Independence Day

U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day.

News, Notices & Events




The United States District Court for the Southern District of California has created an exciting new display space right on Broadway in the heart of downtown San Diego. The inspirations for this on-going, rotating art display are: making art more accessible to the public, enhancing civic engagement through the arts, and creating an opportunity for local artists to increase exposure to their work.
Date Posted: 6/30/2026


NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTIVE CJA PANEL MEMBERS: The United States District Court for the Southern District of California is accepting applications for the following Criminal Justice Act (CJA) defense attorney panels: Criminal Defense, Material Witness and CVB for the 2027-2029 term, and Appellate for the 2027-2028 term. Notices and applications are available now.
Date Posted: 6/26/2026


Selection of Lawyer Representatives
The Southern District of California is now accepting applications for new Lawyer Representatives. Applications must be submitted by Monday, July 13, 2026. Please refer to the notice for details.
Date Posted: 5/20/2026


The United States District Court in the Southern District of California is excited to announce the district winners of the 2026 Civics Contest for high school students.  This contest was held at the local level in each district, with winners advancing to the circuit contest. The contest offered cash prizes and a chance to meet preeminent jurists and legal practitioners at the Ninth Circuit Conference.
Date Posted: 5/7/2026


Proposed Local Rule Amendments
Date Posted: 4/30/2026


Appointment of United States Magistrate Judge Janet A. Cabral
Date Posted: 4/27/2026


Appointment of Counsel for Certain Immigration Detainees Seeking Habeas Relief Under 28 U.S.C. § 2241
Date Posted: 4/20/2026


Amendment of Criminal Justice Act Plan
Date Posted: 4/10/2026


Appointment of United States Magistrate Judge Guillermo (Gil) Cabrera
Date Posted: 4/1/2026


Standard Procedures for Immigration Habeas Petitions
Date Posted: 3/9/2026


Be a part of San Diego’s newest public art installation! The United States District Court for the Southern District of California has created an exciting new display space right on Broadway in the heart of downtown San Diego. Submit your original artwork to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, a juried exhibition focused on the unalienable rights recited in the Declaration of Independence.  Click here for details.

Date Posted: 2/17/2026


Operating the Court in the Absence of an Appropriation or a Continuing Resolution
Date Posted: 1/30/2026


The 2026 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, an annual essay and video competition, is now accepting entries from high school students who reside within the geographic region of the Ninth Circuit. The contest theme is “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—Your Voice. Your Story. Your America.” The theme celebrates the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Date Posted: 1/9/2026


Federal Lapse in Appropriations
Date Posted: 11/21/2025



Judicial Learning Center

Learn more about the history of the court, community outreach programs, displays and exhibits , and our historical walking tour.

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