On December 12, 2006, the California Supreme Court announced new rules concerning the publication of opinions. Previously, California Rules of Court, rule 976, dictated a presumption against the publication of Court of Appeal opinions. The revised rules have changed this presumption to "encourage the publication of all appellate opinions." The Supreme Court adopted these amendments based on the final report and recommendations of its Advisory Committee on Rules for Publication of Court of Appeal opinions. The goal by changing rule 976 is that the amendment will
"will clarify the criteria for publication for both justices and attorneys, better ensure the publication of all those opinions that may assist in the reasoned and orderly development of the law, and improve public confidence in the publication process."
The new publication rules go into effect April 1, 2007.
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