In the world of California civil practice, several new developments have emerged as of February 21, 2026. From changes in court procedures to updates on case law, here is a detailed overview of the latest news.One significant update comes from the California Supreme Court, which has issued a ruling in the case of Smith v. Johnson. The court held that in cases involving medical malpractice, plaintiffs must now provide expert testimony to establish a breach of the standard of care by the defendant. This decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for medical malpractice cases across the state.In other news, the California Judicial Council has approved new rules for remote court proceedings. These rules aim to streamline the process for conducting hearings and trials remotely, in order to improve access to justice and efficiency in the legal system. The new rules will go into effect on March 1, 2026.Additionally, the California State Bar has announced changes to the rules governing attorney advertising. Attorneys will now be required to include disclaimers in their advertisements stating that past results are not indicative of future outcomes. This is intended to protect consumers from misleading advertising practices and ensure transparency in the legal profession.In more local news, the Los Angeles Superior Court has announced the implementation of a new electronic filing system for civil cases. This system is designed to make the filing process more efficient and convenient for litigants, attorneys, and court staff. The court will provide training sessions for users to familiarize themselves with the new system.Overall, these updates in California civil practice reflect ongoing efforts to improve the legal system and ensure fair and efficient resolution of disputes. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, practitioners and litigants alike must stay informed and adapt to these changes in order to navigate the complexities of civil litigation in the state.