Source: http://www.courts.ca.gov/courtsofappeal.htm/2970.htm
Timestamp: 2015-11-25 10:17:40
Document Index: 699851927

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 904', '§ 904', '§ 8', '§ 904', '§ 116', '§ 12', '§ 44', '§ 1291', '§ 1260', '§ 21167', '§ 65752', '§ 36', '§ 10', '§ 5', '§ 16700', '§ 800', '§ 12', 'arty 1']

Practices & Procedures - 2DCA
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Quick Reference Filing Requirements
Filing a notice of appeal Civil Appeal: A Notice of Appeal or cross appeal is filed with the clerk of the trial court from which the appeal is taken. California Rules of Court, (rule 8.100). Judicial Council (forms APP-001 and APP-002) may be used. A $775.00 filing fee or fee waiver is required.
Criminal & Juvenile Appeals: A Notice of Appeal is filed with the clerk of the trial court from which the appeal is taken. Judicial Council (form CR-120 or JV-800) may be used. No filing fee is required. (California Rules of Court, (rule 8.304 or 8.400).
Juvenile Dependency & Notice of Intent: A Notice of Appeal is filed with the clerk of the trial court from which the appeal is taken. Judicial Council (form JV-825) for Extraordinary Writ - Juvenile Dependency; (JV-820.pdf) Notice of Intent; (JV-800) for appeals.
Please see California Rules of Court, (rules 8.104) (Civil), (8.308) (Criminal) or (8.400) (Juvenile) for information on when to file the Notice of Appeal. Preparing record on appeal For civil appeals: Designate the clerk's transcript within 10 days after filing the notice of appeal, the appellant (appealing party) must serve and file a notice in superior court designating the documents to be included in the clerk's transcript with service of a conformed copy on the Court Of Appeal Cal. Rules of Court, (rule 8.124). Appellants choosing the clerk's transcript should proceed under (rule 8.122). Although exhibits are deemed part of the clerk's transcript, they are not automatically included or copied in the clerk's transcript. (Rule 8.122(a)(3).)
Filing superior court exhibits Although exhibits are deemed part of the clerk's transcripts, they are not automatically included or copied in the clerk's transcript. (Rule 8.122(a)(3).) A party wanting a copy of an exhibit included in the transcript must specify that exhibit by number or letter in its notice of designation. If the exhibits have been released to counsel, counsel should transmit those exhibits to the superior court clerk pursuant to rule 8.122(a)(3).) or to the Court of Appeal pursuant to (rule 8.224(b)(2).)
If you would like to add new items to the record, you may either file a Request for Judicial Notice (for items that were not before the lower court, Cal. Rules of Court, (rule 8.252(a).) or a Motion to Augment items that were before the lower court but were not designated, Cal. Rules of Court, (rule 8.155). Please see the Motions/Requests/Dismissals section on how to file and serve the document.
Filing the civil case information statement (CCIS) If you are an appellant or a cross-appellant in a civil appeal, you must serve and file a Civil Case Information Statement (CCIS) within 15 days after the superior court clerk mails the notification of the filing of your appeal (Rule 8.100(g)). Click here for the required form: 2DCA/APP-004. Your answers help the court to know whether the notice of appeal is on time and whether the judgment or order is appealable, among other things. Include a copy of the judgment or order from which you are bringing the appeal. Also attach a proof of service on all parties to the appeal. You may e-file the CCIS in lieu of filing a paper original. The court will send you a notice of default if the clerk’s office does not receive your completed CCIS. You must cure the default within 15 days (generally by correctly filing the CCIS), or your appeal will be dismissed.
