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Chapter I, Rules 1.12 to 1.25: the court's commitment to Standard 10.20 of the Standards of Judicial Administration on the elimination of bias (1.12); court security videos of the Kern County Sheriff's Office (1.13); hazardous, heavy or bulky exhibits brought into the courthouse only with the permission of the judicial officer assigned to the hearing or trial (1.14); the prohibition of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and inappropriate workplace conduct (1.15); professional conduct and civility (1.16); a court escort for non-CLETS certified personnel in the areas where criminal justice information is generated or stored, and the parties to be searched by type of case (1.17); photographing, recording and broadcasting in court by the public and the media, the definitions, the limitations on coverage and the walkways (1.18); the use of cellular telephones and other communications devices (1.19); demonstrations, distributions, solicitation and other expressive activity at the courthouses (1.20); the employment conflict of interest code and its designated positions (1.21); electronic signatures under California Rules of Court, rule 2.257, and digital signatures under Government Code section 16.5 (1.22); the parties and their attorneys solely responsible for redaction under rule 1.201 (1.23); weapons screening and the restriction of weapons in courthouses (1.24); and a newspaper of general circulation to e-mail a copy of its judgment to the Superior Court Administration (1.25).
California > Fifth Appellate District > Kern County > Superior Court of California, County of Kern
Rule 1.12 Elimination of Bias (Effective 1/1/21; rev. 7/1/22) (a) The Kern County Superior Court (Court) is committed to following the procedures, goals, and guidelines contained within Title 10, Standard 10.20, Standards of Judicial Administration, in order to maintain a courthouse environment free of bias and the appearance of bias. (b) Role of the Court’s Bench and Bar Committee and Local Bar Associations. The Court’s Bench and Bar Committee, the Kern Multicultural Bar Association, and the Kern County Bar Association are committed to providing and supporting educational programs designed to eliminate unconscious and explicit biases within the court and legal communities. These activities will include outreach to the local community. (Effective 7/1/22) (c) Informal Complaint Procedure. The public can make a complaint of bias in court interactions based upon protected classifications. Complaints shall be based upon the interactions of court employees and judicial officers, including commissioners and temporary judges. 1. Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Presiding Judge or Court Executive Officer, either by email to WMAdmin@kern.courts.ca.gov or by using the form available on the Court’s website; 2. The procedure will not apply to anonymous complaints; 3. To the extent possible and unless disclosure is required by law, the confidentiality of the complainant, the person who is the subject of the complaint, and other interested persons will be protected; 4. The procedure applies to incidents of bias relating to age, ancestry, color, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and any other classification protected by federal or state law; 5. If the complaint is about the Presiding Judge, the Court Executive Officer will refer the complaint to the Assistant Presiding Judge. If the Assistant Presiding Judge believes there would be a conflict of interest, the Assisting Presiding Judge will designate another person, or the Chair of the Bench and Bar Committee to receive the complaint; and 6. Nothing in this procedure limits the ability of any person to submit a complaint of misconduct to an appropriate disciplinary body. Rule 1.13 Court Security Videos (Effective 7/1/21) The Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is responsible for the safety and security of all persons entering the courthouse. This responsibility requires the KCSO to respond to all incidents involving safety and security. The KCSO may use video monitoring systems, placed in courthouse public hallways, waiting areas, and some courtrooms, as well as lockups and the Clerk's Office, to assist in the security of courthouses. Not all video is recorded. Recorded video is retained for only a limited period of time. The recordings are not an official record of court proceedings, and may not be used as such. (Government Code section 69957). Public disclosure of such recordings presents a security risk, as it will inappropriately disclose significant aspects of the KCSO’s security plan. The video monitoring systems are under the control of Court Executive Officer, and any recordings from such systems are maintained in the custody of the Sheriff until they are routinely deleted. No public disclosure of any recordings shall be made except by authority of the Court Executive Officer or his/her designee or order of Court. Any request for a recording must: (1) describe as narrowly as possible, the time, date, and location of the video sought; (2) the specific reasons disclosure is warranted; (3) why there are no other alternatives, and (4) proposals for minimizing the potential