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Division One (General Rules; Rules 1.1 to 1.5): the application of the local rules, the presiding judge, who serves for a two year term, and the assistant presiding judge (Rules 1.1.01 to 1.1.08); a judge's vacation day (Rule 1.1.09); elisors in civil and probate cases and in family law cases - the application or request for order, the supporting declaration, the proposed order, and signing within up to three (3) court days (Rule 1.1.10); the Prevention of Bias Committee (Rule 1.1.11); hours of operation and requests for copies (Rule 1.2); electronic filing, required for civil, family, probate, LPS, appellate, criminal (subsequent filings only), juvenile justice (subsequent filings only), and dependency case types, its exceptions, documents received at or prior to 11:59 p.m. deemed filed that court day, and criminal trial documents for the Master Calendar no later than 12 p.m. (Rule 1.3); remote appearances on Zoom - non-criminal cases under Code of Civil Procedure § 367.75, criminal cases under Penal Code §977 with local court form SUPCR 321, Waiver of Defendant’s Personal Presence, oral argument in the Appellate Division on Optional Local Form SUPAPP-100, and public and media access in person only, a non-party's request for remote access made at least two court days prior (Rule 1.4); and photography, broadcasting and recording in court-controlled spaces, prohibited without prior permission from the court, with media requests on Judicial Council form MC-500 (Rule 1.5.01).
California > Sixth Appellate District > Santa Cruz County > Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
LOCAL RULES OF COURT DIVISION ONE -- GENERAL RULES Rule 1.1 ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUSINESS Rule 1.1.01 Application of Local Rules These local rules apply to all Superior Court matters filed in the County of Santa Cruz. (Eff. 1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/99) Rule 1.1.02 California Rules of Court These local rules are intended to supplement and in no way reduce any requirements of the California Rules of Court. (Eff. 1/1/86) Rule 1.1.03 Presiding Judge of Superior Court The Superior Court judges shall elect, by majority vote, a presiding judge who shall serve for a two year term. By majority vote, the presiding judge’s term may be extended by one year. “Majority” is defined as a majority of all active judges, not a majority of votes cast. (Eff. 1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/01) (Rev. 7/1/19) (Rev. 1/1/24) Rule 1.1.04 Assistant Presiding Judge The judges of the Superior Court bench shall elect an assistant presiding judge who shall undertake all roles of the presiding judge in their absence. “Majority” is defined as a majority of all active judges, not a majority of votes cast. (Eff.1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/01) (Rev. 7/1/19) (Rev. 1/1/24) Rule 1.1.05 Department Assignments Judicial officers shall be assigned to departments by the presiding judge. (Rev.1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/99) Rule 1.1.06 Calendar [REVOKED] (Eff. 1/1/93) (Rev. 1/1/99) (Revoked 1/1/24) Rule 1.1.07 Duties of the Presiding Judge The presiding judge shall have all the duties specified by the California Rules of Court, and other applicable law including, but not limited to, California Rules of Court 10.603. (Eff. 1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/97) (Rev. 1/1/24) Rule 1.1.08 Executive Officer and Clerk of the Superior Court A majority of the judges may appoint an Executive Officer of the Superior Court who shall also act as Clerk of the Court pursuant to Government Code 69840-69848 and California Rule of Court 10.610. (Eff. 7/1/90) (Rev. 1/1/99) (Rev. 1/1/13) (Rev. 1/1/24) Rule 1.1.09 Definition of a Judge’s Vacation Day Required by California Rules of Court. A day of vacation for a judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, is an approved absence from the Court for one full business day. Other absences from the Court listed in California Rule of Court 10.603(c)(2)(H) are excluded from this definition. (Eff. 1/1/04) (Rev. 7/1/07) Rule 1.1.10 Elisors Where one of the parties fails to execute a document necessary to carry out a court order, the Clerk of the Superior Court or the Clerk’s authorized representative or designee may be appointed as an elisor to sign the document. (a) Civil and Probate Cases: 1. An application for appointment of an elisor shall be made by filing an application, declaration in support and proposed order. 2. The declaration supporting the application must include specific facts establishing the necessity for the appointment of an elisor. 3. The proposed order shall: a) Clearly identify the document(s) the elisor is being asked to sign. A deed must state the type of deed (i.e., grant deed, interspousal transfer deed, etc.) Escrow documents must be listed separately (i.e., Escrow Instruction Dated…, Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship, Hazards Report, etc.). b) The order shall describe the exact location(s) in the document(s) where the elisor is to sign and identify the name of the party for whom the elisor is signing. c) The order must state “The Clerk of the Court or Clerk’s Designee” as the elisor. It cannot state a name or title of a specific court employee. 