Filing the certificate of interested entities or persons Other than family, juvenile, guardianship, and conservatorship cases, each party to a civil appeal or writ must complete a form, called a "Certificate of Interested Entities or Persons," to let the justices know of potential conflicts of interest. Click here for Judicial Council (form APP-008). You must include this form when you file your principal brief (including any petition for writ of mandate or review) after the cover and before the tables. If you file a motion (for example: to augment the record, to dismiss) prior to filing your principal brief, you must file your CCIS at that time; and, when you file your brief at a later time, include a copy of the form in your brief after the cover and before the tables. See (rules 8.208, 8.488, 8.495(c), 8.496(c) and 8.498(d). ) You also have a responsibility to update this form if you learn of changed or additional information that must be disclosed. (Rule 8.208(f).)
Filing an appeal in a limited civil case You must file an appeal from a judgment in a limited civil case with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. (Rule 8.800) et seq. You cannot appeal the Appellate Division's decision on appeal to the Court of Appeal; instead, the Appellate Division's judgment on appeal is conclusive. (See Code Civ. Proc. § 904.1(a)(1)(c), § 904.2.) (Limited civil cases are cases that used to be filed in municipal court before that court was unified with the superior court.) The rules for appeals to the Appellate Division are contained at Rules §§ 8.880 to 8.935. You cannot appeal the Appellate Division's judgment granting or denying a petition for writ of mandate or prohibition if the judgment relates to a limited civil case. (Code Civ. Proc., § 904.1.) You cannot appeal a superior court's de novo review in a small claims case. (Code Civ. Proc., § 116.780(a).) The Court of Appeal has discretion to order an appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court transferred to it when the Appellate Division certifies that such transfer "is necessary to secure uniformity of decision or to settle an important question of law.” (Rules 8.1002, 8.1005.) The Court of Appeal approves a transfer only in exceptional circumstances, and is not bound by the Appellate Division's certification. The Court of Appeal also may order transfer on its own motion, or on a party's petition, but the court has a limited time to do so. (Rule 8.1008.) BRIEFS & APPENDICES
Time frames and service requirements for briefs For Civil Appeals CRC (8.212.) Document
Appellant's opening brief (AOB) Covers: green 40 days from filing of record or 70 days from date of rule 8.124 election for cases without a Reporter's Transcript. e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on each opposing party Appellant's appendix Covers: green no later than filing due date of AOB original to Court of Appeal 1 copy on each opposing party respondent's brief (RB) Covers: yellow 30 days from filing of AOB e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on each opposing party Respondent's appendix Covers: yellow 30 days from filing of AOB original to Court of Appeal 1 copy on each opposing party Joint appendix Covers: white no later than filing due date of AOB original to Court of Appeal none Appellant's reply brief (ARB) Covers: tan 20 days from filing of RB e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on each opposing party Amicus curiae brief Covers: gray e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on each opposing party For Criminal Appeals CRC (8.360)
Appellant's opening brief (AOB) Covers: green 40 days from filing of record e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on Attorney General 1 copy on district attorney 1 copy on defendant (if appointed counsel) Respondent's brief (RB) Covers: yellow 30 days from filing of AOB e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 2 copies on appellate defense counsel 1 copy on district appellate project (if appointed) Appellant's reply brief (ARB) Covers: tan 20 days from filing of RB e-File original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
1 copy on superior court 1 copy on Attorney General 1 copy on district attorney 1 copy on defendant (if appointed counsel) See (rule 8.29) of the California Rules of Court for service on a nonparty public officer or agency. See Judicial Council (form 2DCA/APP-004) for a list of examples of statutory requirements. If your deadline to file a document or brief falls on a day (such as a Saturday, Sunday or holiday) in which the clerk's office is closed, then your filing deadline is automatically extended to the next day in which the clerk's office is open. (Code Civ., Proc., § 12a.) Click here for a list of court holidays.
