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§ 413.10
Except as otherwise provided by statute, a summons shall
be served on a person:
(a) Within this state, as provided in this chapter.
(b) Outside this state but within the United
States, as provided in this chapter or as prescribed by the law of the place where the
person is served.
(c) Outside the United States, as provided in this
chapter or as directed by the court in which the action is pending, or, if the court
before or after service finds that the service is reasonably calculated to give actual
notice, as prescribed by the law of the place where the person is served or as directed by
the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory. These rules are subject to the
provisions of the Convention on the "Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial
Documents" in Civil or Commercial Matters (Hague Service Convention).
(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 191, Sec. 1.)
§ 413.20
If a summons is served by mail pursuant to this chapter,
the provisions of Section 1013 that extend the time for exercising a right or doing an act
shall not extend any time specified in this title.
(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1610.)
§ 413.30
Where no provision is made in this chapter or other law
for the service of summons, the court in which the action is pending may direct that
summons be served in a manner which is reasonably calculated to give actual notice to the
party to be served and that proof of such service be made as prescribed by the court.
(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1610.)
§ 413.40
Any service of summons which complies with the provisions
of this chapter shall not be rendered invalid or ineffective because it was made by a
person in violation of Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350 Bus. & Prof.) of
Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code.
(Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1661.)
§ 414.10
A summons may be served by any person who is at least
18 years of age and not a party to the action.
(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1610.)
§ 415.10
A summons may be served by personal delivery of a copy of
the summons and of the complaint to the person to be served. Service of a summons in this
manner is deemed complete at the time of such delivery. The date upon which personal
delivery is made shall be entered on or affixed to the face of the copy of the summons at
the time of its delivery. However, service of a summons without such date shall be valid
and effective.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 789.)
§ 415.20
(a) In lieu of personal delivery of a copy of the
summons and of the complaint to the person to be served as specified in Section 416.10,
416.20, 416. 30, 416.40, or 416.50, a summons may be served by leaving a copy of the
summons and of the complaint during usual office hours in his or her office with the
person who is apparently in charge thereof, and by thereafter mailing a copy of the
summons and of the complaint (by first-class mail, postage prepaid) to the person to be
served at the place where a copy of the summons and of the complaint were left. Service of
a summons in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th day after such mailing.
(b) If a copy of the summons and of the complaint
cannot with reasonable diligence be personally delivered to the person to be served as
specified in Section 416.60, 416.70, 416.80, or 416.90, a summons may be served by leaving
a copy of the summons and of the complaint at such person's dwelling house, usual place of
abode, usual place of business, or usual mailing address other than a United States Postal
Service post office box, in the presence of a competent member of the household or a
person apparently in charge of his or her office, place of business, or usual mailing
address other than a United States Postal Service post office box, at least 18 years of
age, who shall be informed of the contents thereof, and by thereafter mailing a copy
of the summons and of the complaint (by first-class mail, postage prepaid) to the person
to be served at the place where a copy of the summons and of the complaint were left.
Service of a summons in this manner is deemed complete on the 10th day after the mailing.
(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1416, Sec. 15.)
§ 415.21
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any
person shall be granted access to a gated community for a reasonable period of time for
the purpose of performing lawful service of process, upon identifying to the guard the
person or persons to be served, and upon displaying a current driver's license or other
identification, and one of the following:
(1) A badge or other confirmation that the
individual is acting in his or her capacity as a representative of a county sheriff or
marshal.
(2) Evidence of current registration as a process
server pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350 Bus. & Prof.) of Division
8 of the Business and Professions Code.
(b) This section shall only apply to a gated
community which is staffed at the time service of process is attempted by a guard or other
security personnel assigned to control access to the community.
(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 691, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)
§ 415.30
(b) The notice specified in subdivision (a) shall
be in substantially the following form:
(Title of court and cause, with action number, to be
inserted by the sender prior to mailing) notice
To: (Here state the name of the person to be served.)
This summons is served pursuant to Section 415.30 Civ. Proc. of the California Code of
Civil Procedure. Failure to complete this form and return it to the sender within 20 days
may subject you (or the party on whose behalf you are being served) to liability for the
payment of any expenses incurred in serving a summons upon you in any other manner
permitted by law. If you are served on behalf of a corporation, unincorporated association
(including a partnership), or other entity, this form must be signed in the name of such
entity by you or by a person authorized to receive service of process on behalf of such
entity. In all other cases, this form must be signed by you personally or by a person
authorized by you to acknowledge receipt of summons. Section 415.30 Civ. Proc. provides
that this summons is deemed served on the date of execution of an acknowledgment of
receipt of summons.
