The DJ has Newsom nominees Giza, Pánuco and Hernandez confirmed to appellate courts — The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed three Superior Court judges to California appellate courts, with supporters praising their legal expertise, judicial temperament and commitment to
Southern California Appellate News
Southern California Appellate News, blogged by Benjamin G. Shatz, focuses on appellate law developments primarily in California. It covers topics such as appellate procedure, published and unpublished opinions, standards for appellate briefs, and court rules including citation and compliance requirements. The blog discusses appellate issues across various legal areas including commercial litigation, entertainment, copyright, employment, real estate, land use, banking, insurance, product liability, professional liability, wrongful death, punitive damages, class actions, unfair competition, and anti-SLAPP motions. It also addresses judicial appointments, court programs, and procedural updates relevant to appellate practitioners.
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Election profiles
The DJ continues to roll out profiles of the justices up for retention election:New presiding justice Cody brings close reading, collegiality to Division 6 — Presiding Justice Tari L. Cody of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Division 6,…
Alito at Pepperdine last month
On Friday, September 25, 2026, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law hosted the final round
…
More election justice profiles
The DJ has:Desautels’ rulings weigh deference, responsibility and litigation choices — Justice Tara Desautels’ appellate opinions examine burdens, deference and trial tactics, reflecting an approach shaped by her years as a prosecutor and trial judge as she faces voters…
LASCAD seeks appointed counsel
The Superior Court of Los Angeles County’s Appellate Division is seeking qualified attorneys to represent indigent defendants. Upon Appellate Division approval, appointed attorneys are compensated by the Professional Appointee Court Expenditure (PACE) program at a rate of $100 per hour…
DJ election profiles
The DJ appellate profile parade continues with: Justice Danny Chou, an appellate lawyer at heart, faces
first retention vote — Justice Danny Y. Chou of the 1st District Court of
Appeal, a longtime public-law appellate lawyer who helped win marriage…
2d Dist. COJA hearings on Oct. 9
Commission to Consider Appointments to the 2nd District Court of AppealThe Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold public remote hearings on Friday, October 9, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to consider two appointments to the Second District Court of Appeal…
Monthly DJ columns
The DJ has retired PJ Gilbert’s column: Beware! — The growing use of artificial intelligence in law and the courts risks replacing essential human judgment and interaction, while California’s appellate retention process offers voters a chance to evaluate the justices…
More justice profiles (for 2026 election)
The DJ’s latest tranche of justice profiles are:
- He napped on a courthouse bench. Now he’s asking voters
to keep him on one — Justice Victor A. Rodríguez of the 1st District Court of
Appeal, who spent his career in public
…
Justice profiles for election
The DJ continues to post pre-election profiles of justices on the November ballot:Burns’ rulings trace boundaries of fairness in government proceedingsKim rulings weigh what public agencies owe employees, litigants, ratepayersJustice’s dissents question results he says law cannot…