Welcome to the California Courts

We have the largest judicial system in the country, bringing equal access to justice for all Californians.

Serving California Courts

The Judicial Council

Learn about the policymaking body of the California courts, its members, attend meetings, and more.

Advisory Bodies

The Judicial Council fulfills its mission through committees and task forces. Attend open meetings, learn about members, and initiatives.

Offices & Divisions

Learn more about the judicial council, advisory bodies meetings, and judicial council staff itself.

Invitations to Comment

The council values and regularly seeks public comment on proposals related to judicial administration. Click for the latest proposals.

Court-Related Legislation

Search by topic for active legislation that affects the courts or is of general interest to the courts.

Research & Data

See how the Judicial Branch uses statistics, analytics, and research to provide data-informed reports. 

Find Your Court

Pay traffic violations, access jury information, find a local self-help desk, and much more.

Programs

Judicial Council programs and activities are designed to enhance the quality of justice in California's courts.

Parents and adoptive children coming together in court

For Families & Children

Learn about programs that serve the diverse needs of children, youth, parents, families, and other users of the California courts.
Hands coming together to work collaboratively

Collaborative Justice Courts

Collaborative justice courts take a team approach to decision making, integrating social, judicial, and community resources.
Image of Lady Justice and Scales in Bronze

Criminal Justice Programs

Managing Criminal Justice initiatives for the benefit of California courts, justice partners, and the public.
Commissioner Lee and the Girl Scouts

Court Outreach

Local court outreach efforts and the statewide Power of Democracy Civic Learning initiative aim to educate the public about the judicial branch.
View all Programs

Looking for the Self-Help Guide?

Californians looking for information on case types or to represent themselves in court can find step-by-step instructions, court forms, and other resources on the Self-Help Guide.

View Self-Help Guide

Of Current Interest

December 09, 2024

California Courts Implement CARE Act Statewide

December 05, 2024

How a County Superior Court Partnered With a Tribal Court to Create First Joint-Jurisdiction Court in California

December 05, 2024

Supreme Court Makes Appointments to Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions

December 05, 2024

Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

Visit Newsroom
Judicial Branch Tiers

Learn about the Judicial Branch

The branch has three levels of courts.  

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. Cases move up from the Courts of Appeal and the Superior (Trial) Courts. Capital cases (death penalty) go directly from the trial courts to the Supreme Court. The Judicial Council is the policy making body for the branch and supports the work of the courts. Learn more about each.

Supreme Court Courts of Appeal Superior Courts

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero at the Podium

Chief Justice of California

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero was sworn into office on January 2, 2023, making history as the first Latina to serve as California’s Chief Justice. 

Meet Chief Justice Guerrero