Supreme Court

Supreme Court of California

The Supreme Court of California is the state's highest court. Its decisions are binding on all other California state courts.

The California Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of California and six associate justices, each appointed or nominated by the Governor.

The court conducts regular sessions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento; it may also hold special sessions elsewhere. In its most recent year, the California Supreme Court received nearly 8,000 filings and issued 85 written opinions.

Committee Issues Advice About Appellate Justice Disqualification

June 17, 2020

The Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) this month posted a summary of oral advice stating appellate justices should disqualify themselves from a case if they were removed by peremptory challenge while hearing the case as a trial judge.

California Supreme Court

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions
California Supreme Court Amends Code of Judicial Ethics

June 15, 2020

The Supreme Court of California adopted a slate of changes to the California Code of Judicial Ethics, which include allowing judges to speak publicly about a pending case if they are criticized for a ruling during an election or recall campaign.

California Supreme Court
Supreme Court of California Issues Statement on Equality and Inclusion

June 11, 2020

"In view of recent events in our communities and through the nation, we are at an inflection point in our history. It is all too clear that the legacy of past injustices inflicted on African Americans persists powerfully and tragically to this day. Each of us has a duty to recognize there is much unfinished and essential work that must be done to make equality and inclusion an everyday reality for all.

California Supreme Court
Committee Issues Advice About Reimbursement of Judicial Expenses by a Party or Counsel

June 4, 2020

A judge can only be reimbursed for expenses incurred during official duties under policies, procedures, and rates approved by the Judicial Council.

California Supreme Court

Committee On Judicial Ethics Opinions
Supreme Court Rolls Out Oral Argument by Videoconference

May 19, 2020

Since April, the state Supreme Court rolled a large screen television into its San Francisco courtroom to conduct oral arguments.

California Supreme Court

Access 3D

COVID-19

Oral Arguments
California Supreme Court Orders Bar Exam Delayed, Administered Online

April 27, 2020

The California Supreme Court ordered the July California Bar Exam be postponed to Sept. 9-10, and directed the State Bar to make every effort to administer the test online with remote or electronic proctoring.

California Supreme Court

COVID-19

Bar Exam
No Classroom? No Problem

April 22, 2020

State Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar joined Butte County high students on a mock trial presentation and discussion about careers in the law.

Civics/Power of Democracy

California Supreme Court
Supreme Court Extends Deadlines in Response to COVID-19

March 20, 2020

The order applies only to California Supreme Court proceedings with deadlines from March 20 through April 20.

California Supreme Court

COVID-19
California Supreme Court Expands Electronic Filing in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

March 18, 2020

The Supreme Court of California on Wednesday expanded mandatory electronic filing of all documents, including briefs, for review by the court.

California Supreme Court

COVID-19

E-Filing
Supreme Court of California Amends Oral Argument Procedures in Response to COVID-19

March 16, 2020

The California Supreme Court announced it has amended oral argument procedures to protect the health and safety of the public.

California Supreme Court

COVID-19