About the California Judicial Branch

In California, as in the federal government, the power to govern is divided among three equal branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

The executive branch of government executes the laws enacted by the Legislature. 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.

The legislative branch of government is the State's law-making authority. The California State Legislature is made up of two houses: the Senate and the Assembly. There are 40 Senators and 80 Assembly members representing the people of the State of California.

The judicial branch of government is charged with interpreting the laws of the State of California. It provides for the orderly settlement of disputes between parties in controversy, determines the guilt or innocence of those accused of violating laws, and protects the rights of individuals. The California court system, the nation's largest, serves over 34 million people with more than 2,000 judicial officers and 21,000 court employees. The head of the judicial branch is the Chief Justice of California.

Fact Sheet: California Judicial Branch (PDF, 138 KB)

About Us | Web Site Feedback
Web Policies | Public Access to Records | Accessibility