California Supreme Court
The Supreme Court continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus situation, and is following guidance provided by federal, state, and local health authorities to limit the spread of the virus. In response to the coronavirus situation, the court issued numerous orders, including those listed below. On March 3, 2022, the court issued and order rescinding several of the previous orders as of April 30, 2022. The March 3, 2022 order can be found here. In addition to reviewing this order, counsel should continue to check the court’s webpage for future orders.
E-filing rules: https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-expands-electronic-filing-in-response-to-covid-19-pandemic
On October 5, 2022, the Court issued its Fourth Standing Order Concerning Oral Argument reinstating the option of appearing in-person for oral argument beginning November 2022. The order can be found here. The form to request an in-person appearance can be found here.
Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District continues to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus situation. The court is following guidance provided by the Judicial Council, the Department of Public Health, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of the virus. An order was issued on March 16, 2020 suspending all in-person oral argument in Los Angeles and providing that counsel appear remotely via video conference, by telephone conference, or by other electronic means as available and arranged by the Clerk’s Office. These adjustments were to remain in place until further order of the court.
Dependency cases. April 15, 2020 order, specific to dependency cases is here.
In-person oral argument resumed. On May 23, 2022, the Second District resumed in-person oral arguments. The protocols for in-person argument and for instructions on how the public can watch remotely are posted on the court’s “Calendars” page. Links to view the arguments are posted on that page approximately 24 hours prior to argument.
Calling and emailing the clerk’s office. Call volume to the clerk’s office may be high and response times may be delayed due, in part, to Covid-19. As an alternative to calling, questions of the clerk’s office can be submitted through the “Email Us” page. https://www.courts.ca.gov/25071.htm
Appointments needed to visit the clerk’s office. Effective July 15, 2021, the clerk’s office in the Second District is open to the public to conduct court business by appointment. Information on how to schedule an appointment can be found here.
Superior Courts
Los Angeles County
Here For You | Safe For You: LA County website portal “focuses on providing a safe courthouse environment while offering services that allow court business to be conducted remotely. Whether appearing by phone, from home, the office or coming to the courthouse, Here For You | Safe For You provides safe, efficient options to access justice.”
April 4, 2022 General Order strongly recommends using face masks d inside all Los Angeles County courthouses in alignment with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance.
Beginning January 11, 2021, the Central District of the LASC is moving to a staggered calendar schedule for all proceedings at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CJC). News Release available here.
The LASC is implementing a new remote audio listening program through the LASC system. News Release available here.
January 28, 2021 General Order from Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor, authorizing additional continuances for criminal trials and juvenile dependency matters.
November 23, 2020 General Order from Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile, outlining social distancing requirements and limiting people allowed in LA County courthouses.
LA County requires advance appointments for in-person service at the Clerk’s Office. Call centers at each courthouse are available to reserve appointments for in-person service and get answers to questions. Call center numbers available here.
Ventura County
July 14, 2022 Mask Mandate for Ventura County Superior Court
Ventura County Superior Court is open with limited entry and capacity. http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/
January 19, 2021 General Order from Presiding Judge Bruce A. Young.
Courtroom live audiostreaming http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/live_stream.html
Santa Barbara County
Court orders/policies/rules regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19: https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/COVID19_orders_policies.shtm
January 13, 2021 General Order from Presiding Judge Michael J. Carrozzo.
Criminal FAQs: https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/COVID-CR.shtm
San Luis Obispo County
COVID-19 Court Information: https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/4802.htm
January 19, 2021 General Order from Presiding Judge Jacquelyn H. Duffy.
Criminal FAQs: https://www.slo.courts.ca.gov/documents/san-luis-obispo/Criminal_FAQ.pdf?1599843990910