impact on overriding interests, including maintaining the court's security, litigants' rights to a fair trial, protection of minor victims and witnesses, privacy interests of jurors, protection of witnesses from embarrassment or intimidation, protection of attorney-client privilege, national security, and the maintenance of courtroom dignity and decorum. (NBC v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178, 1222, n. 46.) Rule 1.14 Hazardous, Heavy, or Bulky Exhibits (Effective 7/1/21) (a) Permission from the Judicial Officer assigned to the hearing or trial must be obtained before a party may bring hazardous, heavy or bulky exhibits into the courthouse. If possible, the party should substitute a photograph, technical report, or dummy object for proposed exhibits which are: 1. Inherently dangerous, such as: a) Firearms and ammunition; b) Any type of explosive powder; c) Explosive chemicals, toluene, ethane; d) Explosive devices, such as grenades or pipe bombs; e) Flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner; f) ethyl-ether; g) Canisters containing tear gas, mace; h) Rags that have been soaked with flammable liquids; i) Liquid drugs such as phencyclidine (PCP), methamphetamine; j) Corrosive liquids, pyrrolidine, morpholine, or piperidine; k) Samples of blood, urine, human or animal tissue, or other items requiring refrigeration and/or humidity-controlled storage; l) Controlled or toxic substances; m) Corrosive or radioactive substance; or 2. Heavy and bulky, such as a ladder, sewer pipe, or automobile chassis. Heavy objects are those exceeding three (3) pounds by weight. Bulky objects are those exceeding one (1) cubic foot in volume. (b) If a party or attorney believes the exhibit should be brought into the courtroom without substitution, a written application to the assigned judicial officer must be made, which describes the materials and the reason a substitution is insufficient. The option of viewing the materials at another location may be considered by the Court. 1. Prior to bringing any toxic, hazardous, or potentially hazardous materials into the courtroom, counsel shall provide a written statement containing the following information: a) A list of the technical and street names of the materials. b) The types and sizes of the containers to be utilized for the materials. c) The name of the person who will transport the materials into the courtroom. d) Where the materials will be stored and the conditions, under which the materials will be stored, viewed, or handled. e) The name of the person who will remove the materials. f) An explanation as to why the material is hazardous or potentially hazardous and the remedies to be followed in the event of a spill, leak, or other accident. g) An explanation as to why the introduction of the materials into evidence must be accomplished by their physical presence in the courtroom, rather than proof of their existence by any other method. 2. If the Court grants permission for an exhibit to be brought into the courtroom, without substitution: a) The exhibit must remain in a securely sealed condition and properly labeled as to the exact contents; b) The party bringing the exhibit into the courtroom shall retain it and shall be responsible for it and shall be responsible for the storage of the exhibit in accordance with Penal Code section 1417.3; and c) At the time of submission of the exhibit, the party or attorney shall also provide a corresponding photographic record of the exhibit for purposes of this standing order. (c) When a dangerous, heavy, or bulky exhibit that has been marked and identified or received in evidence poses a security, storage, or safety problem, the Court may order that all or a portion of it be returned to the party who offered it pursuant to Penal Code sections 1417.2, 1417.3 and 1417.5. Such evidence shall be returned by stipulation of counsel as provided in Penal Code section 1417.2, and the transfer shall be recorded in a minute order. In the case of exhibits offered by the prosecutor in a criminal case, the Court may order that the exhibits be returned to the law enforcement agency involved. If an exhibit by its nature is severable, the Court shall retain a portion of the exhibit not exceeding three (3) pounds by weight or one (1) cubic foot by volume and shall order the return of the balance of the exhibit to the district attorney pursuant to Penal Code section 1417.3. (d) Dangerous, heavy, or bulky exhibits that have been marked and identified or received in evidence at trial or a hearing in a civil case may be returned by the Court to the party who offered them, with an oral stipulation in open court or by written stipulation of the parties, in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure sections 1952(a) and 1952.2. (e) For all exhibits returned, a full and complete photographic record of the exhibit or the portion returned shall be provided by the offering party and substituted for the exhibit. The party or agency to whom the exhibit is returned shall be responsible for maintaining and preserving the exhibit until there is a final disposition of the action or proceeding. All exhibit tags and other identifying markings or information concerning each exhibit shall remain in place and shall