Patricia Guerrero, California’s first Latina chief justice, stressed recent gains in diversity in the state’s judicial branch during her first State of the Courts address March 27.
“California’s court system continues to become more diverse and more reflective of the wide variety of communities we serve. At every level of court operations, it’s now possible for a member of the public to see someone who looks like them, or who has a background and identity like them,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero said that her own story, as a chief justice who is the daughter of immigrants and grew up in the Imperial Valley, was a symbol of the state’s mobility.
“And that is how our constitutional democracy works and succeeds—with defined duties, roles, and responsibilities combined with necessary checks and balances between the branches of government—all in service to the people,” the chief justice said.
Guerrero appeared to show support for Newsom’s new CARE Court program.
“I applaud Governor Newsom and all of you for your efforts in exploring ways to address the needs of Californians with untreated mental health, substance abuse challenges, and in crisis to gain access to housing, treatment, and care. And the judicial branch will continue to play its role in supporting efforts through initiatives like our collaborative courts,” she said.
Guerrero said the collaboration between the branches of state government have led to increased resources and more stable funding.
She also said she will continue sharing information about the judicial branch, mentioning the Trial Court Operational Metrics report that was released in February.
Guerrero said that the judicial branch will continue moving to allow remote access to hearings and documents after seeing benefits to remote technology during the pandemic. The court has been moving to online services whenever it was legal and effective to do so, Guerrero said.
California courts held more than half a million civil remote proceedings over a seven month period, with 96% of remote users reporting favorable experiences, Guerrero said, before listing other benefits to remote access:
- All 58 superior courts are able to hold remote proceedings in at least one case type
- 39 superior courts can hold remote proceedings in all or most case types
- Case clearance rates for juvenile delinquency improved after the pandemic ended
- Victims of domestic violence and elder abuse reported less anxiety and stress by not having to attend court in person with their alleged abuser
- Collaborative court participants were able to appear remotely without disrupting drug or medical treatment
- Remote proceedings helped people who otherwise would have to miss work, travel long distances or incur transportation expenses to make brief proceedings
Guerrero also mentioned the judicial system’s response to climate change.
The Judicial Council created a judicial environmental training program that’s focused on water law issues, she said. The council is also putting together an environmental law summit this summer that will include publications, podcasts and training on issues related to water law, climate change and environmental litigation, she said.
Going forward, Guerrero said her priorities are public confidence in the judiciary through the Civic Learning Initiative, mentorship and training; increasing access to justice through technology and pro bono legal services; increased transparency and productivity; and making a stable budget.
Read the full transcript of Guerrero’s speech here.
