California Case Law

The California state court system is divided into three levels. The highest court in California is the California Supreme Court, which consists of seven judges. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by the California Courts of Appeal. It also reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in death penalty cases and appeals of decisions by the Public Utilities Commission. Decisions by the California Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.

The middle level of the California state court system consists of the California Courts of Appeal, which are divided into six districts. The First District covers the region around San Francisco, the Second District covers the region around Los Angeles, the Third District covers the region around Sacramento, the Fourth District covers the region around San Diego, the Fifth District covers the region around Fresno, and the Sixth District covers the region around San Jose. Almost all appeals of decisions by trial courts must pass through the Courts of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court.

The lowest level of the California state court system consists of the California Superior Courts. The Superior Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. They also hear cases in more specialized areas, such as family law and probate. Each of the 58 counties in California has a Superior Court, and there are more than 450 courthouses throughout the state.

The California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board is a separate judicial entity that consists of seven members. It reviews petitions for reconsideration of decisions by workers' compensation administrative law judges.