Courts Defined

Courts Defined

Although there are other specialized courts, the following are the ones that most impact homeowners associations.

Small Claims Court. Small claims court can only hear and decide cases that claim damages of $5000 or less for corporations and $7,500 or less for individuals. The parties cannot have a lawyer; they must represent themselves. A defendant who loses in small claims may appeal to have the case reheard in superior court. Plaintiffs who lose may not appeal. Small claims courts do not have the authority to issue injunctive relief. See more.

Superior Court. Superior courts have general subject matter jurisdiction and handle both civil and criminal cases. Superior courts are separated into divisions for limited jurisdiction (cases involving claims for less than $25,000) and unlimited jurisdiction (claims for more than $25,000). Superior courts have the power to order injunctive relief. Decisions made in superior court are not binding on other courts. Parties who lose in superior court may appeal to California's Court of Appeal.

Courts of Appeal. The Court of Appeal is divided into six districts. Panels of three justices are selected to review lower court cases. The justices review case files and transcripts to decide if legal errors were made in the case. Decisions made by courts of appeal are binding on all lower courts.

Supreme Court. California's Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. Like Courts of Appeal, it does not use juries or take testimony. Instead, seven justices hear appeals to determine if errors were made in a superior court case (once the issue has been heard by a court of appeal). At least 4 of the 7 justices must agree on the final decision.

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