How do I expedite briefing? You may obtain an expedited appeal schedule, which may include expedited briefing and preference in setting the date for oral argument by promptly serving and filing a motion for calendar preference. (Rule 8.240.) Preferences may be granted for statutory reasons, including probate proceedings (Code Civ. Proc., § 44); arbitration (Code Civ. Proc. § 1291.2); eminent domain (Code Civ. Proc., § 1260.010); environmental impact reports (Pub. Res. Code, § 21167.1) and general plans (Gov. Code, § 65752).) The court may exercise its discretion to grant calendar preference for good cause — for example, because of the parties' age, illness or condition raising "substantial medical doubt of survival." (See, e.g., Code Civ. Proc., §§ 36(a), 36(d).) Formatting a brief Civil Appeals
There is a 25,500 word limit for your brief, including footnotes. You must include a certification of word count at the end of the brief, stating the number of words. A brief produced on a typewriter must not exceed 75 pages. (Rules 8.360(b), 8.412(a).) There is a 51,000 word limit for combined respondent's / cross-appellant opening briefs, or for a combined appellant's reply brief / cross respondent's brief. (Rule 8.360(b)(4).) You must apply to the Presiding Justice for permission to file a longer brief for good cause. (Rule 8.360(b)(5).) The court may require you to include your proposed brief with your application.
Appellant's Opening Brief green Appellant's Appendix green Respondent's Brief
yellow Respondent's Appendix yellow
Appellant's Reply Brief tan Appellant's Reply Appendix
Include a copy of the Certificate of Interested Entities or Persons (or a copy if previously filed) in your principal brief after the cover and before the tables. (Rule 8.208(d)(1).) The contents of the certificate are described in (rule 8.208(e).) Click here for Judicial Council (form APP-008). Typeface, Margins, Spacing, and Type of Paper The paper must be white or unbleached, recycled, 8½ x 11 inches. (Rule 8.204(b)(1).)
You may use any conventional roman typeface, but the type size must be at least 13 points. (Use the same type size for footnotes.) If your brief is typewritten, you must use pica type. Record References You must support your references to the record on appeal with a citation to the volume and page number of the clerk's transcript, reporter's transcript, or appendix where the matter appears.
Here are some suggested abbreviations for your record references: Clerk's Transcript - "CT". For example, to cite to Vol. 4 of the clerk's transcript, page 206, lines 4 through 7, use "4 CT 206:4-7." Reporter's Transcript - "RT". For example, to cite to Vol. 20 of the reporters transcript, page 1955, line 23 through page 1957, line 8, use "20 RT 1955:23-1957:8." Joint Appendix - "JA". For example, to cite to pages 405 through 407 of a single volume Joint Appendix, use "JA 405-407. Appellant's Appendix - "AA". For example, to cite to Vol.3 of an Appellant's Appendix, page 692, line 5 through page 693. line 7, use "3 JA 692:5-693:7. Respondent's Appendix - "RA". Appellant's Reply Appendix - "ARA". Citation References Use italics or underlining for case cites. The comments to the appellate rules "encourage" you to follow the California Style Manual in your briefs and papers on appeal. See (rule 8.204), Advisory Committee Comment. The most recent edition is the Fourth Edition, which was published in 2000.
