Oct. 8, 2026
Desautels' rulings weigh deference, responsibility and litigation choices
Justice Tara Desautels' appellate opinions examine burdens, deference and trial tactics, reflecting an approach shaped by her years as a prosecutor and trial judge as she faces voters Nov. 3.
Justice Tara M. Desautels of the 1st District Court of Appeal wrote for a unanimous panel in August that the Privette doctrine, which generally shields those who hire independent contractors from liability for workers' injuries, also protects a landlord whose tenant hired the contractor.
The ruling in Schurman Family Company TIC v. Superior Court (2026) disagreed with a 2022 decision by another 1st District division. The injured worker asked the California Supreme Cour...
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