Cal. R. 4.230

As amended through September 20, 2024

Rule 4.230 - Additional requirements in capital cases

(a)Application

This rule applies only in pretrial proceedings in cases in which the death penalty may be imposed.

(b)Checklist

Within 10 days of counsel's first appearance in court, primary counsel for each defendant and the prosecution must each acknowledge that they have reviewed Capital Case Attorney Trial Checklist (form CR-605) by signing and submitting this form to the court. Counsel is encouraged to keep a copy of this checklist.

(c)Review of daily transcripts by counsel during trial

During trial, counsel must call the court's attention to any errors or omissions they may find in the daily transcripts. The court must periodically ask counsel for lists of any such errors or omissions and may hold hearings to verify them. Immaterial typographical errors that cannot conceivably cause confusion are not required to be brought to the court's attention.

(d)Lists of appearances, exhibits, motions, and jury instructions

(1) Primary counsel for each defendant and the prosecution must each prepare the lists identified in (A)-(D).

(A) A list of all appearances made by that party. Capital Case Attorney List of Appearances (form CR-601) must be used for this purpose. The list must include all appearances, including ex parte appearances, the date of each appearance, the department in which it was made, the name of counsel making the appearance, and a brief description of the nature of the appearance. A separate list of Penal Code section 987.9 appearances must be maintained under seal for each defendant. In the event of any substitution of attorney at any stage of the case, the relieved attorney must provide the list of all appearances to substituting counsel within five days of being relieved.

(B) A list of all exhibits offered by that party. Capital Case Attorney List of Exhibits (form CR-602) must be used for this purpose. The list must indicate whether the exhibit was admitted in evidence, refused, lodged, or withdrawn.

(C) A list of all motions made by that party, including ex parte motions. Capital Case Attorney List of Motions (form CR-603) must be used for this purpose.

(D) A list of all jury instructions submitted in writing by that party. Capital Case Attorney List of Jury Instructions (form CR-604) must be used for this purpose. The list must indicate whether the instruction was given, given as modified, refused, or withdrawn.

(2) No later than 21 days after the imposition of a sentence of death, counsel must submit the lists to the court and serve on all parties a copy of all the lists except the list of Penal Code section 987.9 appearances. Unless otherwise provided by local rule, the lists must be submitted to the court in electronic form.

(e)Electronic recordings presented or offered into evidence

Electronic recordings presented or offered into evidence Counsel must comply with the requirements of rule 2.1040 regarding electronic recordings presented or offered into evidence, including any such recordings that are part of a digital or electronic presentation.

(f)Copies of audio and visual aids

Primary counsel must provide the clerk with copies of any audio or visual aids not otherwise subject to the requirements of (e) that are used during jury selection or in presentations to the jury, including digital or electronic presentations. If a visual aid is oversized, a photograph of that visual aid must be provided in place of the original. For digital or electronic presentations, counsel must supply both a copy of the presentation in its native format and printouts showing the full text of each slide or image. Photographs and printouts provided under this subdivision must be on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper.

Cal. R. Ct. 4.230

Rule 4.230 adopted effective 4/25/2019.

Advisory Committee Comment

Subdivision (b). Capital Case Attorney List of Appearances (form CR-601), Capital Case Attorney List of Exhibits (form CR-602), Capital Case Attorney List of Motions (form CR-603), and Capital Case Attorney List of Jury Instructions (form CR-604) must be used to comply with the requirements in this subdivision.

Subdivision (d). To facilitate preparation of complete and accurate lists, counsel are encouraged to add items to the lists at the time appearances or motions are made, exhibits are offered, or jury instructions are submitted.

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