Community Outreach Community Outreach Team California Judicial Council Strategic Plan Ventura Superior Court Strategic Plan
The role of the American court system is unique in all the world.
Our founding fathers created independent courts to insure that individual
liberty is protected from governmental interference; the rule of law, not
the desires of individuals, govern the conduct of all; and individual
disputes are resolved in peaceful and creative ways to ensure the
ongoing life and fabric of society.
The California Constitution provides for three separate but equal branches
of state government. These are the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of government. Each branch performs a specific function in the
administration of the government. The Legislature creates the law.
The executive branch enforces the law. The judicial branch interprets
the application of the law.
Each level of the state court system has constitutionally empowered
jurisdiction. This is the authority, capacity, power, or right to
hear matters pertaining to law. California law may be broadly divided
into two categories: criminal and civil.
The state judicial system is responsible for administering justice
in criminal matters, which involve public offenses and their punishments.
Civil law involves private disputes, contracts, family and probate law.
Each of California's 58 counties has a Superior Court. The number of
judges in each court ranges from one in rural counties to more than 200
in large metropolitan areas.
Superior Court judges serve six-year terms and are elected by county
voters on a non-partisan ballot at a general election. The Governor
can also make judicial appointments when vacancies occur before the
end of a term. A Superior court judge must be an attorney admitted
to practice law in California.
Judicial openness is important as we work with the community to make
the necessary changes in the way we treat and listen to the public we serve.
In order to help us improve service to the community, please complete
the Community Outreach Questionnaire.
Your comments are very important to us and we welcome your input.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach Team
California Judicial Council Strategic Plan
Ventura Superior Court Strategic Plan
