Changes and challenges: The 2024 appellate year in review

Constitutional Law

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization

Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey were overruled because the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any co...

In re Complaint of Judicial Misconduct

Order

Civil Procedure, Administrative Agencies

Meinhardt v. City of Sunnyvale

In administrative mandate proceedings, the time for filing an appeal does not begin to run until entry, or notice of entry, of a judgment.

Constitutional Law

TriCoast Builders, Inc. v. Fonnegra

Where the right to a jury trial has been validly waived and relief from the waiver subsequently denied, obtaining reversal of the denial requires the appellant to demonstrate actual preju...

Arbitration

Hernandez v. Sohnen Enterprises

Federal arbitration standards preempted California arbitration laws when the agreement expressly adopted the Federal Arbitration Act but was silent as to adopting California requirements.

Civil Procedure

Simple Avo Paradise Ranch, LLC v. Southern Cal. Edison Co.

Current case law prevented appellate court from ceasing defendant's questionable tactic in brokering a stipulated judgment with one of hundreds of plaintiffs to facilitate appeal of unfav...

Civil Procedure

Blauser v. Dubin

Addition of trial court's signature with "it is so ordered," did not transform order granting nonsuit into an appealable order.

Civil Procedure

Jackson v. Board of Civil Service Commissioners of the City of Los Angeles

When superior court's judgment involved further administrative agency reconsideration, its decision was not final and appealable.

Anti-SLAPP

Norman v. Ross

Trial court erroneously denied defendants' Anti-SLAPP motion, where plaintiff's claims about allegedly stolen TV idea arose from defendants' protected activity.

Civil Procedure

Lazar v. Bishop

Cause of action for real estate broker's breach of fiduciary duty was assignable where the complaint only sought to recover damages related to property and pecuniary interests.