The Southern District Court of California is a federal court that serves the southern region of the state, including the counties of San Diego and Imperial. The court is headquartered in San Diego and has a divisional office in El Centro, Imperial County. The Southern District Court of California is one of the four federal judicial districts in California, along with the Central, Eastern, and Northern Districts.
History and Jurisdiction
The Southern District Court of California was established on March 18, 1886, when the California legislature divided the state into two judicial districts: the Northern District and the Southern District. The Southern District initially included the counties of San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside, but in 1900, the Eastern District was created, and Riverside County was transferred to the new district. Today, the Southern District Court of California has jurisdiction over all federal cases arising in San Diego and Imperial counties, including civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases.
Courthouse and Facilities
The Southern District Court of California is housed in the Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse in San Diego, which was completed in 1976. The courthouse is located in the downtown area of San Diego and features a unique design that incorporates a large atrium and a striking glass and steel façade. The courthouse has 14 courtrooms and a number of other facilities, including a law library, a clerk’s office, and a probation office. The divisional office in El Centro is located in the Imperial County Courthouse and provides limited court services to residents of Imperial County.
| Division | Courthouse Location |
|---|---|
| San Diego | Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse, 940 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| El Centro | Imperial County Courthouse, 939 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 |
Court Operations and Procedures
The Southern District Court of California operates under the supervision of the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit, which is responsible for establishing policies and procedures for the federal courts in the Ninth Circuit. The court has a number of different divisions, including a civil division, a criminal division, and a bankruptcy division, each of which has its own set of rules and procedures. The court also has a number of different programs and services, including a mediation program, a pro bono program, and a self-help center, which provide assistance to litigants and help to facilitate the resolution of cases.
Judges and Staff
The Southern District Court of California has a total of 13 authorized judgeships, including 10 active judges and 3 senior judges. The court also has a number of magistrate judges, who are appointed by the district judges to assist with the disposition of cases. The court’s staff includes a clerk of court, a marshal, and a number of other employees, including law clerks, court reporters, and administrative personnel.
The court's judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve for life unless they resign or are removed from office. The judges are responsible for presiding over trials and hearings, deciding cases, and supervising the court's operations. The court's staff is responsible for providing support to the judges and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the court.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Judge | Hon. Dana M. Sabraw |
| Clerk of Court | Michael Namanny |
| U.S. Marshal | Matthew D. Harris |
Notable Cases and Initiatives
The Southern District Court of California has been involved in a number of high-profile cases over the years, including cases involving immigration, national security, and environmental issues. In recent years, the court has been at the forefront of efforts to address the opioid crisis, with a number of judges and court staff working to develop innovative solutions to the problem. The court has also been recognized for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and has received a number of awards for its work in this area.
Community Outreach and Education
The Southern District Court of California is committed to providing education and outreach to the community, and has a number of programs and initiatives in place to promote civic engagement and understanding of the courts. The court offers tours of the courthouse, as well as educational programs for students and teachers, and also participates in a number of community events and activities throughout the year.
The court's community outreach and education efforts are designed to promote a better understanding of the role of the federal courts in society, and to provide information and resources to the public. The court also works to promote diversity and inclusion, and to provide equal access to justice for all litigants, regardless of their background or financial resources.
What is the jurisdiction of the Southern District Court of California?
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The Southern District Court of California has jurisdiction over all federal cases arising in San Diego and Imperial counties, including civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases.
Where is the Southern District Court of California located?
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The Southern District Court of California is located in the Edward J. Schwartz United States Courthouse in San Diego, with a divisional office in the Imperial County Courthouse in El Centro.
How many judges are on the Southern District Court of California?
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The Southern District Court of California has a total of 13 authorized judgeships, including 10 active judges and 3 senior judges.
