Transfer for decision

(a) Time of transfer

On a party's petition or its own motion, the Supreme Court may transfer to itself, for decision, a cause pending in a Court of Appeal.

(b) When a cause is pending

For purposes of this rule, a cause within the appellate jurisdiction of the superior court is not pending in the Court of Appeal until that court orders it transferred under rule 8.1002. Any cause pending in the Court of Appeal remains pending until the decision of the Court of Appeal is final in that court.

(c) Grounds

The Supreme Court will not order transfer under this rule unless the cause presents an issue of great public importance that the Supreme Court must promptly resolve.

(d) Petition and answer

A party seeking transfer under this rule must promptly serve and file in the Supreme Court a petition explaining how the cause satisfies the requirements of (c). Within 20 days after the petition is filed, any party may serve and file an answer. The petition and any answer must conform to the relevant provisions of rule 8.504.

(e) Order

Transfer under this rule requires a Supreme Court order signed by at least four justices; an order denying transfer may be signed by the Chief Justice alone.