The California Supreme Court is taking more time to decide fewer cases, and its majority opinions are getting longer. In the past, when the court was writing shorter majority opinions it did so faster and produced more of them. The current condition in general stems from trends in automatic appeals and civil cases, with each case type showing distinct contributing effects.

This event will overview Joseph Raymond Grodin’s jurisprudence as a justice on the Court of Appeal and California Supreme Court, his legal scholarship, and the historical and legal significance of the 1986 retention election. 

As in last week’s ruling, the court rejected the Republicans’ second lawsuit only two days after it was filed, without even requesting counter-arguments from Newsom, and with no explanation of its reasons. There was no indication of a dissent by any of the seven justices, six of whom were appointed by Democratic governors.

(Subscription required) From her Air Force family roots to engineering, Caltrans worksites, and years as an administrative law judge, Yolo County Judge Danette C. Brown now brings patience and toughness to family court.