Court Approves Amendments to Policies and Payment Guidelines for Appointed Counsel in Capital Cases

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday approved amendments to the Supreme Court Policies Regarding Cases Arising from Judgments of Death and the Payment Guidelines for Counsel Appointed by the Supreme Court Representing Indigent Capital Appellants in California Courts & Guidelines for Fixed Fee Appointments, on Optional Basis, to Automatic Appeals and Capital Habeas Corpus Proceedings in California Courts. 

The amendments account for developments relevant to the representation of capital inmates before the California Supreme Court, including the passage of Proposition 66, the Death Penalty Reform and Savings Act of 2016, and the enactment of the California Racial Justice Act of 2020. 

The amended policies and payment guidelines, posted on the court’s website, will become effective on February 1, 2025.

Feedback regarding the amended policies may be sent here.