Here are some examples of citations using the California Style Manual. Case Citations The first time an opinion is cited in full, indicate the year of filing in parentheses immediately following the title. You don't have to include parallel citations. Caution: California Rules of Court, (rule 8.1115(a).) prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published. (Fair v. Bakhtiari (2006) 40 Cal.4th 189.)(Pico v. Sepulveda (1885) 66 Cal. 336.)(City of Stanton v. Cox (1989) 207 Cal.App.3d 1557, 1564.)Fund for Environmental Defense v. County of Orange (1988) 204 Cal.App.3d 1538, 1555 (dis. opn. of Crosby, J.)(United States v. X-Citement Video, Inc. (1994) 513 U.S. 64, 77.)(Craig v. United States (9th Cir. 1936) 81 F.2d 816.)(Dworkin v. Hustler Magazine, Inc. (D.C.Wyo. 1985) 611 F.Supp. 781.)Kemp Bros. Construction, Inc. v. Titan Electric Corporation (Jan. 23, 2007, G035607) ___ Cal.App.4th ___ http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions (used as example of recently filed opinion)(In re FairWageLaw (Dec. 7, 2006, G037378) [nonpub. opn.].) (where appropriate to cite unpublished opinion under rule (8.1115(b).) Donato v. Moldow (N.J. Super.Ct.App.Div. 2005) 865 A.2d 711, 720-727 Statutes & Rules (Cal. Const., art. VI, § 10.)(U.S. Const., art. I, § 5, cl. 3.)Civil Code section 51(Bus. & Prof. Code, § 16700 et seq.)(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.200(a)(5).)(Ct App., Fourth Dist., Div. Three, Internal Practices and Proc., III A, Procedures for processing Cases.) Treatises (4 Witkin, Summary of Cal. Law (9th ed. 1987) Real Property, § 800, pp. 977-978.) (Eisenberg et al., Cal. Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs (The Rutter Group 1997) ¶¶ 8:15 to 8:18, pp. 8-4 to 8-6 (rev. # 1, 1998).) Law Reviews & Books Deason, Enforcing Mediated Settlement Agreements: Contract Law Collides With Confidentiality (2001) 35 U.C. Davis L.Rev. 33, (Patel, Immunizing Internet Service Providers From Third Party Internet Defamation Claims: How Far Should Courts Go? (2002) 55 Vand. L.Rev. 647, 684.) (Rifkin, The Biotechnical Century (1998) pp. 137-139.) (Aragaki et al., A Litigator's Guide to Effective Use of ADR in California (Cont.Ed.Bar 2005) §§ 12.14, 12.19.) Attachments
Filing an extension of time All should be e-Filed. When e-Filed, no paper copies are to be sent to the Court of Appeal. Otherwise, see below.
Stipulations (rule 8.212(b).) You may extend time to file a brief by up to 60 days by securing a stipulation from your opponent (see also rule 8.42). The stipulation must be filed in the Court of Appeal before your brief is due, and becomes effective on filing. (Rule 8.212(b)(2).) Applications to Extend Time (rule 8.60(c).) If the other side refuses to stipulate, or if you need more time beyond the stipulation, you must file an application for an extension. (Rule 8.212(b)(3).) Click here for Stipulation form (2DCA-01) or Application for Extension of Time (Brief – 2DCA-04)
Factors. Include specific facts to show good cause why the application should be granted. Explain when the brief is due, how long an extension is requested, the length of the record (by number of pages), and whether any prior extensions have been granted, their length and whether granted by stipulation or by the court. (Rules 8.60(c) and 8.63(b).) In determining good cause, the Presiding Justice considers such factors as: the degree of prejudice to any party, the position of the client and the opponent, the length of the record, and the number and complexity of the issues raised, whether the case is entitled to priority, and specific obligations of counsel in other cases, among other factors. See (Rule 8.63). Opponent's Position. It is helpful, and will speed the processing of an application, if you indicate the position of opposing counsel in a declaration indicating when opposing counsel was contacted and his/her response. Proposed Order. You may include a proposed order, to be signed by the presiding justice. Proof of Service. Include a proof of service on opposing counsel and upon your client. The proof of service does not have to include the client's address. (Rule 8.60(f).) Filing Requirements. File an original of your extension request (no cover) with the court. Criminal Appeals & Dependency Appeals(Except termination of parental rights).
You cannot stipulate to extend the time for filing a brief in a criminal case. (Rule 8.360(c)(4).) You may apply to the Presiding Justice for an extension on a showing of good cause. (Rules 8.60, and 8.360(c)(4).) Your request must contain specific facts showing good cause for granting the application and state when the brief is due, how long an extension is requested, and whether any prior extensions have been granted, their length and whether granted. (Rules 8.50, 8.60(c), and 8.63(b).) In determining good cause, the Presiding Justice considers the factors listed in (rule 8.63(b).) Click here for Application for Extension of Time (Brief – 2DCA-04)
File an original (no cover) with the clerk's office. You must include a proof of service on all parties to the appeal or proceeding. (Extensions - Appeals from all terminations of parental rights)
You may apply to the Presiding Justice for an extension of time, but you must show "exceptional" good cause. (Rules 8.416(f), 8.450(d).) Your request must contain specific facts to meet this very high standard, and must state when the brief is due, how long an extension is requested, and whether any prior extensions have been granted, their length and whether granted. (Rules 8.50, 8.60(c), and 8.63(b).) In determining exceptional good cause, the Presiding Justice considers the factors listed in (rule 8.63(b).) including the priority granted to dependency proceedings. File the original request for an extension (no cover) with a proof of service on opposing counsel.