not be disturbed. Each exhibit shall be maintained intact and in the same condition as during trial. In the event further proceedings of any Court having jurisdiction of the matter require the presence of the exhibit, the party or agency to whom it was returned shall promptly deliver the exhibit to the appropriate Court, with notice to all parties. Rule 1.15 Prohibition of Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation, and Inappropriate Workplace Conduct Based on a Protected Classification (Effective 1/1/22; rev. 7/1/22) The Court shall ensure that all persons are free from sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and inappropriate workplace conduct based upon a protected classification. Any person who perceives he/she is the victim of such conduct in the courthouse, or any person who witnesses such conduct against another person, should immediately notify the Court Executive Officer, who may conduct an investigation. Alternatively, notification may be made to the Deputy Court Executive Officer of Human Resources, any supervisor or manager, the Presiding Judge, or the Assistant Presiding Judge. If the conduct originates from a judicial officer, notification should be made to the Presiding Judge or the Court Executive Officer. (Effective 1/1/22; rev. 7/1/22) The Court Executive Officer, or his/her designee, shall have the following duties and powers: (a) Investigate any complaints promptly and thoroughly. (b) Ensure that the complainant’s rights are protected. (c) When appropriate, consult with attorneys and/or members of the public. (d) Maintain confidentiality. (e) Maintain quarterly reports on complaints received. (f) Make recommendations for policy or procedure changes, training, and any other means that will prevent and eliminate such conduct in the court system. Rule 1.16 Professional Conduct and Civility (Effective 1/1/22; rev. 7/1/22) Attorneys are expected to comply with the California Rules of Professional Conduct and strive to conduct themselves with dignity, courtesy, and integrity at all times. Rule 1.17 Use of Confidential Criminal Information and Restricting Access in Courthouse to Protect Such Information (Effective 1/1/23; rev. 7/1/24; rev. 7/1/25) In order for the Court to comply with FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy and all California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) operating policies, practices and procedures, a court escort is required to accompany any non-CLETS certified personnel before they will be permitted access to any areas in the Court facilities, in which such criminal justice information is generated or stored. Improper access to such restricted areas is serious and may result in administrative sanctions including, but not limited to, termination of services and State and Federal criminal penalties. Only authorized court personnel may use a California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (CLETS) terminal or have access to information derived from CLETS. All information from CLETS is confidential and for official use only. Access is defined as the ability to hear or view any information provided through CLETS. CLETS information is available for the following proceedings under the specified statutory authority: (Effective 7/1/24; rev. 7/1/25) Type of Case Party to be Searched Authority for Retrieval Abandonments Citee Family Code § 7825(a)(2); California Rules of Court, rule 5.445 Domestic Violence Cases Restrained Person Family Code § 6306; Penal Code § 18110; California Rules of Court, rule 1.51 and 5.445 Gun Violence Cases Respondent Penal Code §§ 18155, 18190; California Rules of Court, rule 1.51 Civil Harassment Respondent Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6; Family Code § 6380(e); Penal Code §§ 18110, 18190; California Rules of Court, rule 1.51 Conservatorship Cases Petitioner/Proposed Conservators; other parties as ordered by judicial officer Probate Codes §§ 1826 and 1851; Penal Code § 11105(b)(22); California Rules of Court, rule 5.445 Child Custody Evaluations pursuant to Family Code § 3111 or as requested by the Court pursuant to Family Code § 3030 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.445 All Parties and Child Named Family Code §§ 3011, 3020, 3030, 3140; California Rules of Court, rule 5.445 Elder Abuse Restrained Person Family Code § 6380(e); Penal Code §§ 18110; 18190; California Rules of Court, rule 1.51 Guardianship Cases Proposed Guardians; petitioner(s); objectors(s) other adults in the home Family Code § 3011; Penal Code § 11105(b)(23); Probate Code § 1514.5; California Rules of Court, rule 5.445 Name Change Applications Requesting Party Code of Civil Procedure § 1279.5(f) Workplace Violence and School Violence Restraining Orders Respondent Code of Civil Procedure §§ 527.6 and 527.8; Code of Civil Procedure § 527.85 Juvenile court restraining order related to domestic violence Restrained Person Welfare & Institutions Code § 213.5 and Family Code § 6306 Rule 1.18 Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting in Court (Effective 1/1/23; rev. 7/1/25; rev. 7/1/26) This rule governs the use of photographic, recording, and broadcasting equipment in court by the public, including members of the media. The procedures set forth