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Penal Code section 808 defines “magistrates” as the judges of the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and superior courts. Court commissioners, a type of subordinate judicial officer (SJO), are not currently included in the statutory definition.

The California Court system has three levels: the California Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal and the Superior Courts. These courts are governed by three distinct judicial bodies: the Judicial Council, the Commission on Judicial Performance, and the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

The Court deals with about 8,800 cases per year, although review is discretionary in most cases, and it dismisses the vast majority of petitions without comment. It hears arguments and drafts full opinions for about 100 to 120 cases each year, of which about 20 are automatic death penalty appeals.

The California Court system has three levels: the California Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal and the Superior Courts. These courts are governed by three distinct judicial bodies: the Judicial Council, the Commission on Judicial Performance, and the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

In California, there are four federal district courts, a state supreme court, a state court of appeals, and trial courts with both general and limited jurisdiction. These courts serve different purposes which are outlined in the sections below. The structure of California's state court system.

Magistrates derive their jurisdiction and limited powers from the state constitution (Cal. Const., art. I, § 14), together with the acts of the Legislature; the powers and duties of a magistrate are solely those given by statute.

Supreme executive power of the State of California is vested in the Governor. The Governor has authority not only to appoint positions throughout the executive branch, but also to make judicial appointments subject to the Legislature's approval.

Membership, qualifications To be eligible for appointment, a person must have been a member of the State Bar of California or a judge of a court in this state for at least 10 years.