Last-Chance "Grace Period." If an appellant's opening brief or a respondent's brief is not timely filed, the court will send a notice under (rule 8.220(a).) This notice automatically gives you a last-chance grace period in which to file either of these briefs, but it also warns you of serious sanctions if you miss this deadline. For civil appeals, the notice gives you an additional 15 days from the date of mailing for your appellant's opening brief or respondent's brief. (Rule 8.220(a).) You may apply to the Presiding Justice for a further extension of time, provided that you do so within the grace period, and show good cause. (Rule 8.220(d).) For criminal appeals and dependency appeals excluding appeals from Orange, Imperial & San Diego Counties and excluding termination of parental rights appeals, the notice gives you an additional 30 days within which to file your appellant's opening brief or respondent's brief. (Rule 8.360(c)(5).) You may apply to the Presiding Justice for a further extension of time, provided that you do so within the grace period and show good cause. (Rule 8.220(d).) For dependency appeals from all terminations of parental rights and all dependency appeals in Orange, Imperial and San Diego Counties, the notice gives you an additional 15 days within which to file the brief. (Rule 8.416(g).) Further extensions in dependency appeals require a showing of "exceptional" good cause. (Rules 8.416(f).)
No Further Notices. This court will only issue one (rule 8.220) notice for any particular brief. If any additional extensions are granted, the court may impose the sanctions for late briefs without further notice. (Rule 8.220(d) and 8.412(d)(3).)
Filing a motion or application All should be e-Filed. If e-Filed no paper copies are to be sent to the Court of Appeal. Otherwise, see chart below.
Document Filing Procedurew/ proof of service on all parties Service Procedure Motions & applications (other than time extension)[Covers: blue] original & 1 copy to Court of Appeal include a loose copy of the proposed order 1 copy on each opposing party Extension requests[Covers: none] original to Court of Appeal include a proposed order Extension request form 1 copy on each opposing party 1 copy on client (CRC 8.60(f)) Oppositions to motions[Covers: blue] original & 1 copy to Court of Appeal due 15 days after filing of the motion 1 copy on each opposing party Replies to oppositions to motions[Covers: blue] original & 1 copy to Court of Appeal due 5 days after filing of opposition to the motion*(*Generally, the Court of Appeal does not wait for a reply to be filed unless at its request.) 1 copy on each opposing party Requests for judicial notice Requests for judicial notice must be made by separate motion. Requests for judicial notice may not be included within a brief alone. (Rule 8.252(a)(1).) Explain the relevance of the matters sought to be noticed. Include a copy of the matter to be judicially noticed, or explain why it is not practicable to do so. (Rule 8.252(a)(2) and 8.252(a)(3).) The court may immediately rule on the request for judicial notice or may defer the ruling until it decides the merits of the appeal.
Dismissing an appeal If the record on appeal has not been filed in the Court of Appeal, a written abandonment by appellant or stipulation for abandonment must be filed with the clerk of the superior court, who will then forward it to this court Cal. Rules of Court, (rule 8.244(b)(1) and 8.57(a).) If a respondent wishes to dismiss the appeal, the respondent must file the motion to dismiss the appeal at the Court of Appeal, in conformance with the district's policies regarding motions.
