square miles) court.2022 Distinguished Service Award Honors Diane CumminsCaliforniaCourts2022-12-31 | Throughout her career, honoree Diane Cummins' dedication to public service, impartiality, and fair-mindedness has helped the state’s judicial branch remain sustainable, independent, and accountable to the people of California.2022 - Distinguished Service Awards: Joyce HinrichsCaliforniaCourts2022-12-31 | Judge Joyce Hinrichs Superior Court of Humboldt County2022 Distinguished Service Awards Honor Judge Harbin-ForteCaliforniaCourts2022-12-31 | Alameda County Superior Court Judge Harbin-Forte has been instrumental in helping to institutionalize judicial diversity efforts and maintain attention on the need to have the bench better reflect the state’s residents.