Recent News

Supreme Court of California Year in Review (Nov 10, 2016)
Learn about the work of California's high court during its court year September 1, 2015 – August 31, 2016. Multimedia content is included with the summary of key court year statistics.

Supreme Court Issues Order Appointing Justice Elwood Lui as a Special Master (Oct 17, 2016)
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, acting on behalf of the state Supreme Court, today issued an order appointing Associate Justice Elwood Lui of the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division One, as a special master for In re Attorney Discipline System, S237081.

Supreme Court Issues Order Inviting Amicus Curiae Submissions Following Receipt of State Bar’s Interim Special Regulatory Assessment Request (Sep 30, 2016)
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, acting on behalf of the state Supreme Court, today issued an order inviting any person or entity wishing to comment on the State Bar’s Request to submit an amicus curiae letter to the court by Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

The Supreme Court has reviewed public comments submitted with respect to proposed Rule of Court, rule 9.8, which involves the proposed disclosure of applicant and examination information by the State Bar. (See the original news release). In light of those comments and after consultation with both houses of the Legislature, the court will defer consideration of the rule.

Jorge E. Navarrete Appointed First Latino Court Administrator and Clerk of the Supreme Court (Sep 14, 2016)
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye today announced, on behalf of the Supreme Court of California, the appointment of Mr. Jorge E. Navarrete, the court’s current Assistant Clerk Administrator, as the twenty-seventh Court Administrator and Clerk of the Supreme Court. The appointment will take effect Saturday, October 1, 2016.

Supreme Court Directs State Bar of California to Submit Request for Interim Funding (Sep 8, 2016)
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, acting on behalf of the state Supreme Court, today directed State Bar President David J. Pasternak and Executive Director Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker to submit a funding request to the Supreme Court by September 30, 2016. (see Case number: S237081).

2017 Supreme Court Oral Argument Calendar (Sep 2, 2016)
The Supreme Court of California has published its Oral Argument Calendar for next year. The calendar highlights the weeks when oral argument will be held in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. It also includes the dates for the court’s weekly conferences and court holidays for 2017.

Frank A. McGuire to Retire as Court Administrator and Clerk of the Supreme Court (Aug 26, 2016)
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye announced today that Mr. Frank A. McGuire will retire from his position as the 26th Court Administrator and Clerk of the Supreme Court of California, effective September 30, 2016.

Supreme Court Launches Temporary Webcast Archive (Jun 24, 2016)
The Supreme Court of California has launched a temporary oral argument webcast archive on its section of the California Courts Newsroom. The archive contains captioned video or audio and support documents from its May 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, and June 1, 2 (audio-only) oral argument calendar sessions in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Supreme Court Eliminates Automatic Depublication (Jun 1, 2016)
The Supreme Court of California announced today that it has amended the California Rules of Court to eliminate the practice of automatically “depublishing” published Court of Appeal decisions when the Supreme Court grants review. The new rules will become effective on July 1, 2016.

Supreme Court Committee Provides Guidance to Judges on Attending Political Fundraising or Endorsement Events (Mar 4, 2016)
The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) has adopted a formal advisory opinion providing guidance to judges and judicial candidates to assist them in determining the types of activities they may engage in at political fundraising or endorsement events.

Supreme Court Booklet Updated (Jan 13, 2016)
The Seventh Edition of The Supreme Court of California booklet is now available to download from the court’s Web site. The booklet contains the court’s Internal Operating Practices and Procedures and provides an overview of the court's membership, work, and history

Supreme Court Makes Reappointments to Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (Dec 22, 2015)
Supreme Court announces the reappointment of Justice Ronald B. Robie, Justice Douglas P. Miller, and Judge Robert J. Trentacosta as members of CJEO. Justices Robie and Miller are also reappointed as chair and vice-chair. In related action, the court adopts amendments to court Rule 9.80 of the California Rules of Court to increase term limits for CJEO members, chair, and vice-chair.

New July 1, 2016, Proposed Effective Date for Changes to Publication Practice Rule
(Dec 21, 2015)
The Supreme Court has announced a change to the targeted effective date for possible amendments to the California Rules of Court concerning publication of appellate opinions after grant of review (rule 8.1105(e)(1)) and the citation of such opinions (rule 8.1115). In light of the extensive comments received, and in order to allow appropriate review, the proposed effective date of any new rules is extended from January 1, 2016, to July 1, 2016.