Electronic devices in the Courtroom The only laptops and tablets allowed in the courtroom without prior written approval from the court are those to be used by counsel and second chair counsel or self-represented litigants as an aid in presenting oral argument and cannot be used to display demonstrative evidence or for any other purpose.
Cell phones and other electronic devices (except assistive listening devices) are not permitted in the courtroom.
Devices must be:
Silenced and placed in "airplane mode"*
No Audio or Video recording or the taking of photographs is allowed unless approved pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 1.150. Any person who fails to comply with these restrictions will be removed from the courtroom.
*Airplane Mode is a setting that when activated, suspends the devices wireless features and limits interference with the courtroom sound system.
Obtaining a copy or transcript of the recorded oral argument The court does not transcribe oral arguments, however a recording is available. (Please see form.)
The court accepts requests for copies of the recorded argument by letter with $40.00 fee enclosed. The fee is required prior to preparation. Checks are to be made payable to "Clerk, Court of Appeal". The recorded argument can be e-mailed directly to you or burned to a CD to be picked up in person or delivered by general US mail. Petitioning for a rehearing Document
E-file original & send 3 paper copies to the Court of Appeal
When does a decision become final and a remittitur issued? The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction over an appeal for 30 days from the date the opinion was filed or a request for publication was granted or an opinion was modified in a manner that changed the judgment. The court cannot modify or change an opinion or grant rehearing after an opinion becomes final. (Rules 8.264(b)(1), 8.264(b)(3), 8.264(c)(2), 8.268(a)(2), 8.268(c))
While the Court of Appeal may shorten the time for finality for good cause, it may not extend it. (Rules 8.264(b)(3), 8.264(c), 8.268(c) and 8.490(b)) Dismissals of appeals on request or stipulation become final immediately, as do summary denials of writ petitions. (Rule 8.264(b)(2))
The parties only have 10 calendar days from the date of finality to file a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. (Rule 8.500(e))
Resolves or creates an apparent conflict in the law; Involves a legal issue of continuing public interest; or Makes a significant contribution to legal literature by reviewing either the development of a common law rule or the legislative or judicial history of a provision of a constitution, statute, or other written law. WRITS expand all
original + 3 copies and 1 electronic copy to the Court of Appeal
Rules of court pertaining to writs The procedural requirements for writ petitions vary depending on the type of petition. Refer to the following Rules of Court:
(Rule 8.452 or 8.456) (dependency writs)
(Rule 8.112) (supersedeas),
(Rules 8.116, 8.384, 8.485,8.486and 8.498) (all other writs)
A petition for an extraordinary writ with a request that a stay, injunction, or other form of relief be issued within 15 days must be personally served prior to filing with the Court of Appeal and shall be accompanied by a declaration establishing service or lack thereof. Other Stay Requests
Filing. Unless the court specifies a different due date, your preliminary opposition should be served and filed within 10 days after the petition is filed. (Rule 8.487(a)(1).) Opposition to a petition for writ of supersedeas is due within 15 days, unless the court orders a different time. (Rule 8.112(b)(1).) A responsive fee is due in civil cases.
Certificate of Interested Entities. Include a copy of the Certificate of Interested Entities or Persons in your preliminary opposition, or, if no opposition is filed, in your return, if any. (CRC 8.488(c)(2).) Click here for Judicial Council (form APP-008). Contents. Your preliminary opposition should explain or correct any factual or legal inadequacies in the petition, and should point out why writ relief is not appropriate or why the petitioner has other remedies. The preliminary opposition need not contain a full-blown legal analysis. If necessary you will have another chance when you file your return. Formatting. The preliminary opposition is bound by a red cover. (Rule 8.40(b)(1).) It may be relatively informal, and should explain why there is no urgency or why the case is too complex or disputed to permit such a summary remedy. "Palma Notice." Where you receive a "Palma notice" (that the court is considering issuing a peremptory writ in the first instance), your opposition should fully and completely brief the legal and factual issues, since this may be your only opportunity to do so. (See Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171, 180.) ReturnYou should file a return if the court issues an order to show cause, or an alternative writ. (Rule 8.487(b)(2).)
