RESOURCES

This white paper seeks to remind readers of the evolution and tradition of impartial courts free from political or other influence, identify current perils, and identify innovative remedies. Principal among the threats confronting our courts are the infusion of vast sums of unregulated money in judicial elections, serious underfunding of the courts, political interference with and intimidation of the judiciary, and disinformation that compromises the impartiality of juries.

Conducting civil jury trials in the presence of health threats and necessary restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic is a challenging undertaking for the courts. Special procedures are required to protect jurors, court employees, litigants, witnesses, lawyers and the public. This white paper focuses on these challenges and procedural alternatives and innovations that will allow civil jury trials to proceed safely.

This publication provides an overview of the Supreme Court’s work, procedures, and membership. It describes the court’s beginnings and early development and explains the procedures governing the movement of cases through the court today. Also highlighted are recent changes in technology that have contributed to more efficient operation and enhanced public access to information about the court’s proceedings.

There has never been a better—or a more crucial—time to revitalize civic learning in California. Our state is in the midst of several major public education reforms, including implementing the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English language arts. We are also undergoing a profound shift in the way that K-12 education is funded, via the new LCFF. As we in California implement these sweeping systemic changes, it is critical that we not leave civic learning behind.