Supreme Court Oral Argument

The live webcast will be available for viewing here beginning at 9:00 a.m. on October 7.

View the Oral Argument Calendar | Briefs

The following cases are placed upon the calendar of the Supreme Court for hearing at its Special Session at University Preparatory School, 2200 Eureka Way, Redding, California, on October 7, 2026.  The public may attend in person and also have access to argument via livestreaming on the judicial branch website:  https://supreme.courts.ca.gov/.

The following case summaries are issued to inform the public about cases that the California Supreme Court has scheduled for oral argument and of their general subject matter.  The descriptions set out below are, in most instances, reproduced from the original news release issued when review in each of these matters was granted, and are provided for the convenience of the public.  The descriptions do not necessarily reflect the view of the court or define the specific issues that will be addressed by the court. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026 — 9:00 A.M. 

Opening Remarks: Special Session

(1)  Bring Back The Kern, et al. v. City of Bakersfield (North Kern Water Storage District, et al., Real Parties in Interest), S290840
(Renner, J., assigned justice pro tempore) 
#25-242  Bring Back The Kern, et al. v. City of Bakersfield (North Kern Water Storage District, et al., Real Parties in Interest), S290840.  (F087503, F087549, F087558, F087560, F087702, F087487; 110 Cal.App.5th 322; Kern County Superior Court; BCV22-103220.)  Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed orders in a civil action and remanded for further proceedings.  This case presents the following issue:  Does Article X, section 2 of the California Constitution require a court to consider whether a proposed water use is both “reasonable” and “beneficial” whenever it would direct or adjudicate a particular use of water, including when applying a water use statute that does not expressly incorporate the reasonable and beneficial determination? 

(2)  People v. Luu (Phuoc Thien), S291235
(Mesiwala, J., assigned justice pro tempore) 
#25-243  People v. Luu (Phuoc Thien), S291235.  (G063066; 110 Cal.App.5th 1051; Orange County Superior Court; 01WF1559.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed an order denying a post-judgment motion in a criminal matter and remanded for further proceedings. This case presents the following issue: Is a person convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter eligible for resentencing relief under Penal Code section 1172.6? 

(3)  People v. Madison (Ricky Rene), [Automatic Appeal], S174886
(Robie, J., assigned justice pro tempore) 
This matter is an automatic appeal from a judgment of death. 

1:30 P.M.

(4)  People v. Morales (Johnny), [Automatic Appeal], S137307
(Martinez, P. J., assigned justice pro tempore)
This matter is an automatic appeal from a judgment of death.