herein have been developed for the protection of all parties to ensure the secure and efficient handling of cases and events inside all justice centers in the Kern County Superior Court. No video recording, still photography, or electronic recording is permitted inside of the courthouses, Revenue Recovery Division, Jury Services, Family Court Services, Family Law Facilitator, or Traffic Divisions (“Justice Centers”) except as permitted in California Rules of Court, rule 1.150, and this rule. Nothing in this rule is intended to create a public forum in the Justice Centers. Violation of California Rule of Court rule 1.150 or this rule may result in termination of media coverage, contempt of court proceedings, and/or monetary sanctions as provided by law. (a) Definitions: 1. “Media coverage” means any video recording, photographing, audio recording, or broadcasting of court proceedings by the media using television, radio, photographic or recording equipment, or other similar types of technology. Rule 1.150 (b)(1), California Rules of Court. 2. “Media” means any person or organization engaging in news gathering or reporting and includes any newspaper, radio or television station or network, news service, magazine, trade paper, in-house publication, professional journal, and other news-reporting or news-gathering agency. Rule 1.150(b)(2), California Rules of Court. 3. “Media Event” means any photographing or electronic recording of news conferences or statements to members of the media and the general public occurring outside of a courtroom but inside the Kern County Superior Court. 4. “Court” means the courtroom at issue, Justice Center, as well as its entrances, exits, common areas, and service windows. Rule 1.150(b)(3), California Rules of Court. 5. “Judicial Officer” includes any judge, judicial officer, commissioner, referee, or temporary judge, assigned to or presiding at the proceeding. Rule 1.150(b)(4), California Rules of Court. (b) Requests for Coverage. With respect to courtroom proceedings, requests for any type of video, still photography, or audio coverage, including pool cameras, must be made in compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 1.150(e)(1), and submitted to the judicial officer assigned to hear the case on Judicial Council forms MC-500 “Media Request to Photograph, Record or Broadcast” and MC-510 “Order on Media Request to Permit Coverage.” A copy of the request also must be submitted to the Court’s Public Affairs Officer. All media coverage of courtroom proceedings must comply with the provisions of rule 1.150. (c) Limitation on Coverage. The following limitations apply at all Justice Centers unless an exception is permitted by written judicial order. 1. Except as provided in this local rule and the California Rules of Court, video recording, photographing, or electronic recording by the media and general public is not permitted in any part of a Justice Center, including, but not limited to lobby areas, cafeterias, halls, stairs, escalators, service windows, and elevators. 2. Video recording, photographing, or electronic recording devices must be turned off while transporting them in any area of the Court. 3. All audible electronic devices must be turned off when they are in courtrooms. 4. Any photography of the interior of a courtroom through glass door windows or from the area between the double doors at the entrance of a courtroom is prohibited. (d) Photographing Publicly Available Documents and Exhibits. With the exception of Juvenile court records and trial exhibits, this rule does not prohibit the use of cameras or other photographic equipment, provided the devices are used solely for the purpose of photographing case file documents that are not otherwise confidential or sealed and are available in the clerk’s office or from court kiosks. (e) Non-case Related Requests to Film in Justice Center facilities. Special requests for video recording or photographing empty courtrooms, jury rooms or employee work areas must be made in writing and submitted to the Court’s Public Affairs Officer before the proposed video recording or photographing is to occur. The request should be made a minimum of five calendar days prior to the requested date and include the amount of time needed to complete the activity. The request must also be accompanied by a completed copy of the Third-Party Use of Court Facilities Request Form and a Certificate of Liability Insurance, both of which may be obtained by sending an email to PublicAffairs@kern.courts.ca.gov. The request must be approved by the Presiding Judge. (f) Law Enforcement Use of Body-Worn Cameras. Law enforcement personnel with body-worn cameras shall not activate the recording function of the cameras unless involved in law enforcement activities in the courthouse. For purposes of this paragraph, “law enforcement activities” does not include being present in connection with a pending matter as a witness or to assist the prosecution. Law enforcement officers stationed at the courthouse, i.e., bailiffs, guards, and transportation deputies/officers, shall not activate the recording function unless authorized by the court. (g) In addition to the foregoing, if law enforcement personnel are present in a courthouse where juvenile