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Changes to Code of Judicial Ethics (Oct 8, 2015)
The Supreme Court of California Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics is seeking public comment on a proposal to amend Canon 4C(3)(d)(iii) and Commentary of the Code of Judicial Ethics. The deadline for comment is December 1, 2015.

Supreme Court Seeks Comment on Possible Changes to Committee Rule (Sep 30, 2015)
Rule 9.80 of the California Rules of Court governs the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions and the court is seeking comment on a proposed amendment to term limits for CJEO members, chair, and vice-chair by Wednesday, November 18, 2015.

2016 Supreme Court Oral Argument Calendar (Sep 3, 2015)
The Supreme Court of California has published its Oral Argument Calendar for next year. The calendar highlights the weeks when oral argument will be held in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. It also includes the dates for the court’s weekly conferences and court holidays for 2016.

Supreme Court Makes Appointment to State Bar Board of Trustees (Aug 24, 2015)
The court appointed Attorney Jason P. Lee to the State Bar Board of Trustees to serve a three-year term beginning in October.

Supreme Court seeks public comment on possible rule change (Jul 29, 2015)
The court is considering changes to a rule automatically depublishing Court of Appeal opinions when the Supreme Court grants review. The Invitation to Comment deadline has been extended to Friday, October 9, 2015.

Special Student Outreach Session (Oct 2, 2015)
The Supreme Court of California will host a Special Student Outreach Session on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 beginning at 9:00 a.m. The students attending will be from the Mandela Law and Public Service Academy in Oakland, and the Advanced Legal Writing Seminar at the University of Southern California. The oral argument session will be broadcast live and Live-Webcast on The California Channel.

Supreme Court Amends the Code of Judicial Ethics (Aug 26, 2015)
The revisions adopted by the court include substantive changes relating to campaign contributions, accepting gifts, and judicial candidates.

Carin T. Fujisaki Appointed Principal Attorney to the Chief Justice (Jun 5, 2015)
In announcing Ms. Fujisaki’s appointment, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye hailed her as “a prime example of the wealth of legal talent and the dedicated public servants who staff our Supreme Court,” noting that “Carin brings 25 years of high court experience to her new role, as well as years of experience in the legal community at large.”

Supreme Court of California releases official photograph (Mar 30, 2015)
The official bench photograph of the Supreme Court was released today. The new photograph includes the Court’s two newest members, Associate Justices Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar and Leondra R. Kruger, who were sworn into office on January 5, 2015.

Nominations sought for special masters for the Commission on Judicial Performance (Feb 2, 2015)
The Supreme Court seeks nominations, including self-nominations, of qualified justices and judges to serve as special masters for the Commission on Judicial Performance. Nominations are due February 20, 2015.
Details | Nomination form

Supreme Court Committee invites comment on proposed amendments (Nov 10, 2014)
The Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics invites public comment on proposed amendments to canons 3, 4, and 5. The deadline to submit comments is January 12, 2015.

2015 Supreme Court Oral Argument Calendar (Oct 10, 2014)
The Supreme Court of California has published its Oral Argument Calendar for next year. The calendar highlights the weeks when oral argument will be held in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. It also includes the dates for the court’s weekly conferences and court holidays for 2015.

Supreme Court Issues Annual Report on Workload Statistics for 2013–2014 (Oct 3, 2014)
The California Supreme Court today released its annual workload statistics for September 1, 2013, through August 31, 2014, the official court year for statistical purposes. Overall, the number of opinions issued by the court decreased from 87 last court year to 83 in 2013–2014. During the same period, the total number of filings and dispositions continued a downward trend in most categories.

Supreme Court Committee Provides Guidance on Appearing at Public Hearings (Oct 2, 2014)
Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions advises judges on commenting at public hearings and consulting with the Legislature.

Supreme Court of California Appoints New Reporter of Decisions (Oct 1, 2014)
Following a national search, the Supreme Court of California today announced the appointment of Mr. Lawrence W. Striley as the 25th Reporter of Decisions of the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal.

