Expenses of the California Supreme Court

California’s Government Code, in Title 8, Chapter 3, Article 1, provides general provisions related to the state supreme court, most of which deal with costs of running the state’s high court. Government Code Section 68801 requires the seven justices and the officers of the state Supreme Court to be allowed their actual traveling expenses in going to and from their respective places of residence upon the business of the court or to attend its sessions.

Section 68802 provides that, if the state does not provide proper rooms in which to hold the court and for the accommodation of the officers of the court, the court, or any three justices, may direct the Clerk/Executive Officer of the Supreme Court to provide them, and these expenses are to be paid out of the State Treasury.

Section 68803 requires a sufficient sum to be annually appropriated out of any funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated to defray the traveling expenses of the justices and officers of the Supreme Court. The money appropriated is subject to the order of the Clerk/Executive Officer of the Supreme Court who must disburse the money on proper vouchers, and account for it in annual settlements with the Controller on the first Monday of December of each year.

Section 68806 authorizes the Supreme Court to appoint and employ during its pleasure reporters, assistants, secretaries, librarians, marshals, and other employees as it deems necessary for the performance of the duties and exercise of the powers conferred by law upon it and its members. Also, the Supreme Court determines the duties and fixes and pays the compensation of all those officers and employees.

Section 68807 provides that all salaries and expenses incurred by the Supreme Court are to be paid from the funds appropriated for its use, when approved by the order of the court and audited by the Controller.