0250 Judicial Branch
Program Descriptions

0130 - SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the California judicial system. Its decisions are binding on all other California state courts. The Chief Justice of California and the six Associate Justices entertain petitions seeking review of decisions from the Courts of Appeal, original petitions for extraordinary relief (such as writs of mandate or habeas corpus), and recommendations for discipline of judicial officers and attorneys. The Court grants review and issues opinions in order to settle legal questions of statewide importance. In addition, under the California Constitution, all death penalty judgments are appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

0135 - COURTS OF APPEAL

Established by a constitutional amendment in 1904, the Courts of Appeal are California's intermediate courts of review. The six District Courts of Appeal hear appeals and original proceedings at nine different locations around the state. Cases before the Courts of Appeal involve every area of civil and criminal law.

0140 - JUDICIAL COUNCIL

The Judicial Council of California is the constitutional policy-making body for the state judiciary. The Council consists of 21 voting members and 12 advisory members; the Chief Justice of California serves as chair. The Judicial Council staff serve as the administrative arm of the Council. Among its duties staff provide policy support to the Council, administrative accountability in the operation of the courts as specified by law, strategic planning for capital outlay, design, and construction of court facilities; and administrative support for courts in areas such as budget, fiscal services, coordination of the assignment of retired judges, technology, education, legal advice and services, human resources, legislative advocacy, and research.

Consistent with the judiciary's mission, the Judicial Council is guided by the following principles:

  • To make decisions in the best interests of the public and the court system as a whole.
  • To conduct the Council's business based on an underlying commitment to equal and timely justice and public access to an independent forum for the resolution of disputes.
  • To provide leadership in the administration of justice by planning and advocating for policies and resources that are necessary for courts to fulfill their mission.
  • To ensure the continued development of an accessible, independent court system through planning, research, and evaluation programs, and through the use of modern management approaches and technological developments.
  • To provide leadership in the administration of justice by establishing broad and consistent policies for the operation of the courts and appropriate uniform statewide rules and forms.
  • To promote a competent, responsive, and ethical judiciary and staff through a comprehensive program of judicial education and training for court employees.
  • To contribute to the public's understanding of the judicial process through a continuing program of public education.
  • To provide assistance to the courts in developing action plans that are consistent with the Council's Strategic Plan and that address local needs and priorities.

0145 - JUDICIAL BRANCH FACILITY PROGRAM

The Judicial Branch Facility Program administers the acquisition, planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of judicial branch facilities. This program is responsible for the development of long-term facilities master plans, facility and real estate management, and new courthouse planning, design, and construction.

0150 - STATE TRIAL COURT FUNDING

0150010 - SUPPORT FOR THE OPERATION OF THE TRIAL COURTS

This program's objective is to provide the resources necessary for the statewide trial court system to adjudicate civil and criminal cases. This program includes all allowable trial court administrative costs under Chapter 850, Statutes of 1997, except salaries and benefits of Superior Court judges, compensation for assigned judges, and support for language interpreters.

0150019 - COMPENSATION OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

This program provides funding for the salaries and state benefits for Superior Court judges.

0150028 - ASSIGNED JUDGES

This program provides support for the salaries and related costs of retired as well as active judges who are assigned by the Chief Justice to positions in courts which require assistance due to caseload backlogs or other factors impacting the ability of a court to avoid case delay.

0150037 - COURT INTERPRETERS

This program supports the provision of qualified language interpreters in criminal or juvenile proceedings as required by statute.

0155 - HABEAS CORPUS RESOURCE CENTER

The Habeas Corpus Resource Center provides legal representation for indigent petitioners in death penalty habeas corpus proceedings before the Supreme Court of California and the federal courts. The Center also recruits and trains attorneys to expand the pool of private counsel qualified to accept appointments in death penalty habeas corpus proceedings, serves as a resource to them, and thereby helps to reduce the number of unrepresented indigents on California's death row.