_______________
Signature of sender
Acknowledgment of receipt of summons
This acknowledges receipt on (insert date) of a copy of the summons and of the complaint
at (insert address).
Date:____________________________________________________________
(Date this acknowledgement is executed)
____________________________________________________________
Signature of person acknowledging receipt, with title if acknowledgment is made on behalf
of another person
(c) Service of a summons pursuant to this section
is deemed complete on the date a written acknowledgement of receipt of summons is
executed, if such acknowledgement thereafter is returned to the sender.
(d) If the person to whom a copy of the summons and
of the complaint are mailed pursuant to this section fails to complete and return the
acknowledgement form set forth in subdivision (b) within 20 days from the date of such
mailing, the party to whom the summons was mailed shall be liable for reasonable expenses
thereafter incurred in serving or attempting to serve the party by another method
permitted by this chapter, and, except for good cause shown, the court in which the action
is pending, upon motion, with or without notice, shall award the party such expenses
whether or not he is otherwise entitled to recover his costs in the action.
(e) A notice or acknowledgment of receipt in form
approved by the Judicial Council is deemed to comply with this section.
(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1610.)
§ 415.40
A summons may be served on a person outside this state in
any manner provided by this article or by sending a copy of the summons and of the
complaint to the person to be served by first-class mail, postage prepaid, requiring a
return receipt. Service of a summons by this form of mail is deemed complete on the 10th
day after such mailing.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 249, Sec. 1.)
§ 415.45
(a) A summons in an action for unlawful detainer of
real property may be served by posting if upon affidavit it appears to the satisfaction of
the court in which the action is pending that the party to be served cannot with
reasonable diligence be served in any manner specified in this article other than
publication and that:
(1) A cause of action exists against the party upon
whom service is to be made or he is a necessary or proper party to the action; or
(2) The party to be served has or claims an
interest in real property in this state that is subject to the jurisdiction of the court
or the relief demanded in the action consists wholly or in part in excluding such party
from any interest in such property.
(b) The court shall order the summons to be posted
on the premises in a manner most likely to give actual notice to the party to be served
and direct that a copy of the summons and of the complaint be forthwith mailed by
certified mail to such party at his last known address.
(c) Service of summons in this manner is deemed
complete on the 10th day after posting and mailing.
(d) Notwithstanding an order for posting of the
summons, a summons may be served in any other manner authorized by this article, except
publication, in which event such service shall supersede any posted summons.
(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 625.)
§ 415.46
(a) In addition to the service of a summons and
complaint in an action for unlawful detainer upon a tenant and subtenant, if any, as
prescribed by this article, a prejudgment claim of right to possession may also be served
on any person who appears to be or who may claim to have occupied the premises at the time
of the filing of the action. Service upon occupants shall be made pursuant to subdivision
(c) by serving a copy of a prejudgment claim of right to possession, as specified in
subdivision (f), attached to a copy of the summons and complaint at the same time service
is made upon the tenant and subtenant, if any.
(b) Service of the prejudgment claim of right to
possession in this manner shall be effected by a marshal, sheriff, or registered process
server.
(c) When serving the summons and complaint upon a
tenant and subtenant, if any, the marshal, sheriff, or registered process server shall
make a reasonably diligent effort to ascertain whether there are other adult occupants of
the premises who are not named in the summons and complaint by inquiring of the person or
persons who are being personally served, or any person of suitable age and discretion who
appears to reside upon the premises, whether there are other occupants of the premises.
If the identity of such an occupant is disclosed to the officer or process server and the
occupant is present at the premises, the officer or process server shall serve that
occupant with a copy of the prejudgment claim of right to possession attached to a copy of
the summons and complaint. If personal service cannot be made upon that occupant at that
time, service may be effected by (1) leaving a copy of a prejudgment claim of right to
possession attached to a copy of the summons and complaint addressed to that occupant with
a person of suitable age and discretion at the premises, (2) affixing the same so that it
is not readily removable in a conspicuous place on the premises in a manner most likely to
give actual notice to that occupant, and (3) sending the same addressed to that occupant
by first-class mail.
In addition to the service on an identified occupant, or if no occupant is disclosed to
the officer or process server, or if substituted service is made upon the tenant and
subtenant, if any, the officer or process server shall serve a prejudgment claim of right
to possession for all other persons who may claim to occupy the premises at the time of
the filing of the action by (1) leaving a copy of a prejudgment claim of right to
possession attached to a copy of the summons and complaint at the premises at the same
time service is made upon the tenant and subtenant, if any, (2) affixing the same so that
it is not readily removable in a conspicuous place on the premises so that it is likely to
give actual notice to an occupant, and (3) sending the same addressed to "all
occupants in care of the named tenant" to the premises by first-class mail.
