The purpose of this document is to acquaint the bar and interested members of the public with the general operating practices of the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District. The internal procedures of the Court of Appeal are largely governed by the California Constitution, statutes, and the appellate rules adopted by the Judicial Council. The Court of Appeal may adopt and publish its own rules which do not conflict with a statute or rule adopted by the Judicial Council. The court has six authorized judicial positions, consisting of a presiding justice and five associate justices. As Chair of the Judicial Council, the Chief Justice may assign a retired justice or judge, or an active trial court judge to serve temporarily on a Court of Appeal.
Justices sit in panels of three, which change periodically.
The courtroom and office of the clerk of the court are located in the Comerica Bank building at 333 West Santa Clara Street, Suite 1060, San Jose, California 95113. The presiding justice has specific authority under rule 77 of the California Rules of Co urt to grant or deny applications and to extend time for filing of records and briefs on appeal. The rule also gives the presiding justice limited authority to dismiss an appeal for noncompliance with the rules of court and to grant relief from default. The presiding justice also has overall responsibility for the calendaring of cases, the management of the caseload within the district, and the scheduling of oral arguments. If the presiding justice is absent, disqualified, or not a member of the three-justice panel that is to decide a matter, the presiding justice designates the senior associate justice to serve as acting presiding justice.