procedural guides

Courts are Using Smoke Tests to Protect the Public

Courts are already utilizing many safety protocols to protect those that need to enter their halls. Courts currently use masks, social distancing, symptom checks, plexiglass dividers, rigorous cleaning protocols, better air filters, additional portable HEPA air filters, and increased fresh air circulation. But how can they offer even more protection to the public? Early on … Read Article

More Local Rule Amendments Queued up for 2021

Earlier this month, SmartRules reported on the long list of recent and upcoming Federal and Local Rule amendments. Since then the list has grown even longer. Do you know what your courts are up to? We do. In the California courts alone, the California Codes of Civil Procedure will be amended, and 30 counties will … Read Article

2021 Brings New Coronavirus Reporting Requirements

While we may be nearing the end of 2020 we are not yet done with the pandemic. This situation has created new responsibilities for employers in California who will now be required to follow strict health and safety processes as well as conforming with new reporting requirements. As of the beginning of 2021, all California … Read Article

Is Diversity the New Gold or Has California Gone too Far?

California Assembly Bill 979 now requires that public companies include members of underrepresented communities on their boards of directors. The intentions of the bill include addressing the ethnic pay gap, promoting diversification and “upward mobility of diverse technical talent,” as well as retention of that talent. It is no surprise that the bill has elicited … Read Article

Could Amazon be a Coronavirus Superspreader?

man in suit holding stack of boxes with boxes pile in background

Since the pandemic started, online shopping has been seen as a safer option than braving supermarkets and other brick and mortar retailers. But during the first few months of the pandemic, workers called Amazon’s health and safety practices into question, claiming that Amazon was not following local, state, and federal public health guidelines. When employees’ … Read Article

The Bathroom Wars Continue

restrooms sign with arrow against background of trees and sky

Feeling safe and comfortable when using a restroom is something we all want. Yet when you add modern gender identities to the mix, the issue becomes quite complex. In the most recent court case on this issue, Virginia’s Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the Gloucester school board acted unconstitutionally by preventing students from … Read Article

2020 Brings Significant Local Rule Changes

Our courts have been busy updating Local Rules and procedures. At SmartRules we have an extensive library and network of court resources that we put to work for you. We monitor courts and compile all Local Rule changes into easy-to-use guides. Here are some of the changes that have taken place so far this year: … Read Article