Certificate of Interested Entities. Include a copy of the Certificate of Interested Entities or Persons if you did not previously include it in your preliminary opposition, if any. (Rule 8.488(c)(2).) Click here for Judicial Council (form APP-008). Filing. The return is due on the date specified by the court; if no date is specified, the return is due within 30 days after the court issues the alternative writ or order to show cause. (Rule 8.487(b)(2).) The return is deemed filed when received by the clerk's office. The special rules for overnight delivery of briefs do not apply to writs. (Rule 8.25(b)(4).) A responsive fee is due in civil cases. Formatting. The return, like the petition, is a pleading, and should contain the return itself (in the form of an verified answer, demurrer or both), a table of contents and table of authorities, a legal memorandum of points and authorities, and a certificate of the word count, not to exceed 14,000 words. (Rules 8.204(c)(1), 8.485(a), 8.486(c)(1)(C).) Use a red cover. (Rule 8.40(b)(1).) Verification. The return should include a statement of "any material fact not included in the petition," but if you do include such facts, you must verify them. (Rule 8.487(a)(2) and 8.487(b)(1).) Also, use the verified answer to deny any material facts alleged in the petition. Without a verified answer, the court may accept petitioner's factual allegations as true. "Palma Notice." Where you receive a "Palma notice" (that the court is considering issuing a peremptory writ in the first instance), your return should fully and completely brief the legal and factual issues, since this may be your only opportunity. (See Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171, 180.) Filing a reply in a writ Reply to Preliminary Opposition: A petitioner may file an optional reply in support of a writ petition after receiving preliminary opposition from the other side. You may serve and file a reply within 10 days after the preliminary opposition is filed. (Rule 8.487(a)(3).) But be aware that the writ panel already may have reached a decision on your writ petition before this time!
If you do choose to file a writ petition with the Court of Appeal from a ruling in a limited civil case, you must indicate whether you have previously filed with the Appellate Division and, if yes, how the Appellate Division ruled. Attach a copy of the Appellate Division's decision.
If you have not previously filed with the Appellate Division, you must specify the extraordinary circumstances making it proper to file the petition with the Court of Appeal in the first instance. (Rule 8.486(a)(1).)
Appellate division transfers are considered under Code of Civil Procedure section 911 and (rules 8.1000) et seq. Under the Rules of Court, transfer may be ordered only where the appellate division has either published its opinion or certified the case for transfer or upon a party’s petition to transfer. The Court of Appeal has “uncontrolled discretion” to grant or deny transfer. (Dvorin v. Appellate Dept. (1975) 15 Cal.3d 648, 650.) Transfer will be ordered only if the Court of Appeal determines “that transfer is necessary to secure uniformity of decision or to settle an important question of law.” (Rule 8.1002).
