Source: http://www.saclaw.org/pages/civil-appeals.aspx
Timestamp: 2015-04-02 04:22:19
Document Index: 586207135

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 904', '§ 24', '§ 904', '§ 904', '§ 352', '§ 362', '§ 485', '§ 485', '§ 584']

Starting your Civil AppealAn appeal is a proceeding in which a higher court reviews the actions taken by a trial court. Appeals are generally limited to a review of the record from the lower court. Parties cannot introduce new evidence and are limited to what was said and introduced at the original proceeding. Issues not raised at trial cannot be raised in the appeal. The appellate court reviews the lower court's application of the law to the facts as presented at trial. Factual findings by the judge or jury at the trial level are not reversible by the appellate court. The appellate court may only decide if there were errors of law serious enough to prevent a party from having a fair trial, or if there was insufficient evidence at trial to support the lower court's decision. If the trial judge properly applied the laws, and the decision was supported by substantial evidence, the appellate court will not overturn the trial court's decision. For a more detailed introduction to appeals, see:
Appeals Procedures Manual KFC 1075 .A67 Chaps. 101 and 102
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 1Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
The California Court of Appeal, Step By Step: Civil Appellate Practices and Procedures for the Self-Represented KFC 1075 .C35 (Self Help)Electronic Access: Free on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/8676.htm California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chaps. 40 and 41Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chaps. 1 and 2Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. STANDARDS OF REVIEW "Standards of review" govern the manner in which the appellate court examines the record on a particular issue or judgment. There are three basic standards of review:
Independent review. When reviewing questions of law, the appellate court conducts an independent review of the record, putting no particular weight to the ruling or judgment of the lower court. Substantial evidence. When reviewing factual findings, the appellate court will determine if there was sufficient evidence to support the lower court's findings. In these types of review, the appellate court will generally defer to the lower court's factual conclusions, because the trial judge or jury is in a better position to observe the witnesses and evidence, and assess their credibility. The appellate review will generally be limited to whether or not the facts, as determined by the lower court, constitute sufficient evidence to support the judgment or ruling.
Abuse of discretion. When reviewing discretionary decisions by the lower court, the appellate court determines only whether or not the trial court followed the applicable rules and procedures, and whether or not the decision is reasonable. As long as all rules and procedures were properly followed, the appellate court can not reverse the lower court's decision. For more information about appellate standards of review, see: California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 2AElectronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chap. 41Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 8Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. APPEALABLE ORDERSNot all orders and judgments can be appealed. To determine if your matter is appealable, consult California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §§ 904.1 – 904.5. For further discussion of the types of orders and judgments that can be appealed, see:
Appeals Procedures Manual KFC 1075 .A67 Chap. 103
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 3Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 2Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. California Jurisprudence KFC 80 .C35 (Ready Reference) Appellate Review, §§ 24-113Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. Handling Civil Appeals: Here's How and When to Do it KFC 1075 .Z9 H36Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
WHERE AN APPEAL IS HEARDRulings from limited civil cases are appealed to the appellate division of the superior court (CCP § 904.2, governed by California Rules of Court (CRC) Rules 8.800-8.843, 8.880-8.891). Appeals from rulings in unlimited civil cases are heard by the California Court of Appeals, 3rd District (CCP § 904.1, governed by CRC Rules 8.1-8.278). The general procedures are the same for both types of appeal. For details about handling appeals in limited jurisdiction matters, see:
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 10Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
California Jurisprudence KFC 80 .C35 (Ready Reference) Appellate Review, §§ 352-361Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 16Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. NOTICE OF APPEALThe Notice of Appeal formally notifies the court and your opponent that you plan to appeal the judgment or order. A Notice of Appeal must be served on the opposing party and filed with the clerk of the trial court. There are very strict deadlines for filing your Notice of Appeal. Common deadlines are:
Limited Civil –30 calendar days from the date of mailing of the Notice of Entry of Judgment or, if the notice is not mailed, within 90 days from the date of entry of judgment (see CRC Rule 8.822).
Unlimited Civil – 60 calendar days from the date of mailing the Notice of Entry of Judgment or, if the notice is not mailed, within 180 days from the date of entry of judgment (see CRC Rule 8.104).
Remember that these are general guidelines, and may not apply to your case. For more information on calculating the time for filing your notice of appeal, see:
Appeals Procedures Manual KFC 1075 .A67 Chap. 105
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 7Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chap. 42 Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Jurisprudence KFC 80 .C35 (Ready Reference) Appellate Review, §§ 362-393Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 3Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. Handling Civil Appeals: Here's How and When to Do it KFC 1075 .Z9 H36Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
The Notice of Appeal may be typed on pleading paper, or can be made by completing a fill-in-the-blanks form specific to your type of case. Commonly used Notice of Appeal forms in civil cases:
Notice of Appeal/Cross Appeal (Unlimited Civil Case) (APP-002), available online at www.courts.ca.gov/documents/app002.pdf
Notice of Appeal (Limited Civil Case), available online at www.saccourt.ca.gov/forms/docs/cv-017.pdf
Additional information and sample Notices of Appeal can be found in:
The California Court of Appeal, Step By Step: Civil Appellate Practices and Procedures for the Self-Represented KFC 1075 .C35 (Self Help) Chap. 2 and Sample Form AElectronic Access: Free on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/8676.htm
California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chap. 42Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 3Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. NOTICE DESIGNATING RECORD ON APPEALThe appellate court judges were not present at the trial or hearing, so there must be an official record of the proceedings for the court to review in assessing the appeal. Within 10 days of filing the Notice of Appeal, the appellant must tell the trial court clerk in writing what documents and transcripts to include in the record that will be sent to the appellate court. The reviewing court will assume that all relevant materials are included in the record (see CRC Rule 8.163 for unlimited civil cases, CRC Rule 8.830 for limited civil cases), and will not consider any documents, exhibits, or testimony not included in the record (see California Jurisprudence, KFC 80 .C35, Appellate Review, §§ 485-576). The most common types of records are discussed below.