matters are heard, they must comply with Welfare and Institutions Code section 827 and California Rules of Court, rule 5.552. (h) Ceremonial Events. Unless the Court orders otherwise, this rule does not prohibit photography or recording of ceremonial events held by the court, a governmental agency or bar association, mock trial competitions, weddings, adoptions, or a lecture or training that is held in a courtroom when court is not in session. Rule 1.19 The Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Communications Devices (Effective 7/1/26) To ensure that the Court can provide the highest possible level of customer service, while preserving a court user’s right to privacy, the use of electronic recording devices, including cellular telephones, for the purposes of verbal communication, photographing, video recording, and/or audio recording, is expressly prohibited at any walk-up window at any of the Court’s Justice Centers. This includes the Revenue Recovery Division, Family Court Services, Family Law Facilitator, Jury Services, and the Traffic Windows. The use of cellular telephones and other communication devices at these locations is disruptive and can compromise what would otherwise be a direct and uninterrupted line of communication between court staff and court users. Persons with disabilities who require a special accommodation to access court programs, services or activities may request the needed accommodation by filling out the Request for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities and Order form, Judicial Council Form MC-410. Forms are also available at the Clerk's office and the ADA Coordinator's office of each Courthouse, and by mail upon request to the ADA Coordinator's office. Pursuant to the ADA, the Court has designated an ADA Coordinator at each Court facility to carry out each facility's compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of the ADA. For ADA accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (661) 610-6000. Rule 1.20 Demonstration, Distributions, Solicitation, and Other Expressive Activity (Effective 1/1/23; renum. 7/1/26) To facilitate safe, peaceful, and orderly public access to courthouses unhindered by threats, confrontation, interference, noise pollution, or harassment that may be directed at court users including those court users waiting in line outside a courthouse, the Court must implement some content-neutral restrictions on expressive activity. This rule regulates only conduct occurring in and around court facilities without regard to the content of any particular message, idea, or form of speech. The Court does not intend to ban all expressive activities from the environs surrounding court facilities and intends that this rule be construed so as to provide for ample alternative channels for communication of information near but not within court facilities or on courthouse grounds. (a) Definitions: 1. “Prohibited Activity” means the acts of demonstrating, protesting, gathering, picketing, parading, proselytizing or preaching, posting written materials, distributing literature or other materials to the general public, recording or broadcasting (other than news media recording or broadcasting which is covered by a different order), soliciting sales or donations, engaging in commercial activity, or engaging in oral or demonstrative protest, education, unhygienic activity, or counseling, unless otherwise authorized by this Order or the Court. 2. “Walkway” means (a) the area of any corridor or sidewalk, or other path of pedestrian movement, directly from the edge of the public sidewalk nearest an entrance to any building containing a courtroom to that entrance; (b) the area of any corridor or sidewalk leading directly from any parking lot within a curtilage to an entrance to any building containing a courtroom; or (c) a corridor or passageway within a multi-purpose, commercial, or private building that leads directly to the part of the building containing a courtroom. 3. “Curtilage” means the area between any building containing a courtroom and the nearest edge of the public sidewalk surrounding the building. It shall not include the area adjacent to that portion of a multi-purpose, commercial or private building that does not contain a courtroom. 4. “Courthouse” means any building containing at least one courtroom. It shall also include that portion of a multi-purpose, commercial or private building that contains at least one courtroom. 5. “Courtroom” includes any space designated for judicial proceedings, whether permanently or temporarily. (b) Prohibitions: 1. No person shall engage in any activity prohibited by this rule within a courthouse. 2. No person shall engage in any activity prohibited by this rule on the exterior property of a courthouse, or within the curtilage of a courthouse, or engage in any prohibited activity that affects the exterior property of a courthouse. 3. No person shall obstruct, harass, impede, or interfere with persons entering or leaving a courthouse, persons waiting in line to enter a courthouse, or persons inside a courthouse. 