Resources

Practical tools for monitoring the courts and participating in civic life.

Quick Start: How to Monitor the Courts

Start here — takes about 10 minutes

  1. 1 Look up a case on the public portal at placer.courts.ca.gov
  2. 2 Check weekly court calendars for upcoming hearing dates
  3. 3 Request official documents when needed — most are free
  4. 4 Attend or observe proceedings as a member of the public
  5. 5 Track patterns over time — not just headlines

Step-by-Step Guides

How to Track a Case

  1. Go to placer.courts.ca.gov and click "Case Search"
  2. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
  3. Review the docket for all filed documents and scheduled hearings
  4. Note hearing dates and check back for updated filings

How to Observe Court

  1. Check the public court calendar for open hearings
  2. Arrive early — seating is first-come, first-served
  3. No recording devices without prior court permission
  4. Take written notes freely — this is your right as a member of the public

How to Request Records

  1. Most filed court documents are public record under California Rules of Court
  2. Request in person at the clerk's office: 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville, CA 95678
  3. Submit a written request for documents not available in the online portal
  4. Note: courts are exempt from the CPRA — record requests go through the clerk, not under CPRA

How to File a Judicial Conduct Complaint

  1. Go to cjp.ca.gov — the California Commission on Judicial Performance
  2. Download and complete Form CJP-7 (Complaint Form)
  3. Attach copies of relevant court documents as exhibits
  4. Mail or email to the Commission — all complaints are confidential by statute

External Resources

Placer County Superior Court Case search, court calendar, forms, and judicial officers CA Commission on Judicial Performance File complaints and view public discipline decisions California Courts — Statewide Portal Statewide court information and public case access Placer County Elections Office Voter registration, ballot information, and candidate filings CA Fair Political Practices Commission Campaign finance disclosures for judicial candidates Voter's Edge California Independent candidate research tool for California voters

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