Summary Denial. The writ panel may deny the writ petition without opposition, or the writ panel may issue an order denying the writ after preliminary opposition has been filed or after the deadline for preliminary opposition has passed. The writ petition or stay request may be summarily denied if the petitioner doesn't submit an adequate record or explain why some documents are missing and what they would have contained. The writ petition or stay request also may be rejected or delayed if the petitioner doesn't meet other procedural requirements for service (including personal service for requests for emergency stays), verification, certificate of interested entities. (Rule 8.486(b)(4).) If a transcript of the hearing has been ordered, but is not yet available, the writ petition may be delayed until the transcript arrives. (Rule 8.486(b)(3)(A).) There is no right to an oral argument for a summary denial. A summary denial of a writ petition is final immediately, and the court loses jurisdiction over the matter. 8.490(b).) Alternative Writ. The writ panel may issue an alternative writ to provide the superior court with a second chance to change its ruling. The alternative writ directs the petitioner to serve the alternative writ upon the superior court and provides the court an additional period of time in which to comply with the alternative writ. If the superior court reverses its ruling, the writ petition will be denied as moot. The petitioner should immediately notify the Court of Appeal if the superior court complies with the alternative writ. If the superior court does not comply with the alternative writ, the alternative writ usually will specify a deadline for a return to be filed by the real party in interest and for an optional reply to be filed by petitioner. (Rule 8.487(b).) [Note: if the court does not set a deadline, the return is due within 30 days, and the reply is due within 15 days.] (Rule 8.487(b)(2), 8.487(b)(3).) The alternative writ also may set a date for oral argument, and the matter ultimately will be decided by written opinion with reasons stated. The opinion becomes final 30 days after filing, unless the court grants earlier finality in the interests of justice. (Rules 8.490(b) and, 8.499(c)(2)). Order to Show Cause. If the Court of Appeal wants further briefing and argument on the issues raised by the writ petition, the court will directly issue an order to show cause (OSC) to the real party in interest without issuing an alternative writ. The order to show cause will specify a deadline for the real party's "return." and for the petitioner's reply. (Rule 8.487(b).) The order to show cause also may set a date for oral argument. The court will file a written opinion whether or not relief is granted. The opinion becomes final 30 days after filing, unless the court grants earlier finality in the interests of justice. (Rule 8.490(b)). Peremptory Writ. Peremptory writs are reserved for exceptional situations where either (i) some "unusual urgency" justifies acceleration of the normal writ process or (ii) petitioner's entitlement to relief is "so obvious that no purpose could reasonably be served by plenary consideration of the issue." This may occur where there has been clear error under well-settled principles of law and undisputed facts. (See Lewis v. Superior Court (1999) 19 Cal.4th 1232.) "Palma Notice". The Court of Appeal will not issue a peremptory writ in the first instance unless you have been given what is called a "Palma notice." (The name of the notice comes from the California Supreme Court decision in Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171, 180.) The Palma notice puts the real party in interest on notice that the court may issue a peremptory writ in the first instance, without a prior alternative writ.
You may receive a Palma notice in the prayer of the petition itself if the petitioner asks the Court of Appeal to issue a peremptory writ in the first instance. The Court of Appeal may issue a Palma notice by separate court order. The court may (or may not) decide to have oral argument on peremptory writs. A written opinion granting a peremptory writ in the first instance becomes final 30 days after filing, unless the court grants earlier finality in the interests of justice. (Rules 8.490(b)).
How do I get a copy of the record, opinion or document? A record request must be made in writing and if the record is in storage a fee of $40 per case (for retrievals involving multiple boxes, $25 for each additional box) be paid in order for the record to be retrieved. Once it is retrieved, the clerk will make a phone call notifying the requesting party that the record is available. The requesting party may hire a copier service or bring in their own copy machine/fax to make a copy of the record. The record cannot be borrowed, it cannot leave the premises. The clerk’s office can only provide copies of the opinion or orders.
Provide the Court with a written letter requesting the record. Please see form letter.
Include retrieval fee. See schedule of fees. If paying by check, make your check payable to the Clerk, Court of Appeal.
How long does it take to retrieve the record? It takes about 5-10 business days in order to retrieve the record.
How long will the record be available for viewing/copying? Records are typically held for 2-3 weeks.
Can I pay by credit card? Yes. The Court of Appeal also accepts payments by check or money order made payable to the Clerk, Court of Appeal.
Under what circumstances will the record be unavailable? The case is under review with the Court: Please contact the Clerk's Office for more information as to when the record may become available. The Supreme Court has granted review of the case: In these circumstances, the record is only available through the Supreme Court. Please contact their San Francisco location at 415-865-7000. The case has been destroyed: The Record Retention Schedule is as Follows: Civil Records and Juvenile Records: 10 years Criminal: 20 years Some records may be preserved locally or archived at the California State Archives in Sacramento. For more information regarding archived records, please see the California State Archive website at: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide members of the bar and other interested persons with general information concerning the organization of the Second Appellate District and its procedures for processing cases.