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
Sep 22, 2016
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye
Civic Learning Awards
The application period is now open for these awards, co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This year’s awards will recognize achievements in civics in California's public elementary, middle, and high schools. Applications are due Jan. 9, 2017.
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. Grant applications must be submitted to the Judicial Council by October 31, 2016. For information about how to apply for a grant, please 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
Nov 21, 2016
Courts Closed Thursday and Friday
California courts and judicial branch offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.Nov 14, 2016
Supreme Court Year in Review
Learn about the work of California's highest court during its calendar year September 1, 2015 – August 31, 2016.Oct 28, 2016