Justice Marvin Baxter Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election (Jun 18, 2014)
Justice Marvin R. Baxter will not seek re-election as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court in the Nov 2014 general election. He will conclude his current term of office and retire on Jan 4, 2015, after 24 years on the Supreme Court and 32 consecutive years of public service.

“Civility” Oath Approved by Supreme Court (May 1, 2014)
The California Supreme Court today announced the adoption of a new California Rule of Court, rule 9.4, to supplement the attorney oath for new lawyers. Known as the “civility” oath the new oath will include courtesy, dignity, and integrity and is effective May 23, 2014.

Supreme Court Appoints Four Members to the Applicant Evaluation and Nomination Committee for State Bar Court Judges (Mar 13, 2014)
The California Supreme Court today announced the appointment of four members to the court’s Applicant Evaluation and Nomination Committee, which solicits and evaluates applicants for appointment to the State Bar Court.

Associate Justice Joyce L. Kennard to retire (Feb 11, 2014)
Justice Joyce Kennard today notified Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., of her decision to retire from the California Supreme Court after twenty-five years of public service on the state high court, effective April 5, 2014.

High court denies admission to Glass (January 27, 2014)
The Supreme Court’s opinion declines to admit former journalist Stephen Randall Glass to the State Bar, denying him a license to practice law in California. The unanimous opinion was authored “by the court.”

Supreme Court Committee Provides Guidance on Emergency Orders in Family Law Cases (Jan 16, 2014)
The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions issued an advisory opinion that provides guidance to family law judges on reviewing applications for non-domestic-violence emergency orders.

Reminder: Supreme Court Launches e-Submissions (Jan 13, 2014)
Effective Jan 1, 2014, rule 8.44 of the California Rules of Court is amended to allow parties to submit electronic copies of briefs and petitions filed with the Supreme Court.

High Court Grants Admission to Garcia (Jan 2, 2014)
The Supreme Court's opinion admits Sergio C. Garcia, an undocumented immigrant, to the State Bar, granting Garcia a license to practice law in California. The unanimous decision was authored by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye.

Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions Issues Two Formal Opinions (Dec 11, 2013)
The Supreme Court committee provides guidance on  disqualifications triggered by judicial campaign contributions and also advises on steps for judges to take to ensure that disclosures become part of the record.

Supreme Court returns to Sacramento for November Oral Argument Calendar (Oct 11, 2013) The California Supreme Court will return to its Sacramento courtroom in the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building for the Nov 5 and 6, 2013 oral argument calendar. The renovation of the building that began in 2009 has created a safer, more accessible, and “green” building—view virtual tour.

October Conference and Outreach Session at Berkeley Law (Sep 10, 2013)
The court has published the calendar for the October Special Oral Argument Session and the briefs and other filings are available and will participate in a Conference hosted by the California Constitution Center at Berkeley Law in October 2013.

Supreme Court Makes Appointments to the State Bar Board of Trustees
(Aug 26, 2013) The Supreme Court appointed Attorneys Miriam Krinsky and Hernán Vera to the State Bar Board of Trustees following recommendations to the court by its seven-member State Bar Trustees Nominating Committee. The terms will commence October 12, 2013, and conclude after the bar’s annual board meeting in 2016.

Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions Invites Comment on Draft Opinion (Aug 15, 2013)
The Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions invites public comment on a draft advisory opinion dealing with judicial ex parte communications in family law cases. Deadline for comment: Sept 9, 2013.

S211990—Hollingsworth et al., v. O'Connell (Brown) & S212172—Dronenburg v. Brown et al. (Aug 14, 2013)
The Supreme Court’s final rulings on these two petitions, which sought orders requiring county clerks to enforce Proposition 8 (confining marriage to a union “between a man and a woman”), are now available. The court denied the petition in Hollingsworth and granted the request for dismissal in Dronenburg.

Historical Society Articles Profile Court (Jul 3, 2013)
The California Supreme Court Historical Society’s most recent newsletter profiles the work of the court in a number of articles. Some of the topics covered include the women justices on the bench, the court’s outreach sessions, and a profile of the Clerk/Administrator.

Seeking Applicants for State Bar Board of Trustees (Mar 8, 2013)
The California Supreme Court’s State Bar Trustees Nominating Committee is seeking qualified applicants for the court’s two appointments to the State Bar Board of Trustees in 2013. The deadline to apply is March 29, 2013. Application Form and instructions.