4. If the Court grants the application for appointment of an elisor, the Clerk’s Office will arrange for a time for the actual signing of the documents. The appointed elisor has up to three (3) court days to complete the actual signing of the documents. Any exceptions to the three-day period shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Court. 5. If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary to be present when the elisor signs the document(s). (b) Family Law Cases: 1. A court order for the appointment of an elisor must be made by a request for order and a supporting declaration. 2. At least one supporting declaration needs to be filed with the request. The declaration must: a) Include a list of the exact documents the elisor is being asked to sign. A deed must state the type of deed (i.e. grant deed, interspousal transfer deed, etc.) Escrow documents must be listed separately (i.e. Escrow Instruction Dated…, Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationship, Hazards Report, etc.). b) Include a description of the good faith efforts to meet and confer to resolve the issue. c) Specify facts establishing the necessity or the appointment of an elisor. 3. If the Court grants the application for appointment of an elisor, the Clerk’s Office will arrange for a time for the actual signing of the documents. The appointed elisor has up to three (3) court days to complete the actual signing of the documents. Any exceptions to the three-day period shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Court. 4. If the elisor is signing documents requiring notarization, the applicant must arrange for a notary to be present when the elisor signs the document(s). (Eff. 1/1/20) Rule 1.1.11 Prevention of Bias Committee A Prevention of Bias Committee shall exist pursuant to the California Standards of Judicial Administration, Standard 10.20 (a) Purpose. The purpose of the Committee is to sponsor and support programs designed to identify, address, and prevent bias in the court system. This includes, but is not limited to, bias based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, and socioeconomic status. (b) Chairperson. The Committee shall be chaired by one of more judges selected by the Presiding Judge (c) Committee Membership. The Committee shall include local attorneys from various practice areas and may include other members of the court community. (Eff. 7/1/26) Rule 1.2 DOCUMENTS PRESENTED FOR FILING Rule 1.2.01 Clerks' Offices - Hours of Operation Courts must remain open to the public each business day according to the Judicial Council directives. The exact hours of operation of the Clerks’ Offices are determined by the judges consistent with Judicial Council directives and will be posted on the Court’s website. Hours of operation are subject to change so long as they remain consistent with Judicial Council directives and with prior notification to the public. (Rev. 1/1/95) (Rev. 7/1/13) Rule 1.2.02 Requests for Copies All requests for copies of documents, except for copies to be delivered by e-mail, must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Certified copies cannot be sent electronically. When no such envelope is provided, the documents will be retained in the Clerk’s Office for 30 days. (Eff. 1/1/88) (Renumbered 7/1/07) (Rev. 7/1/16) Rule 1.3 ELECTRONIC FILING Rule 1.3.01 Electronic Filing General Electronic filing is required for civil, family, probate, LPS, appellate, criminal (subsequent filings only), juvenile justice (subsequent filings only), and dependency case types. Court reporter transcripts for all case types must be electronically filed. Electronically filed documents must comply with Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6 and California Rules of Court 2.250 through 2.261. (a) Filing Service Provider: Electronic filling of documents shall occur through the Court’s electronic service provider(s) which is available on the Court’s website at www.santacruzcourt.org or www.efileca.com. (b) Fees: Electronic filing service providers may charge reasonable fees in addition to any filing fees required by the Court. Any party who has received a fee waiver from the Court, or who has otherwise obtained an order of the Court waiving such fees, is exempt from the fees and costs associated with electronic filing. (c) Exceptions to Electronic Filing: The following items are not subject to mandatory electronic filing under these rules: 1. Documents presented for filing by a self-represented party. Although electronic filing is not mandatory for self-represented parties, they are encouraged to electronically file documents. 2. Documents ordered by the Court as exempt from electronic filing. A party may seek a court ordered exemption by ex parte application for reason of undue hardship, significant prejudice or other good cause. 3. Documents lodged with the Court provisionally under seal pursuant to California Rule of Court 2.551. 4. Documents with jurisdictional time limits, including notices of appeal, motions for new trial, motions for JNOV, motions to quash service for personal jurisdiction, and petitions for writs. Although not required, electronic filing of these documents is encouraged. 5. Original documents required for a proceeding, subpoenaed documents, criminal bail bonds, and wills and codicils (for filing or safekeeping). 