The California judicial branch is widely acknowledged as a national leader in developing and implementing programs that enhance access to justice. In recent years, numerous initiatives have been implemented statewide and at individual trial courts to ensure that public service is delivered effectively and efficiently for the benefit of court users.

The following programs provide a broad overview of some of these efforts and initiatives.

Court Innovations Grant Program

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.  In a competitive process, the Judicial Branch Budget Committee will select which grant applications to fund.  For information about how to apply for a grant, please visit the program page.

Branch Efficiencies

These programs, available in many courts, focus on making structural improvements to the justice system. They are often cost effective, as they benefit from economies of scale and centralized administrative oversight. They also frequently improve the overall experience of court users in accessing court services.  View all branch efficiencies.

Efficient & Effective Trial Court Programs

Numerous effective and efficient programs, developed by trial courts, have been assembled in a Knowledge Center where courts can exchange ideas, service delivery approaches, technology solutions and other innovations with their peer courts. This section describes many of the programs contained in the Knowledge Center that focus on improving overall operational efficiency View all programs.