4. No person shall approach persons entering or leaving a courthouse, persons waiting in line to enter a courthouse, or persons inside a courthouse, for the purpose of engaging in any activity prohibited by this rule. 5. No person shall engage in any activity prohibited by this rule in or near a courthouse with the intent to interfere with, obstruct, or impede the administration of justice or with the intent to influence any judge, juror, witness, officer of the court, or court personnel in the discharge of his or her duty. 6. No person shall use amplification equipment to engage in activity prohibited by this rule in a manner that harasses or interferes with persons inside a courthouse, with persons entering or leaving a courthouse, or with persons waiting in line to enter a courthouse. 7. If sound from any prohibited activity travels onto Court property or inside a courthouse, that sound, at any decibel level, is subject to the restrictions of this Standing Order. It is not the decibel level of the sound that is prohibited; it is whether the sound interferes in any way with the business or purpose of the Court. 8. No person shall publish, post, or distribute any written material other than written material relating to official Court business published, posted or distributed by duly authorized Court personnel, inside any Court facility of this County, without the prior written approval of this Court. (c) Exclusions: 1. This Order shall not apply to authorized court personnel or law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties. 2. Sections 1(b)(i), (ii), and (viii) above shall not apply to persons engaged in the stationary solicitation of sales as part of any commercial, primarily non-expressive activity (including but not limited to the sale of newspapers, reading materials, sundries, or food stuffs) expressly authorized by a written use permit, license, or agreement from the County, the Court, the Judicial Council, or other owner of a building containing a courtroom authorizing that activity in a specific space not dedicated to court functions. 3. The Kern County Liberty Bell, which is located in front of the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, in Bakersfield, is a county facility. It has been designated as a landmark and historical place. This site is exempt from sections 1(b)(ii), (iii), and (iv) this Order. Permission for the use of this site must be obtained from the County of Kern. Rule 1.21 Employment Conflict of Interest Code (Effective 1/1/23; rev. 1/1/25; rev. 7/1/25; renum. 7/1/26) (a) The Court hereby adopts this Conflict of Interest Code, as required by Government Code section 87300, and hereby incorporates by reference California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 18730 (“Standard Code”) and any amendments to it. (b) The Presiding Judge of the Court, or the Presiding Judge’s designee(s), shall act as the Code Reviewing Body for this Conflict of Interest Code. (c) Pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Standard Code, designated employees must file statements of economic interests with the Court’s Human Resources Department. (d) The California Fair Political Practices Commission will supply the Court with the required Statement of Economic Interests forms required by this Rule, the Court’s Human Resources staff will distribute the forms to those persons required to file, and the designated employees, contractors and consultants are responsible for completing and filing their own forms (1) on assuming employment in a designated classification (2) on terminating employment in a designated classification, and (3) annually, while so classified. (e) The Court adopts the disclosure categories for the Conflict of Interest Code: (Effective 1/1/23; rev. 1/1/25; rev. and renum. 7/1/25) 1. Category 1 – Real Property Interests in real property located within Kern County or within two (2) miles of Kern County. For the purpose of disclosure only (not disqualification), an interest in real property does not include a principal residence or investments and interests in real property which have a fair market value of less than $2,000. However, interests in real property include those held by a spouse and/or dependent children. 2. Category 2 – Business Interests Business positions and/or investments in and income from business entities (including those of the filer’s spouse) engaged in the manufacture, sale, lease or provision of supplies, materials, equipment, real property, and services of the type used by this court. 3. Category 3 – Disqualification All investments, sources of income, interests in real property (excluding principal residences) and positions in business entities when the following circumstances exist (pertains to disqualification only) a) If during a reporting period a designated employee did not participate in or was not required to disqualify themselves from participating in, a case or other assignment in which they/them had a financial interest (see section 9.0), the employee will sign a statement to that effect under penalty of perjury. This statement will be filed as the Annual Statement of Economic Interests with the Court Executive Officer. b) An employee who disqualified themselves from participating in a case or assignment in which they/them had a financial interest must disclose the case or assignment and the disqualifying interest and file the statement with the Court Executive Officer. 