6. Documents and/or reports provided to the Court from third-party service providers or experts. These documents and reports may be e-filed at the discretion of the provider or expert unless otherwise ordered to e-file. (d) Digital Exhibits as Attachment to Electronically Filed Documents Exhibits in a format that is not appropriate for electronic filing (i.e. CD/DVD/USB Drive) shall be submitted in the courtroom only. The submitting party shall be responsible for providing the necessary equipment to view/present the exhibits. (e) Effective Date and Time of Electronic Filing: Documents received by the Court for electronic filing at or prior to 11:59 p.m. on any court day, which otherwise satisfy all requirements for filing, will be deemed filed on that court day as provided in California Rules of Court 2.253(b)(6) and 2.259. The Court will issue a confirmation that the document has been received and filed in accordance with California Rule of Court 2.259. The confirmation shall serve as proof that the document(s) has been filed. (f) Redaction of Confidential Information is the Filer’s Responsibility: The responsibility for redacting personal identifiers and privileged or confidential information rests solely with counsel and the parties. The clerk will not review pleadings or other documents for compliance with the law. The court may impose sanctions for violation of these requirements. (g) Courtesy Copies: The Court may order the delivery of paper courtesy copies of electronically filed documents. (h) E-Service: Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, electronic service of electronically filed documents is optional as provided in California Rules of Court 2.251 and 2.253. (i) Electronic Signatures: Signatures: California Rule of Court 2.257 should be followed regarding signatures on electronically filed documents. (j) Filing Documents Intended for Multiple Cases: Any party seeking to file a single document into multiple cases must e-file that document into each case. The clerk’s office will not place a document from one case into another on behalf of the party. It is the responsibility of the party to file separately for each case. (k) In Limine Motions: Rule 5.1.06 directs that each in limine motion shall be limited to a single subject and the motions shall be numbered consecutively. Notwithstanding Rule 5.1.06 in limine motions for criminal cases may be combined in a single Portal Document Format (PDF) (subject to file size limitations) or e-file separately. (Eff. 7/1/16) (Renumbered & Revised 7/1/17) (Rev. 1/1/18) (Rev. 7/1/18) (Rev. 7/1/20) (Rev. 1/1/21) (Rev. 7/1/22) (Rev. 7/1/23) Rule 1.3.02 Electronic Filing Criminal Master Calendar For cases that are sent to the Master Calendar, criminal trial documents must be electronically filed no later than 12 p.m. the day of the Master Calendar. (Eff. 7/1/17) (Rev. 1/1/18) Rule 1.4 REMOTE APPEARANCES The remote appearance platform used by the Court is “Zoom”. Remote appearance information for each department may be found at https://www.santacruzcourt.org/content/remote-appearance-0. (Eff. 1/1/21) (Rev. 6/21/21) Rule 1.4.01 Appearances in Non-Criminal Including Civil, Small Claims, Family, Restraining Orders, Probate, LPS, Juvenile Dependency and Juvenile Justice (a) Remote appearances are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure § 367.75 and California Rule of Court 3.672 (b) Remote appearances in Juvenile Justice are governed by Welfare and Institutions Code § 679.5 (c) Audio-only appearances are an option only if a party has no access to a device with video capabilities. (d) Details regarding evidence submission and video presentation is posted on the Court’s remote appearance web page. (Eff. 1/1/21) (Rev. 6/21/21) (Rev. 10/18/21) (Rev. 1/25/22) (Rev. 1/1/24) Rule 1.4.02 Appearances in Criminal Departments (a) Remote appearances in Criminal Cases are governed by California Penal Code §977. (b) A defendant deciding not to exercise the right to be physically present shall use local court form SUPCR 321, Waiver of Defendant’s Personal Presence, to execute a written waiver of that right to appear remotely. Form SUPCR 321 shall be filed in open court prior to the proceeding or no less than five (5) court days prior to the proceeding when filing with the court. (c) When appearing remotely, parties shall do so from a location with stable and continuous access to the Internet, free of distractions, and with the ability to focus on the proceedings at all times. Parties must appear by video at all times unless otherwise permitted by the Court to appear by audio-only in advance of the proceeding. Audio-only appearances are an option only if a party has no access to a device with video capabilities. (Eff. 1/1/21) (Rev. 6/21/21) (Rev. 1/25/22) (Rev. 7/1/22) Rule 1.4.03 Appearances in Traffic and Minor Violation Departments [REVOKED] (Eff. 1/1/21) (Rev. 6/21/21) (Rev. 1/25/22) (Rev. 7/1/22) (Rev. 1/1/24) (Revoked 7/1/24) Rule 1.4.04 Appearances in the Appellate Division (a) Remote appearances for oral arguments in the Appellate Division are governed by California Rules of Court 8.885(b) (b) All remote appearances for oral arguments in the Appellate Division need to be approved by the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division. (c) An application by the requesting party shall be submitted to the Appellate Division within 10 days after the Court sends notice of oral argument. Optional Local Form SUPAPP-100 Request for