Rule 8.887. Decisions
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.887
Current text effective January 1, 2019.
#(a) Written opinions
Appellate division judges are not required to prepare a written opinion in any case but may do so when they deem it advisable or in the public interest. A decision by opinion must identify the participating judges, including the author of the majority opinion and of any concurring or dissenting opinion, or the judges participating in a "by the court" opinion.
#(b) Filing the decision
The appellate division clerk must promptly file all opinions and orders of the court and on the same day send copies (by e-mail where permissible under rule 2.251) showing the filing date to the parties and, when relevant, to the trial court.
(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2019.)
#(c) Opinions certified for publication
#(1) Opinions certified for publication must comply to the extent practicable with the California Style Manual.
#(2) When the opinion is certified for publication, the clerk must immediately send:
#(A) Two paper copies and one electronic copy to the Reporter of Decisions in a format approved by the Reporter.
#(B) One copy to the Court of Appeal for the district. The copy must bear the notation "This opinion has been certified for publication in the Official Reports. It is being sent to assist the Court of Appeal in deciding whether to order the case transferred to the court on the court's own motion under rules 8.1000-8.1018." The clerk/executive officer of the Court of Appeal must promptly file that copy or make a docket entry showing its receipt.
(Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2018; previously amended effective January 1, 2011, and March 1, 2014.)
#History
Rule 8.887 amended effective January 1, 2019; adopted effective January 1, 2009; previously amended effective January 1, 2011, March 1, 2014, and January 1, 2018.
What this rule requires
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The appellate division clerk must promptly file all court opinions and orders.
The rule's wording
The appellate division clerk must promptly file all opinions and orders of the court and on the same day send copies (by e-mail where permissible under rule 2.251) showing the filing date to the parties and, when relevant, to the trial court.
The clerk/executive officer of the Court of Appeal must promptly file that copy or make a docket entry showing its receipt.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The appellate division clerk must promptly file all opinions and orders of the court and on the same day send copies (by e-mail where permissible under rule 2.251) showing the filing date to the parties and, when relevant, to the trial court.
(A) Two paper copies and one electronic copy to the Reporter of Decisions in a format approved by the Reporter.
When an opinion is certified for publication, the clerk must immediately send one copy to the district Court of Appeal.
The rule's wording
(B) One copy to the Court of Appeal for the district. The copy must bear the notation "This opinion has been certified for publication in the Official Reports. It is being sent to assist the Court of Appeal in deciding whether to order the case transferred to the court on the court's own motion under rules 8.1000-8.1018."
Document Format Requirements
Opinions certified for publication must comply to the extent practicable with the California Style Manual.
(A) Two paper copies and one electronic copy to the Reporter of Decisions in a format approved by the Reporter.
Document Filing Requirements
Appellate division judges are not required to prepare a written opinion in any case but may do so when they deem it advisable or in the public interest.
A decision by opinion must identify the participating judges, including the author of the majority opinion and of any concurring or dissenting opinion, or the judges participating in a "by the court" opinion.
Copies sent to the parties and, when relevant, the trial court must show the filing date.
The rule's wording
The appellate division clerk must promptly file all opinions and orders of the court and on the same day send copies (by e-mail where permissible under rule 2.251) showing the filing date to the parties and, when relevant, to the trial court.
The copy sent to the district Court of Appeal when an opinion is certified for publication must bear the specified notation.
The rule's wording
The copy must bear the notation "This opinion has been certified for publication in the Official Reports. It is being sent to assist the Court of Appeal in deciding whether to order the case transferred to the court on the court's own motion under rules 8.1000-8.1018."
Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.