Div. Five of this district’s Court of Appeal has rejected a criminal defendant’s assertion that a court commissioner was not authorized, absent his stipulation, to preside over a bail review hearing, saying that such matters qualify as “subordinate” actions under the California Constitution even in light of the liberty issues at stake.

(Subscription required) California will no longer count veterans' service-connected disability compensation as income when determining eligibility for superior court fee waivers under legislation signed into law this year.

(Subscription required) From orienting prospective jurors to the courthouse itself to methodically guiding defendants through constitutional rights, Judge Gary D. Rowe emphasizes preparation, patience, and process. Attorneys say the former law professor and appellate specialist resists rushing decisions--even on busy calendars--and brings uncommon calm to misdemeanor criminal court.

Div. Three of the First District Court of Appeal held yesterday that a trial judge erred in finding that California lacks specific personal jurisdiction over Citgo Petroleum Corporation—a subsidiary of the Venezuelan national oil company with headquarters in Texas—as to product liability and other claims asserted against it by state and local governments alleging that its fossil fuels have contributed to significant climate harm.