Judicial Council establishes working group to guide superior courts as they open

The Judicial Council established a group of 22 judges and court executive officers Tuesday to compile and publish guidelines for trial courts trying to resume operations.

The publication is due next month, and the goal is to draft a list of actions courts across California can adapt as the state and local governments start lifting or modifying public health restrictions.

"Our court system, like the rest of state government, must continue to serve the public during an unprecedented pandemic," said Judicial Council Administrative Director Martin Hoshino. "The working group will provide a road map for trial courts by reviewing best practices and creating a template and tool kits that different-sized courts can use as they serve the public during the pandemic and beyond."

California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and Hoshino are also taking part in the "Post-Pandemic Planning Initiative" led by the National Center for State Courts, the Conference of Chief Justices, and the Conference of State Court Administrators.

The working group will include 11 judges and 11 court executive officers from counties across the state. Members include Los Angeles County Court Executive Officer Sherri R. Carter, Butte County Presiding Judge Clare Keithley, Alameda County Court Executive Officer Chad Finke and Santa Clara County Presiding Judge Deborah A. Ryan.

The creation of the working group is the latest action by Cantil-Sakauye or the Judicial Council to ensure California courts can meet state and local health directives while also providing due process and access to justice.

-- Craig Anderson