California Courts Now Provide Free Audio Records | San Jose News

San Jose News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 1m

California’s top court just handed low-income litigants a major win: if you can’t afford a court reporter and none is available, you’ll now get an electronic audio transcript in every civil case — including family and probate matters. This new rule ensures equal access to justice by preventing financial barriers from silencing your voice in court. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero called the old system unfair, and civil rights advocates celebrated the move, which sidesteps strict income tests in favor of whether you can reasonably participate. While some reporters worry about quality, the court…