The California Court system has three levels: the California Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal and the Superior Courts. These courts are governed by three distinct judicial bodies: the Judicial Council, the Commission on Judicial Performance, and the Commission on Judicial Appointments. Show
The California Supreme Court is the state's highest court. It has authority to review decisions of the Courts of Appeal and its decisions are binding on all other California state courts. The court is seated in San Francisco, and conducts sessions in Los Angeles and Sacramento. The Supreme Court has one Chief Justice and six associate justices who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. The California Courts of Appeals are California's intermediate courts of appellate review. California has six appellate districts: 1st Appellate District, San Francisco; 2nd Appellate District, Los Angeles; 3rd Appellate District, Sacramento; 4th Appellate District, San Diego; 5th Appellate District, Fresno; and 6th Appellate District, San Jose. The California Legislature apportions the number of judges for each district. In 1998, California unified their superior and municipal courts into a single superior court with jurisdiction over all case types. Each of California's 58 counties has one Superior Court which are considered courts of general jurisdiction. The California Legislature determines the number of judges in each court who serve six-year terms and are elected by county voters on a nonpartisan ballot at a general election. Superior courts have trial jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. More Readings
The structure of California's state court system. Judicial selection processSee also: Judicial selection in California and California judicial electionsCalifornia uses two different systems for its selection of state court judges. The state's appellate judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment followed by commission confirmation. Trial judges are elected by popular nonpartisan vote.[1] To read more about judicial elections in California, click here. Federal courtsThe federal district courts in California are the:
Appeals from these districts go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Active judgesCentral District
The list below displays the number of active judges by the party of the appointing president. It does not reflect how a judge may rule on specific cases or their own political preferences.
Eastern District
The list below displays the number of active judges by the party of the appointing president. It does not reflect how a judge may rule on specific cases or their own political preferences.
Northern District
The list below displays the number of active judges by the party of the appointing president. It does not reflect how a judge may rule on specific cases or their own political preferences.
Southern District
The list below displays the number of active judges by the party of the appointing president. It does not reflect how a judge may rule on specific cases or their own political preferences.
District mapJudicial selectionJudges who sit on the federal district courts are nominated by the president of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. These judges serve life terms. To read more about the judges on these courts, click here. Bankruptcy courtsThere are four federal bankruptcy courts in California. The bankruptcy courts serve the same boundaries as the corresponding federal district courts. These courts have subject-matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. The federal bankruptcy courts in California are:
State supreme courtSee also: California Supreme CourtFounded in 1849, the California Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is Tani Cantil-Sakauye. As of March 2022, five judges on the court were appointed by Democratic governors and two judges were appointed by Republican governors. The following judges sit on the court:
State court of appealsSee also: California Courts of AppealThe California Courts of Appeal are the intermediate appellate courts in California. The courts are divided into six judicial districts. Most of the cases that come before the courts of appeal involve the review of a superior court decision that is being contested by a party to the case.[2][3] The following judges sit on the court: First District
Second District
Third District
Fourth District
Fifth District
Sixth District
Trial courtsSuperior courtsSee also: California Superior CourtsThe California Superior Courts are the trial courts of the California court system. Each of California's 58 counties has a superior, or trial, court. Trials take place in the California Superior Court system in more than 450 courthouses. The superior courts hear civil and criminal cases, as well as family, probate, and juvenile cases.[4] In other statesClick the map below to explore the court structure in other states. http://ballotpedia.org/Courts_in_STATE See also
External links
Footnotes
What are some differences between the federal system and the state judicial system?Generally speaking, state courts hear cases involving state law and federal courts handle cases involving federal law.
How does the California judicial selection system differ from that used for federal judges?As of August 2021, California uses two different systems for its selection of state court judges. The state's appellate judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment—where the governor directly selects judges—followed by commission confirmation. Trial judges are elected by popular nonpartisan vote.
What are two of the major differences between state courts and federal courts?State courts handle by far the larger number of cases, and have more contact with the public than federal courts do. Although the federal courts hear far fewer cases than the state courts, the cases they do hear tend more often to be of national importance. Think of the court cases you have heard the most about.
What is the basic relationship between the state of California courts and the federal judicial branch?The state Constitution vests the judicial power of California in the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and superior courts. The Constitution also provides for the formation and functions of the Judicial Council, the policymaking body for the judicial branch. The Supreme Court of California is the state's highest court.
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