The person serving process shall state the date of service on the prejudgment claim of
right to possession form. However, the absence of the date of service on the prejudgment
claim of right to possession does not invalidate the claim.
(d) Proof of service under this section shall be
filed with the court and shall include a statement that service was made pursuant to this
section. Service on occupants in accordance with this section shall not alter or affect
service upon the tenant or subtenant, if any.
(e) If an owner or his or her agent has directed
and obtained service of a prejudgment claim of right to possession in accordance with this
section, no occupant of the premises, whether or not such occupant is named in the
judgment for possession, may object to the enforcement of that judgment as prescribed in
Section 1174.3.
(f) The prejudgment claim of right to possession
shall be made on the following form:
[NOTE FROM SERVE-EM.COM: Form not available. Please refer to Prejudgment Claim of Right to
Possession form as printed on pages 4 to 7 of Chapter 57, 1991 Statutes.]
(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 57, Sec. 1. Effective June 17, 1991. Note: Prejudgment Claim
of Right to Possession form is printed on pages 159 to 162 of the 1991 Statutes.)
§ 415.47
(a) Where the lessee has given the lessor written
notice of the lessee's intent not to abandon leased real property as provided in Section
1951.3 Civ. of the Civil Code, the summons in an action for unlawful detainer of the real
property may be served on the lessee by certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the
lessee at the address stated in the lessee's notice of intent not to abandon if such
summons is deposited in the mail within 60 days from the date the lessee's notice of
intent not to abandon is received by the lessor. Service in this manner is deemed
completed on the 10th day after such mailing.
(b) Where the lessee has given the lessor written
notice of the lessee's intent not to abandon leased real property as provided in Section
1951.3 Civ. of the Civil Code, but failed to include in such notice an address at which
the lessee may be served by certified mail in any action for unlawful detainer of the real
property, the summons in an action for unlawful detainer of the real property may be
served on the lessee by certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the lessee at (1)
the same address or addresses to which the lessor's notice of belief of abandonment was
addressed if that notice was given by mail or (2) the address of the real property if the
lessor's notice of belief of abandonment was personally served on the lessee. Service may
not be made pursuant to this subdivision unless the summons is deposited in the mail
within 60 days from the date the lessee's notice of intent not to abandon is received by
the lessor. Service in the manner authorized by this subdivision is deemed completed on
the 10th day after such mailing.
(c) This section provides an alternative method of
service on the lessee and does not preclude service in any other manner authorized by this
chapter.
(Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 332.)
§ 415.50
(a) A summons may be served by publication if upon
affidavit it appears to the satisfaction of the court in which the action is pending that
the party to be served cannot with reasonable diligence be served in another manner
specified in this article and that:
(1) A cause of action exists against the party upon
whom service is to be made or he or she is a necessary or proper party to the action; or
(2) The party to be served has or claims an
interest in real or personal property in this state that is subject to the jurisdiction of
the court or the relief demanded in the action consists wholly or in part in excluding the
party from any interest in the property.
(b) The court shall order the summons to be
published in a named newspaper, published in this state, that is most likely to give
actual notice to the party to be served and direct that a copy of the summons, the
complaint, and the order for publication be forthwith mailed to the party if his or her
address is ascertained before expiration of the time prescribed for publication of the
summons. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the publication shall be made as
provided by Section 6064 Gov't of the Government Code unless the court, in its discretion,
orders publication for a longer period.
(c) Service of a summons in this manner is deemed
complete as provided in Section 6064 Gov't of the Government Code.
(d) Notwithstanding an order for publication of the
summons, a summons may be served in another manner authorized by this chapter, in which
event the service shall supersede any published summons.
(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 352, Sec. 1.)
§ 416.10
A summons may be served on a corporation by delivering a
copy of the summons and of the complaint:
(a) To the person designated as agent for
service of process as provided by any provision in Section 202, 1502, 2105 or 2107 of the
Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303, inclusive, or Sections 6500 to 6504,
inclusive, of the Corporations Code as in effect on December 31, 1976 with respect to
corporations to which they remain applicable);
(b) To the president or other head of the
corporation, a vice president, a secretary or assistant secretary, a treasurer or
assistant treasurer, a general manager, or a person authorized by the corporation to
receive service of process;
(c) If the corporation is a bank, to a cashier or
assistant cashier or to a person specified in subdivision (a) or (b); or
(d) When authorized by any provision in Section
1701, 1702, 2110 or 2111 of the Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303, inclusive, or
Sections 6500 to 6504, inclusive, of the Corporations Code as in effect on December 31,
1976, with respect to corporations to which they remain applicable), as provided by such
provision.
