SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — California’s Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero highlighted several programs the judiciary is spearheading in her annual address to the state Legislature, while also calling out attacks on court decisions as partisan and unnecessary.
The state’s judiciary is an independent, co-equal branch that maintains high standards, she said.
“We must safeguard the integrity of the courts and our decision-making,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero, in her second year of a 12-year term, delivered her remarks to a joint session of the California Senate and Assembly. Standing at the lectern, with Governor Gavin Newsom seated nearby, she gave a nod to the state’s current fiscal woes.
California faces a significant budget crunch this year. Newsom has said the budget deficit is around $38 billion. The Legislative Analyst’s Office has given an estimate closer to $73 billion.
The chief justice thanked the governor for his financial support of the judicial branch, which funds essential programs and services.
“And yes, we know that during these challenging budget times, that along with the rest of state government, the judicial branch must be part of the solution to close the statewide budget deficit,” Guerrero said.
Those brief remarks about fiscal troubles and partisan attacks were small asides from Guerrero’s overall message about the goals of the judiciary and how it plans to reach them.
The modernization of court management and administration is one of those goals. The chief justice said that some of that is planned, while other aspects are thrust on it.
“You can guess where AI falls in that spectrum,” Guerrero said, referring to artificial intelligence. “I don't recommend that anyone shout into their phones, 'Win my case' or 'Write my brief.'"
The courts must face the reality of AI, which is why she’s tapped two jurists to identify critical questions to ask when examining the opportunities and challenges AI brings. The goal is to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process, Guerrero said.
Safeguarding the judiciary and building confidence in it were themes that appeared throughout the speech.
Guerrero pointed to civic learning awards for California public schools, a program that’s existed since 2012. Over 500 public schools have been recognized for advancing civic education.
Another program — judges in the classroom — puts jurists before students. There were 230 visits last year to schools, in person and remote.
“I’ve participated in this program myself, and can tell you firsthand, that it’s a truly rewarding experience for the judges, teachers and students,” Guerrero said.
Access to justice is also key. Guerrero said concerns about fines and fees making a “debtor’s prison” for lower income Californians led to a pilot program — MyCitations, an online tool that lets people request a lower fine, a payment plan or community service.
The program started in April 2019. Through the end of last year, over 128,000 requests have been made. Total fines dropped from $71 million to $34.3 million.
Guerrero also highlighted her desire to increase transparency and improve efficiencies while maintaining quality. The high court has set work goals. The number of opinions it issues each year has increased. The appellate courts now have a system to monitor caseloads ensure they're being handled in a timely manner.
The chief justice also praised her fellow jurists, noting that she serves on one of the most talented and diverse panels in the country. It’s also one of the most unanimous, with 94% of its rulings being uniform.
While the state's high court sets precedents on issues like civil liberties and equality, it’s also taken a stand on them. Guerrero pointed to a 2020 statement in which the justices condemned racism in all its forms. They also recognize that much more work is needed to make equality and inclusion a reality for everyone, she said.
“And I look forward to working with each of you on future initiatives, and the promise of equal justice under the law for all Californians,” Guerrero said.
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How long has this been going on? May 3, 2024
