Rule 10.851. Court indexes-automated maintenance
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 10.851
Current text effective January 1, 2007.
#(a) Authorized media
The clerk of each trial court may create, maintain, update, and make accessible the indexes required by law by photographic, microphotographic, photocopy, mechanical, magnetic, or electronic means. The clerk must make provision for preserving the information on a medium that will ensure its permanence and protect it from loss or damage arising from electronic failure or mechanical defect.
(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted as unlettered subd; previously relettered and amended effective January 1, 2001.)
#(b) Alphabetic index
A single alphabetic index may be maintained so long as the plaintiff-defendant distinction is retained.
(Subd (b) adopted effective January 1, 2001.)
#(c) Public access
The indexes maintained under automated procedures must be accessible for public examination and use.
(Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted as part of unlettered subd; previously lettered and amended effective January 1, 2001.)
#History
Rule 10.851 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 1010 effective January 1, 1975; renumbered as rule 999 effective January 1, 2003; amended and renumbered as rule 6.751 effective January 1, 2001.
What this rule requires
Document Format Requirements
The clerk of each trial court may create, maintain, update, and make accessible the indexes required by law by photographic, microphotographic, photocopy, mechanical, magnetic, or electronic means.
The clerk must make provision for preserving the information on a medium that will ensure its permanence and protect it from loss or damage arising from electronic failure or mechanical defect.
A single alphabetic index may be maintained so long as the plaintiff-defendant distinction is retained.
The indexes maintained under automated procedures must be accessible for public examination and use.
Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.