Legal History of Asian American Pacific Islander Experience in California

The state judicial branch's strategic plan includes the goal of Access, Fairness, Diversity, and Inclusion, where "The makeup of California’s judicial branch will reflect the diversity of the state’s residents."

According to the Judicial Council’s latest annual judicial demographics report, the number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has slowly increased over the last 18 years. As of Dec. 31, 2024, Asian Americans made up 11.2% of judges in California, compared to 4.4% in 2006, while Pacific Islanders made up 0.2% of judges in California, compared to 0.1% in 2006. 

Since taking office in 2019 through 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom made 576 judicial appointments – including 131 in 2024 – from a pool of 1,898 applicants. Of those appointments, 17.3% identify as Asian and 0.8% identify as Pacific Islander.

This May, California courts and the Judicial Council of California join the nation in recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

If you are not able to view the timeline below, click here.

This feature was originally published on May 2, 2024.