News Announcements

Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.

Criminal Bench Duty in the Southern Division

 Effective July 13, 2020, criminal bench duty for the Southern Division will take place in the Ronald Reagan Courthouse in Santa Ana, by video or telephonic conference with the defendant’s consent and in-court absent consent. Pursuant to General...

Judge Philip S. Gutierrez Succeeds Judge Cormac J. Carney as Chief Judge of the Central District of California

 Effective June 26, 2020, the Honorable Cormac J. Carney has ended his tenure as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Judge Carney resumes service as an active District Judge in the Court’s Southern...

Use of Face Coverings in Court Facilities

 Pursuant to Order of the Chief Judge No. 20-078, the United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the use of face coverings in the United States Courthouses and Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the District...

Judge Cormac J. Carney Succeeds Judge Virginia A. Phillips as Chief Judge of the Central District of California

 Effective June 1, 2020, the Honorable Virginia A. Phillips, having served as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California since July 1, 2016, has ended her tenure as   Chief Judge.  Judge Phillips resumes...

Phased Resumption of Operations

 By approving Amended General Order 20-08, the Central District of California has adopted a plan for the phased resumption of Court operations.

Patricia A. Donahue Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Patricia A. Donahue as a United States Magistrate Judge. Judge Donahue, who was sworn-in on May 4, 2020, will sit in Los Angeles, the Court’s...

New and Amended Local Rules Effective June 1, 2020

 The new and amended local rules listed below will become effective June 1, 2020. A redlined version of these rules, as well as complete copies of the Local Civil Rules and the Local Criminal Rules that will be effective June 1, 2020, are available...

Further Measures Taken in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the following further measures taken in response to the threat posed by COVID-19, also known as the “Coronavirus.”

COVID-19 Notice (March 21, 2020)

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”), effective March 23, 2020 through and including May 1, 2020 necessary to ensure the continuous performance of essential...

Activation of Continuity of Operations Plan

 Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips announces the United States District Court for the Central District of California has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan (“COOP”), effective March 23, 2020 through and including May 1, 2020.  The activation...

Protective Measures Taken in Response to Coronavirus in the Central District of California

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the following measures in response to the threat posed by COVID-19, also known as the “Coronavirus.”  Effective immediately, the following persons shall not enter any...

Visitor Restrictions

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces visitor restrictions to all courthouses and probation and pretrial services offices in the District as a result of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) outbreak. The...

Changes to Local Rules Proposed to Become Effective June 1, 2020

 The Court has preliminarily approved amendments to the local rules listed below. The proposed effective date is June 1, 2020. A redline of the proposed changes accompanies the electronic version of this notice and can also be found on the Court’s...

Third Notice - NextGen is Coming on February 18, 2020

 ACTION REQUIRED NextGen is Coming on February 18, 2020 – Prepare Today!

Pedro V. Castillo Appointed as United States Magistrate Judge

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Pedro V. Castillo as a United States Magistrate Judge. Judge Castillo, who was sworn in on January 24, 2020, will sit in Los Angeles, the Court’s...

Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams Appointed Chief Magistrate Judge

 The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces the appointment of Magistrate Judge Paul L. Abrams as Chief Magistrate Judge, which became effective January 1, 2020. He succeeds Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Walsh,...

Second Notice - Next Generation of CM/ECF (NextGen)

Capital Habeas Attorney Panel Recruitment

 Applications for membership on the Capital Habeas Attorney Panel for the Central District of California are now being accepted. ABOUT THE PANEL

Amended Local Rules Effective December 1, 2019

 The amended local rules listed below will become effective December 1, 2019.  A redlined version of these rules, as well as complete copies of the Local Civil Rules and the Local Criminal Rules that will be effective December 1, 2019, are available...

Passing of the Honorable George P. Schiavelli

 Chief Judge Virginia A. Phillips announces the passing of former District Judge George P. Schiavelli, who died on August 28, 2019.  Judge Schiavelli was 71 years old. Judge Schiavelli received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from Stanford...

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