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Criminal

Nov. 9, 2026

Retained by voters, Evans remains persistent dissenter on Supreme Court

Voters retained Justice Kelli Evans despite a law enforcement campaign targeting her frequent dissents. Lawyers say her limited bench experience hasn't mattered; her opinions press colleagues on racial bias, sentencing and legislative intent.

Retained by voters, Evans remains persistent dissenter on Supreme Court
Courtesy of California Supreme Court

California Supreme Court Justice Kelli M. Evans has emerged as one of the court's most persistent dissenters, pressing her colleagues to take a broader view of racial discrimination, criminal sentencing and the remedies available under state law.

Nearly four years after joining the high court with little judicial experience, Evans has established a distinctive voice, particularly in criminal cases involving the Racial Justice Act and juvenile and youthful offenders. Her opinion...

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