What are California Court Records?

Docket Sheet

Dockets are detailed chronological records that track all documents and filings associated with a court proceeding. This includes submissions from the court, legal representatives, and other parties involved, such as witnesses or experts.

Judgments and Orders

These are official decisions a judge makes at the end of a court proceeding. After the trial ends, the judge signs the final judgment outlining each party's punishment and responsibilities.

Transcripts

Transcripts are verbatim records of what was said during a court proceeding. They are used as evidence for a motion or when requesting an appeal.

Evidence

This includes physical and document-based materials containing facts and observations about the case. Evidence is usually obtained from police reports and introduced by any party during legal proceedings.

Court Minutes

They are official records of courtroom proceedings from the beginning to the end of a trial. They include a summary of events such as recesses, testimonies, and official statements.

Pleadings

These are records of petitions, complaints, and statements made by each party in a case describing the party's request to the court.

Briefs

Briefs are arguments written by legal counsel and submitted to the court. These documents explain a party's side of the case and why the court should grant their request.

Civil Cases

Civil cases are designed to resolve disputes between individuals or organizations. The process starts when the plaintiff, or the party initiating the case, sues the defendant, the party being accused. Common reasons for such lawsuits include breaches of contract, property damage, disputes over tenancy, or bodily injury claims. The plaintiff's complaint must clearly outline the reasons for the claim and explain why the court should rule in their favor.

The court clerk issues a summons and a copy of the complaint to the defendant. The defendant must file an answer or a demurrer with the court clerk within 30 days. In their response, the defendant can admit or deny each allegation and explain why the plaintiff should not get what they ask. If the defendant does not respond promptly, the plaintiff can request a default judgment. Before the trial starts, there is a required settlement conference with a judge to reach an agreement before going to trial.

Civil cases are decided using a standard of proof called the preponderance of evidence. This requires the plaintiff to demonstrate that their version of the facts is more likely than not.

Common types of civil cases in California include:

• Small claims
• Landlord/tenancy dispute
• Probate matters

Criminal Cases

A criminal case begins when the state brings a case against a person suspected of committing a crime to the court. Unlike civil cases, which aim to resolve disputes between private parties, criminal cases are designed to uphold the law and maintain public order. Consequently, a person found guilty may face penalties ranging from imprisonment to, in certain jurisdictions, the death penalty.

In a criminal trial, it is the responsibility of the state representative to establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant has committed the alleged offense. This requirement ensures that the jury must reach a unanimous decision regarding the defendant's guilt before a verdict can be rendered.

California Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest in the state and plays a crucial role in the legal system. It can review decisions made by the state Courts of Appeal, allowing it to address significant legal questions and ensure that the law is applied consistently.

One specific duty of the Supreme Court is to review all cases where the trial court has imposed a death sentence. By state law, these cases are appealed directly to the Supreme Court. In addition, the Supreme Court looks at recommendations from the Commission on Judicial Performance and the State Bar of California regarding disciplinary actions against judges and attorneys for misconduct. The only other cases that go directly to the Supreme Court are appeals from decisions made by the Public Utilities Commission.

California Courts of Appeals

California Courts of Appeal have appellate jurisdiction in cases where superior courts have original jurisdiction. They also hold original jurisdiction in specific legal proceedings, including habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, and prohibition cases.

The processes within appellate courts are distinct from those in trial courts. In trial courts, a judge or jury evaluates witness testimony and examines physical evidence, exhibits, and documents to determine which narrative to accept and to arrive at a verdict. In contrast, appellate courts do not introduce new evidence or reassess the credibility of witnesses involved in the trial. Instead, they review the pre-existing written record to assess whether the trial court correctly interpreted the law and adhered to appropriate procedural standards.

Panels of three judges render decisions in appellate courts. These opinions are subsequently published in the California Appellate Reports if they meet established publication criteria.

Superior Courts

Superior courts are the only trial courts in the state. They have original jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. These courts are structured into specialized departments that address various issues, including family law, probate matters, mental health cases, juvenile disputes, small claims, and traffic violations. Additionally, many Superior Courts in California feature specialized departments that focus on nonviolent drug offenses and domestic violence cases.

Furthermore, these courts adjudicate cases in which parties seek specific forms of relief, such as injunctions or declaratory orders. The statewide population of superior court judges totals 1,498. The California Legislature stipulates the number of judges assigned to each court, ranging from 2 in less populated counties to over 400 in Los Angeles County. Superior court judges are elected by county voters during general elections, serving nonpartisan six-year terms.