New: a trial court in 1 of every 10 U.S. counties. Read the post
Court Rules

California Rules of Court

Rule 8.936. Costs

Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.936

Current text effective January 1, 2009.

#(a) Entitlement to costs

Except in a criminal proceeding or other proceeding in which a party is entitled to court-appointed counsel, the prevailing party in an original proceeding is entitled to costs if the court resolves the proceeding after issuing an alternative writ, an order to show cause, or a peremptory writ in the first instance.

#(b) Award of costs

#(1) In the interests of justice, the court may award or deny costs as it deems proper.

#(2) The opinion or order resolving the proceeding must specify the award or denial of costs.

#(3) Rule 8.891(b)-(d) governs the procedure for recovering costs under this rule.

#History

Rule 8.936 adopted effective January 1, 2009.

What this rule requires

Document Filing Requirements

  • The opinion or order resolving the proceeding must specify the award or denial of costs.

Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.