4. Category 4 – Gifts a) The name and address of the donor of any gift valued at $50 or more (includes multiple gifts totaling $50 or more from a single source); a description and estimated value of the gift. b) Reportable gifts include those from individuals who or business entities that contract or potentially contract to furnish goods or services to the court and from donors who may be affected by any decision made or participated in by the employee. Reportable gifts and exceptions can be found in Schedule E of the Form 700. (f) The Court adopts the designated employment classifications and disclosure requirements: (Effective 1/1/23; rev. 1/1/25; rev. and renum. 7/1/25) Job Classification Title Disclosure Accountant I, II, III 1, 2, 4 Audit & Compliance Officer 1, 2, 4 Chief Information Officer 1, 2, 4 Court Buyer I, II, III 1, 2, 4 Court Attorney Calendar Coverage 1, 2, 3, 4 Court Case Management System Manager 1, 2, 4 Court Executive Officer 1, 2, 4 Court Manager – Courtroom Support 1, 2, 4 Court Manager – Criminal 1, 2, 4 Court Manager – Multi-Divisional 1, 2, 4 Court Manager – Non-Criminal 1, 2, 4 Court Manager – Training & Development 1, 2, 4 Deputy CEO – Facilities 1, 2, 4 Deputy CEO – Finance 1, 2, 4 Deputy CEO – Operations 1, 2, 4 Financial Systems Manager 1, 2, 4 Information Technology Manager 1, 2, 4 Managing Attorney 1, 2, 4 Public Affairs Officer 1, 2, 4 Revenue Recovery Officer 1, 2, 4 Revenue Recovery Department Manager 1, 2, 4 Supervising Buyer 1, 2, 4 Rule 1.22 Signature in Electronically Filed Documents and Documents Transmitted Electronically to the Court (Effective 1/1/25; renum. 7/1/26) (a) Electronically filed documents. All electronic filings shall be electronically signed as provided in California Rules of Court, rule 2.257. (b) Digital Signatures. While not required solely for purposes of electronic filing under California Rules of Court, rule 2.257, digital signatures on documents filed with the Court are authorized and have the same force and effect as manual signatures. All digital signatures must comply with the requirements of Government Code section 16.5. A party who files a document containing a digital signature under this rule represents that the signer’s certificate or similar verification document is maintained in the party’s possession or control and may be subject to production upon request from the Court. (c) Signatures on documents transmitted electronically to the Court. A defendant’s signature on documents that are transmitted electronically will be accepted by the Court and deemed an original signature for all purposes. Rule 1.23 Parties Responsible for Redaction (Effective 1/1/25; renum. 7/1/26) California Rules of Court, rule 1.201, governs all documents filed in both civil and criminal proceedings, except where otherwise required by law. Parties and their attorneys are solely responsible for ensuring that personally identifiable, confidential, or privileged information is properly redacted from filed documents where redaction is necessary. The Clerk's office will not review documents for compliance with redaction requirements. The Court may impose sanctions for any violations of this rule. Rule 1.24 Restriction of Possession of Weapons in Courthouses (Effective 1/1/25; renum. 7/1/26) (a) Weapons Screening Policy. All individuals entering a Kern County courthouse are required to undergo weapons screening. Failure to comply with the lawful orders of security personnel conducting these screenings may result in denial of entry. (b) Compliance with Penal Code Section 171b. 1. No person may bring to or possess any weapon, as defined in Penal Code section 171b, in a Kern County courthouse. 2. Exceptions to this rule are: a) Weapons that are evidence for court proceedings can be brought to and possessed in a Kern County courthouse if the individual transporting them presents valid photo identification and establishes the necessity of bringing the weapon to the courthouse. b) Weapons carried by peace officers in the performance of their official duties, regardless of whether they are in uniform. c) Weapons subject to the exception in subsection (b)(3) of Penal Code section 171b. (c) Court Appearances. 1. Unless exempted pursuant to paragraph 2 below, no individual, including peace officers, may carry a weapon into a Kern County courthouse while participating in a court proceeding as a party. 2. If a peace officer is involved in a case related to their official duties, the judicial officer will determine whether carrying a weapon in a Kern County courthouse during the court appearance is appropriate. (d) Enforcement and Reporting. 1. Any violations of this rule will be reported to the Presiding Judge, the Supervising Judge for the type of case the person is involved in, or the Court Executive Officer. Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure compliance. 2. This rule does not prevent law enforcement officers from taking necessary actions to maintain order and ensure the smooth conduct of court proceedings. (e) Sanctions. Violations of this rule may result in penalties up to $1,500 per violation under Code of Civil Procedure Section 177.5 and may also lead to criminal prosecution. Rule 1.25 Newspapers of General Circulation (Effective 1/1/26; renum. 7/1/26) Any newspaper that receives a judgment declaring it a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to Government Code §6000 et seq. must e-mail a copy of the Judgment and/or any modification(s) to the Superior Court Administration at WMAdmin@kern.courts.ca.gov. The information will then be added to the list of adjudicated newspapers of general circulation maintained on the Superior Court’s public website.