Students to Attend March Oral Arguments (Mar 1, 2013)
As part of the court’s ongoing outreach efforts, students from Campolindo High School in Moraga, Head-Royce School in Oakland, and Fresno City College, as well as law interns from the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, will each be attending portions of the court’s oral arguments on Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 6.

New Supreme Court Committee to Recommend State Bar Trustees (Feb 7, 2013)
The Supreme Court of California announced the creation of a seven-member State Bar Trustees Nominating Committee to assist the court in selecting appointees to the State Bar Board of Trustees. The committee’s organization and work will be guided by Rule 9.90 of the California Rules of Court, which the court adopted on January 23.

Special Session at the University of San Francisco (Feb 5, 2013)

More than 200 attended the Supreme Court of California's historic special session at the University of San Francisco, School of Law. The session commemorated the centennial of the university’s law school and kicked-off a month long effort launched by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye to bring legal and civics learning into the public eye.

Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions Appointments (Jan 30, 2013)
The California Supreme Court appointed three new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions, an independent committee appointed by the court to help inform the judiciary and the public concerning judicial ethics topics.

Outreach Program to welcome students to February 6 oral arguments (Jan 24, 2013)
As part of the California Supreme Court’s ongoing outreach and education efforts, the court will welcome more than 100 students and teachers from Sacramento’s C.K. McClatchy High School to hear the two morning cases on the court’s February 6, 2013 oral argument calendar in San Francisco.

Beth Jay, Chief Justice’s Principal Attorney, set to retire (Nov 16, 2012)
Beth Jay, who has significantly influenced the administration of justice of California while serving as the Principal Attorney to three Chief Justices of California over more than 25 years will retire at the end of the year. She has been a leading voice in the evolution of Supreme Court and judicial branch issues.

Supreme Court Adopts Revisions to Code of Judicial Ethics (Nov 14, 2012)
The Supreme Court has adopted amendments to the Code of Judicial Ethics concerning such topics as disclosure of campaign contributions and loans in judicial elections, conduct by judicial candidates, ex parte communications, conducting settlement conferences, and grounds for disqualification of judges.

Supreme Court Orders Compliance with Preliminary Injunction in Campaign Contributions Case (Nov 4, 2012)
Acting on a petition filed late Friday, November 2, the California Supreme Court on Sunday, November 4, unanimously ordered Americans for Responsible Leadership, an Arizona nonprofit corporation, that recently made a sizable campaign contribution to a California political action committee, to comply with a trial court order directing the nonprofit corporation to provide information to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) pending the nonprofit corporation’s appeal of the trial court order. (Fair Political Practices Commission v. Americans for Responsible Leadership, S206407.)

Annual Report on Workload Statistics (Oct 4, 2012)
The California Supreme Court's Annual Workload Statistics for Sept 1, 2011—Aug 31, 2012 is now available. The report contains details about the number of opinions filed and overall filings and dispositions. (Note: the figures contained in this report are not the same as those contained in the statistics report for the entire branch which are based on the fiscal year.)

Special Session Held at UC Davis School of Law on Oct 3 (Sep 27, 2012)
The Kalmanovitz Appellate Courtroom at the University of California at Davis School of Law was filled to capacity on Oct 3 for the Supreme Court of California's special oral argument session. Case summaries and related information are available here.

California Supreme Court hires new clerk/administrator (Jun 4, 2012)
Frank McGuire is currently the managing attorney for the administrative presiding justice of the First District Court of Appeal and has spent more than 20 years working in the appellate courts.

Supreme Court posts briefs in Garcia on Admission (May 16, 2012)
This case concerns whether an undocumented immigrant who has graduated from law school and passed the California bar examination may be admitted to the California Bar or whether such admission is precluded by any federal statute or for any other reason.

Supreme Court Seeks Applicants for State Bar Board of Trustees (Apr 24, 2012)
The Supreme Court is seeking applicants for court’s first-ever appointment to State Bar Board of Trustees, which oversees the State Bar of California. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2012.

Frederick Ohlrich to Retire as Clerk/Administrator of Supreme Court (Mar 26, 2012)
After a 47-year career in the state justice system, Mr. Frederick Ohlrich will retire as Clerk/Administrator of the California Supreme Court.