Court Information and Legal Deadlines – COVID-19 – Issues
Last Update August 19, 2021
Below are selected websites from reliable sources, vetted by our Law Librarians. This is not an exhaustive list of information available on this topic, but a starting point to provide you with basic information.
San Diego Superior Court
4th District Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court – Southern District of California
San Diego Superior Court
***San Diego Superior Court Services Resumed on May 26, 2020.***
On Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, the San Diego Superior Court is reinstating a facial covering requirement for all court visitors and employees, regardless of vaccination status.
For updated information regarding COVID-19 and San Diego Superior Court services and operations review this portal on the courthouse website –
http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/portal/page?_pageid=55,2053814&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
As of April 15, 2021, e-filing through one of the San Diego Superior Court’s approved electronic filing service providers is mandatory in all Limited and Unlimited Civil Cases and Probate Cases for parties represented by attorneys. Self-represented litigants are encouraged, but not required, to e-file in these cases, as well.
Frequently Asked Question About Family Court Procedures During Emergency Conditions
For more information regarding Family Law, please reference our COVID-19 Family Law Issues Guide.
The Family Law Facilitators Office is open and providing remote assistance via workshops and personal assistance.
San Diego Superior Court: As of February of 2021, jury trials are being conducted in person. More information for potential jurors can be found here.
U.S District Court for the Southern District of California: Jury trials are taking place. Information for potential jurors can be found here or call 1-800-998-9035.
Small claims hearings are being held remotely at this time. Find more information about small claims virtual hearings at www.sdcourt.ca.gov/Civil
All hearings on the calendar in small claims actions on or after March 26, 2020, will be scheduled for a future date. The Court will provide notice to the parties of the new date and time of the rescheduled hearing, as well as information on how to appear.
The Small Claims Legal Advisory is preparing to expand its remote services to include live chat and video appointment offerings. In-person self-help services at court facilities will resume at a later date.
Also, on January 29, 2021, the California legislature amended the California Code of Civil Procedure 116.223 to allow the Small Claims Court jurisdiction to resolve claims arising out of nonpayment of residential rent that occurred between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, even if the amount in dispute exceeds the $10,000 limit for Small Claims Court.
Information on Unlawful Detainer Hearings
(General Order 043020-47 – Third Implementation Order, #13)
All hearings on the calendar in small claims actions on or after March 17, 2020, are vacated and will be re-calendared on a date and time to be determined. The Court will provide notice to the parties of the new date and time of the rescheduled hearing, as well as information on how to appear.
How to Access a Virtual Hearing
As of Sept. 7, 2021, the San Diego Superior Court is using Microsoft Teams for all Virtual Appearances.
- Criminal Courtroom Live Streaming
- Criminal Virtual Hearings
- Civil Virtual Hearings
- Family Law and Domestic Violence Restraining Orders Virtual Hearings
- Probate Virtual Hearings
- Traffic/Minor Offense Virtual Hearings
- Appellate Division Virtual Oral Arguments
- Appellate Division Traffic Virtual Oral Arguments
Criminal Court Live Streaming Information
General Orders
- August 17, 2021: General Order No. 080621-83 In re: Extension of Time to Hold Preliminary Hearings
- August 06, 2021: General Order No. 080621-82 In re: Extension of Time for Criminal Trials
- August 04, 2021: General Order No. 080621-81 In re: 60 Day Accelerated Release of Sentenced County Jail Inmates Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
- July 27, 2021: General Order No. 080621-80: In re Prioritization of Jury Trials Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
More information on San Diego Superior Court response to COVID-19
4th District Court of Appeal
June 23, 2021 Update
Effective August 2021, the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One, is restoring in-person arguments in light of updated state and local public health guidance permitting the relaxing of certain COVID-19 safety protocols. In accordance with state and local public health guidance, face coverings in the courtroom will be required for all regardless of vaccination status. Those who are fully vaccinated may remove their masks only while presenting oral argument. While in-person argument will return as the default method of appearance, parties may request to appear remotely. Until further notice, the courtroom is open only to those parties presenting oral argument.
For information on Court Operations
U.S. District Court – Southern District of California
For information on Court Operations
U.S District Court for the Southern District of California: Jury trials are taking place. Information for potential jurors can be found here or call 1-800-998-9035.
Video resource from our YouTube channel: How the Federal Court is Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic (MCLE).