Clerk's TranscriptThe Clerk's Transcript is a compilation of documents filed in the lower court. The appellant must specify each document to be included by its title and filing date. If no specific documents are designated, the clerk will prepare the records described in CRC Rule 8.122 (CRC Rule 8.832 for limited civil cases). Unless an approved fee waiver is on file, the appellant is responsible for the costs of preparing the Clerk's Transcript. In certain situations, you may be able to use an Appendix instead of a Clerk's Transcript. See the resources listed below for more information.
Reporter's TranscriptA Reporter's Transcript is a written record of the oral proceedings in the trial court. A Reporter's Transcript is not required, but is often necessary if the appellant wishes to appeal an issue that requires consideration of the oral proceedings. Reporter's Transcripts are described in CRC Rule 8.130 (CRC Rule 8.834 for limited civil cases). Reporter's Transcripts are not available for all cases. With the notice designating the Reporter's Transcript, you must deposit the approximate cost of transcribing the desired portions of the proceedings. The cost may be obtained from the reporter's written estimate, or calculated at a rate of $650 per court day (over 3 hours of court time) or $325 per fraction of a court day (less than 3 hours of court time). The costs of Reporter's Transcripts are not covered by a fee waiver. You may apply to the Transcript Reimbursement Fund for a free copy of the transcript (see CRC Rule 8.130(c) for information on this procedure). Additional details about this program are available at www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov/licensees/trfguide.shtml. For more information about obtaining a Reporter's Transcript, contact the Court Reporter's Office at 916-874-5781.
If a Reporter's Transcript is not available for your case, you may be able to prepare a Settled or Agreed Statement instead. Settled or Agreed statements may be used for strategic reasons, as well. See CRC Rules 8.134-8.137 (CRC Rules 8.836-8.838 in limited civil cases) and the resources listed below for more information.
For descriptions of other types of records, information on determining the type of record needed, and tips for choosing the elements to include in your record, see:
Appeals Procedures Manual KFC 1075 .A67 Chaps. 107 and 110-115
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 9Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
The California Court of Appeal, Step By Step: Civil Appellate Practices and Procedures for the Self-Represented KFC 1075 .C35 (Self Help) Chap. 3 and Sample Form FElectronic Access: Free on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/8676.htm
California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chap. 44Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Jurisprudence KFC 80 .C35 (Ready Reference) Appellate Review, §§ 485-576Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 4Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. Handling Civil Appeals: Here's How and When to Do it KFC 1075 .Z9 H36Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
OPENING BRIEFAfter the record is filed in the appellate court, the court will notify the parties of the dates by which the briefs are due. Opening Briefs are typically due within 30 days after the record is filed or within 70 days if the parties are proceeding without a transcript.
The appellant's Opening Brief must concisely describe the legal errors in the trial court proceedings, using references to the record, the facts of the case, and the relevant law supporting each argument made in the appeal. In this brief, the appellant must raise all issues to be appealed, and provide supporting authority for all issued raised. Neglecting to raise an issue or provide supporting authority for an issue will render that issue waived or abandoned. The brief must contain a table of contents, a table of authorities, and a certificate of interested parties. The brief must comply with the length and format requirements described in CRC Rules 8.200-8.224 (CRC Rules 8.882-8.883 for limited civil cases). If you do not conform to these requirements, the court will not consider your appeal. A copy of the brief must be served on each party or his or her attorney, and four copies must be filed with the court. For good tips on writing an Opening Brief, see:
California Civil Appellate Practice KFC 1075 .S7 Chap. 12Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
The California Court of Appeal, Step By Step: Civil Appellate Practices and Procedures for the Self-Represented KFC 1075 .C35 (Self Help) Chap. 5Electronic Access: Free on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/8676.htm
California Forms of Pleading and Practice KFC 1010 .A65 C3 (Ready Reference) Chap. 50Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using the Matthew Bender CD.
California Jurisprudence KFC 80 .C35 (Ready Reference) Appellate Review, §§ 584-631Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 9Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. Handling Civil Appeals: Here's How and When to Do it KFC 1075 .Z9 H36Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using OnLaw.
For a sample Opening Brief, see:
The California Court of Appeal, Step By Step: Civil Appellate Practices and Procedures for the Self-Represented KFC 1075 .C35 (Self Help) Sample form KElectronic Access: Free on the Internet at www.courts.ca.gov/8676.htm
California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E48 Chap. 9Electronic Access: On the Law Library's computers, using WestlawNext. West's California Litigation Forms: Civil Appeals and Writs KFC 1075 .E481 Chap. 8 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS GUIDE, OR IF YOU NEED HELP FINDING OR USING THE MATERIALS LISTED, DON'T HESITATE TO ASK A REFERENCE LIBRARIAN. updated 1/15 mpj