Remote Oral Argument Appellate Division may be used. (d) Upon approval of the request, the appellate clerk will provide instructions for connecting. (Eff. 7/1/23) Former Rule 1.4.04 Appearances in Juvenile Justice [REVOKED] See Rule 1.4.01 (Eff. 1/1/21) (Revoked 1/25/22) Rule 1.4.05 Public and Media Access to Remote Proceedings Remote appearances via Zoom are limited to parties, their attorneys, and witnesses when permitted by statute, court rule, or court order. In criminal cases, victims are also permitted to attend remotely, upon request, in accordance with applicable law. All non-confidential court hearings are open to the public, but public and media access is available in-person only. Members of the public and media (collectively referred to as “non-parties”) are not permitted to observe court proceedings remotely via Zoom. If a non-party wishes to attend a hearing remotely, they or their attorney must request and obtain approval from the court. This request may be made orally, in writing, or by filing the local form titled "Request and Order for Non-Party Remote Access SUPAD 0100." All such requests must be made at least two court days prior to the scheduled hearing. (Eff. 7/1/25) (Rev. 1/1/26) Rule 1.5 PHOTOGRAPHY, BROADCASTING AND RECORDING Rule 1.5.01 Photography, Broadcasting, and Recording in Courthouses, Courtrooms, and other Court Controlled Spaces (a) Purpose This rule is adopted in accordance with case law and California Rule of Court 1.150 to preserve the dignity of court proceedings, protect the rights of litigants and witnesses, and maintain the safety and privacy of all individuals within court-controlled spaces. (b) Definitions This rule adopts the definitions in California Rule of Court 1.150 and adds the definitions below: ▪ Court-controlled spaces include all courthouses, courtrooms, hallways, clerk’s offices or counters or transaction windows, lobbies, jury rooms, chambers, and any other areas under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. ▪ Courtroom includes both the physical room in which court proceedings are held and any electronic platform used to conduct court proceedings remotely via video or audio technology. (c) General Prohibition No person shall engage in photography, broadcasting, or recording within any court-controlled space without prior permission from the court. The media may ask to record in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 1.150. (d) Exceptions The following exceptions may apply only with prior approval from the Presiding Judge, Court Executive Officer (CEO), or their designee: 1. Official court documentation or archival purposes. 2. Investitures and other ceremonial or educational programs. 3. Media Coverage approved under a formal request pursuant to Rule 1.150 of the California Rules of Court. (e) Media Requests Requests for media coverage of any type must be submitted in accordance with California Rule of Court 1.150 to the trial judge using Judicial Council form MC-500 Media Request to Photograph, Record, or Broadcast and proposed MC-510 Order on Media Request to Photograph, Record or Broadcast. (Eff. 7/1/05) (Rev. 1/1/11) (Renumbered and Revised 1/1/26)
LOCAL RULES OF COURT DIVISION ONE -- GENERAL RULES Rule 1.1 ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUSINESS Rule 1.1.01 Application of Local Rules These local rules apply to all Superior Court matters filed in the County of Santa Cruz. (Eff. 1/1/95) (Rev. 1/1/99) Rule 1.1.02 California Rules of Court These local rules are intended to supplement and in no way reduce any requirements of the California R
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-07 (California T4 Santa Cruz build 2026-10-07) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-santa-cruz/docs/local-rules/santa-cruz-superior-court-local-rules-court-july-1-2026-final.pdf (1421611 bytes, sha256 a997ec993bbbd5c2534a1f92b30961a0c2586b4bbd601a165d1ba05a75622910; 175 pages; this division's rules are pages 13 to 25) with the shared verbatim composer (v2 reflow). The running header (Superior Court of California; County of Santa Cruz; Local Rules July 1, 2026) and the page numbers removed as chrome; the cover, the navigation note, the table of contents, Appendix A (the list of rules with their histories), Appendix B (the list of local forms) and the index belong to no card; the strike report found no struck text; lines reflowed into the court's paragraphs, each rule heading and history note on its own line; proof 1 (whitespace-only) and proof 2 (same character multiset as the text layer minus chrome) pass. The book prints its list labels as images: 50 labels set before the lines they label from their placements on the pages (build/labels.py; each placement labelled once, the composer's characters unchanged). Documented layout fixes (read on the page; the proofs hold): history notes printed on two lines set as one paragraph each; two subsection headings set on their own lines (“Electronic Signatures:”, “Definitions”). Review note: The list labels (“(a)”, “1.” ...) print as images in the rule book, not as text; each is set before the line it labels from its placement on the page (build/labels.py; every placement in the division labelled once). Published as printed: Rule 1.1.11(b) “chaired by one of more judges”; Rule 1.3.01(a) “Electronic filling of documents”.
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.