Key Differences Between Federal and California State Civil Courts
- Posted on: Apr 1 2025
If you have a civil litigation matter in Santa Barbara or Ventura, CA, it may be litigated in either state or federal court, depending on the circumstances. As a litigant you will naturally want legal counsel who knows how to advocate effectively on your behalf, regardless of which courtroom your case is in.
Although there are some similarities to how these court systems operate, understanding the key distinctions will affect the outcome of your case. Learn why so many civil litigation clients rely upon the experienced guidance of The Law Offices of Brian L. Fox, APLC.
Navigating the Differences
Failure to appreciate how state and federal courts operate could severely imperil your rights and end up costing you in terms of damages and other losses. These are just a few of the differences between state and federal court in California:
Jurisdiction
Before a court can even hear a case, much less issue a valid and binding decision, it must have jurisdiction (authority) over the matter. Federal courts handle cases that implicate federal law and they are organized under the United States Constitution. Conversely, the California state Constitution has created courts that are empowered to hear matters that fall under state law.
State courts do not have jurisdiction to handle cases brought against the United States or which deal with matters like maritime law, patents, bankruptcy, the U.S. military, and other issues which are exclusively given to the federal courts. The issues that state courts hear tend to affect the everyday lives of Californians to a greater extent. Common subjects include real estate disputes, breaches of contract, fraud, and construction defects.
There are also circumstances in which one party may be located in California, but the other party is outside the state, and the federal government would have authority to hear the case. This is where federal diversity jurisdiction applies. If, for instance, a plaintiff and defendant operate businesses in two different states, and the amount in controversy is at least $75,000, a federal judge could rule on the matter.
Judges
California state judges are elected while the president appoints federal judges. For federal judges, there is typically a lengthy review process to consider the nominee’s credentials and experience. The U.S. Senate will vote on whether to confirm the nominee who, if appointed, will be able to serve the remainder of their life.
Federal judges tend to be highly selective in their clerks and strict in their application of the various federal rules (e.g. evidence and civil procedure), which may impact a party’s outcome in the case. California judges have a reputation for following the state’s evidence code less closely, although this does not mean a particular judge will not demand adherence to the rules.
Jury
In California state courts, the jury pool generally consists of more local individuals. Say that your case is filed in Ventura County. The individuals who will hear your case and decide its merits will most likely be those who live in the judicial district, often close to the courthouse.
Federal court juries are not as locally concentrated. The court chooses people from throughout the judicial district in which the case is to be heard. This ensures a broader array of individuals from all walks of life and professions who will make a decision for or against you.
Expense
Cases that arise in the federal system are typically more expensive. There are filing fees and court costs, attorneys, expert witnesses, and other aspects of the case which incur expense. While the same is true for California state courts, the overall cost tends to be less.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods if you have a case in Santa Barbara or Ventura, CA. These include mediation and arbitration, two out-of-court procedures that could settle or resolve your case without the need for further court involvement. Our civil litigation team can represent you in either process.
When Experience Matters, Count on Brian L. Fox
Do you have a pending lawsuit in either California state or federal court? Are you looking to file a suit but are not sure where to begin? It’s time to consult the Law Offices of Brian L. Fox, APLC.
We can represent you through each stage of your civil litigation claim, including ADR procedures, delivering personalized legal service with a focus on achieving the best possible result. Reach out to us to schedule your initial consultation.
Posted in: Civil Litigation
