Judicial Council of California

California’s court system is the largest in the nation and serves a population of more than 39 million people—about 12 percent of the total U.S. population. The Judicial branch budget is less than 2% of the State General Fund. - Most cases in California start in one of the 58 superior courts, or trial courts, handling both civil and criminal cases, such as family, probate, mental health, juvenile, and traffic cases. Learn more about the Superior Courts. - Most cases before the Courts of Appeal involve a review of superior court decisions being contested by a party to the case. The Legislature divided the state geographically into six appellate districts. Learn more about the Courts of Appeal. - The state Supreme Court is the highest court and has discretion to review decisions of the Courts of Appeal and consider writ petitions. The Supreme Court settles questions of law, resolves conflicts among the Courts of Appeal, and must also review the appeal in death penalty cases. Learn more about the Supreme Court.