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
Jan 10, 2017
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye
Response to Proposed Budget
On the Governor's proposal for the 2017-18 judicial branch budget, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye stated, "Given the uncertainties in the state’s budget in the coming fiscal year, Governor Brown’s proposed budget for the judicial branch is prudent."
JUDICIAL BRANCH ADMINISTRATION
$25 Million Grant Program for Trial and Appellate Courts
The Judicial Council is administering a $25 million grant program intended to promote innovation, modernization, and efficiency in trial and appellate courts. The Judicial Council received numerous grant applications and will award grants to trial and appellate courts by March 30, 2017. For information about the grant program, visit the program page.Traffic/Infraction Amnesty Program
An amnesty program in California is now discounting traffic and non-traffic infractions that were due on or before Jan 1, 2013, and is helping those seeking driver's license reinstatements. The program runs through March 31, 2017. For information and links to local court websites, visit the program page.
Court Locations
Jury Info, Court Info, Court WebsitesSTAY CONNECTED
Of Current Interest
Jan 19, 2017
Report on Pretrial Risk Assessment
At its Jan 19 meeting, the council heard that the use of evidence-based practices in pretrial risk assessment can reduce misconduct and failure to appear rates for criminal defendants. See a summary of the meeting.Jan 17, 2017
Invitations to Comment
The Judicial Council is currently seeking the public's input on eight items related to criminal and juvenile law, including Prop 64 and Prop 57. Council also seeks comment on the draft of the branch Tactical Plan for Technology.Jan 03, 2017