Rule 1.12 Elimination of Bias (Effective 1/1/21; rev. 7/1/22) (a) The Kern County Superior Court (Court) is committed to following the procedures, goals, and guidelines contained within Title 10, Standard 10.20, Standards of Judicial Administration, in order to maintain a courthouse environment free of bias and the appearance of bias. (b) Role of the Court’s Bench and Bar Committee and Local Bar A
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-14 (California T4 Kern build 2026-10-14) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-kern/docs/general/local-rules-court-effective-7126.pdf (the court's rule book, its cover “LOCAL RULES OF COURT SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN July 1, 2026”, as fetched 2026-10-14; 1712899 bytes, sha256 374bf0cba1a66f90bd6bea59ca9523d5149362ef14f0d1edc454e76ac5738a83; 138 pages; this part PDF pages 28 to 40, printed pages 27 to 39) with the shared verbatim composer (v2 reflow): the rules (PDF pages 14 to 128) composed as one text and cut at the chapter headings (“Chapter I. General Rules” to “Chapter IX. Court Communication Protocol for Domestic Violence and Child Custody Orders”) and, in Chapters I, III, VI, VII and VIII, at rule or section headings (“Rule 1.8”, “Rule 1.12”, “Rule 3.14”, “Rule 6.10”, “Rule 7.4”, “Section Three – Proceedings”, “Section Six – Attorney Competency Standards”, “Rule 8.10”), each matched once as a whole line; every page's running header (“SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF KERN”, named) and printed page number (“13” to “127”) removed as chrome - 230 chrome lines; lines reflowed into the rules' paragraphs, each chapter heading, rule heading, Preamble, section heading and lettered or numbered subdivision starting a line; Rules 1.17 and 1.21's ruled tables (PDF pages 32 and 33, 38 and 39) set a row a line, its cells left to right (the composer's table rows); the strike report (review/strike-report-2026-10-14.txt) finds no struck run; 27 whitespace-only fixes (build/book-fixes.json: 7 line breaks the reflow left before a reference or an inline list item at the paragraph's own margin, rejoined; 19 runs of rows the reflow ran together, split - Rule 1.8.1's two fee tables and the court's mailing address, Rule 3.3.1's regional courts and their telephone numbers, Rule 3.6(a)'s scale of fees, and the side heading “Preamble” of Chapters VI and VII; 1 word the page break split at its hyphen, closed up - “20-calendar-day”); the vertical-gap, short-line, page-break, false-break, structural-break and row-join audits (review/book-gap-audit-2026-10-14.txt, review/book-short-lines-2026-10-14.txt and its run after the fixes, review/book-extra-audits-2026-10-14.txt) list candidates read one by one (build/book_fixes.py) - the rest kept as printed; proof 1 (whitespace-only) and proof 2 (same character multiset as the text layer minus chrome) pass. The cover (PDF page 1), the table of contents (2 to 13) and the index (129 to 138) belong to no card; Appendix A, a separate document, is decided in the document catalog (held for the table lane, with a review task).
Division XI: information forms for data processing (Rule 11.2); required action - action taken on all calendared cases and a future date always set (Rule 11.19); and pro tem judges - an attorney named as a plaintiff in a civil or small claims case may not sit as a judge pro-tem during the case or within six months following its resolution, nor one named as a defendant in two or more such cases (Rule 11.22). Rules 11.1, 11.3 to 11.5, 11.7 to 11.18, 11.20 and 11.21 are repealed, and Rule 11.6 (voluntary arbitration; see Local Rule 10.2) was repealed and renumbered.
Duval County's indigent-defense and magistration rules under the Texas Fair Defense Act (S.B. 7): who may be booked into the county jail and on what paper; arrest-case numbering; presentment to a magistrate within 48 hours (art. 15.16); the magistrate's warnings, counsel inquiry, interpreter duty, indigence determination and appointment of counsel within 24 hours of a request; the alternative appointment plan under art. 26.04(g)-(h) with annual applications, seven attorney categories (capital, first and second degree, third degree/state jail/misdemeanor, competency, appeals, post-conviction, extradition), CLE and experience standards, random rotation within each category, written acceptance within 48 hours, first contact by the end of the next working day, replacement and suspension of counsel, fee applications within five days of completing services and the compensation attachment ($500 pleas; $175/$150 hourly; $1,400 per jury-trial day; appellate caps); bail schedules by offense class with a personal bond office (fee $20 or 3%), pre-trial supervision and revocation hearings within two working days; arraignment settings and notice; repeal of conflicting rules.