§ 416.20
A summons may be served on a corporation that has
forfeited its charter or right to do business, or has dissolved, by delivering a copy of
the summons and of the complaint:
(a) To a person who is a trustee of the corporation
and of its stockholders or members; or
(b) When authorized by any provision in Sections
2011 or 2114 of the Corporations Code (or Sections 3301 to 3303, inclusive, or Sections
6500 to 6504, inclusive, of the Corporations Code as in effect on December 31, 1976, with
respect to corporations to which they remain applicable), as provided by such provision.
§ 416.30
A summons may be served on a joint stock company or
association by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint as provided by
Section 416.10 or 416.20.
§ 416.40
A summons may be served on an unincorporated association
(including a partnership) by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint:
(a) If the association is a general or limited
partnership, to the person designated as agent for service of process as provided in
Section 24003 of the Corporations Code or to a general partner or the general manager of
the partnership;
(b) If the association is not a general or limited
partnership, to the person designated as agent for service of process as provided in
Section 24003 of the Corporations Code or to the president or other head of the
association, a vice president, a secretary or assistant secretary, a treasurer or
assistant treasurer, a general manager, or a person authorized by the association to
receive service of process; (c) When authorized by Section 15700 or 24007 of the
Corporations Code, as provided by the applicable section.
§ 416.50
(a) A summons may be served on a public entity by
delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the clerk, secretary, president,
presiding officer, or other head of its governing body.
(b) As used in this section, "public
entity" includes the state and any office, department, division, bureau, board,
commission, or agency of the state, the Regents of the University of California, a county,
city, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or
public corporation in this state.
§ 416.60
A summons may be served on a minor by delivering a copy of
the summons and of the complaint to his parent, guardian, conservator, or similar
fiduciary, or, if no such person can be found with reasonable diligence, to any person
having the care or control of such minor or with whom he resides or by whom he is
employed, and to the minor if he is at least 12 years of age.
§ 416.70
A summons may be served on a person (other than a minor)
for whom a guardian, conservator, or similar fiduciary has been appointed by delivering a
copy of the summons and of the complaint to his guardian, conservator, or similar
fiduciary and to such person, but, for good cause shown, the court in which the action is
pending may dispense with delivery to such person.
§ 416.80
When authorized by Section 11 of the Elections Code, a
summons may be served as provided by that section.
§ 416.90
A summons may be served on a person not otherwise
specified in this article by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to such
person or to a person authorized by him to receive service of process.
§ 417.10
Proof that a summons was served on a person within this
state shall be made:
(a) If served under Section 415.10, 415.20, or
415.30, by the affidavit of the person making such service showing the time, place, and
manner of service and facts showing that such service was made in accordance with this
chapter. Such affidavit shall recite or in other manner show the name of the person to
whom a copy of the summons and of the complaint were delivered, and, if appropriate, his
title or the capacity in which he is served, and that the notice required by Section
412.30 appeared on the copy of the summons served, if in fact it did appear. If
service is made by mail pursuant to Section 415.30, proof of service shall include the
acknowledgement of receipt of summons in the form provided by that section or other
written acknowledgment of receipt of summons satisfactory to the court.
(b) If served by publication pursuant to Section
415.50, by the affidavit of the publisher or printer, or his foreman or principal clerk,
showing the time and place of publication, and an affidavit showing the time and place a
copy of the summons and of the complaint were mailed to the party to be served, if in fact
mailed.
(c) If served pursuant to another statute of this
state, in the manner prescribed by such statute or, if no manner is prescribed, in the
manner prescribed by this section for proof of a similar manner of service.
(d) By the written admission of the party.
(e) If served by posting pursuant to Section
415.45, by the affidavit of the person who posted the premises, showing the time and place
of posting, and an affidavit showing the time and place copies of the summons and of the
complaint were mailed to the party to be served, if in fact mailed.
(f) All proof of personal service shall be made on
a form adopted by the Judicial Council.
§ 417.20
Proof that a summons was served on a person outside this
state shall be made:
(a) All proof of personal service shall be made on
a form adopted by the Judicial Council.
(b) In the manner prescribed by the court order
pursuant to which the service is made;
(c) Subject to any additional requirements that may
be imposed by the court in which the action is pending, in the manner prescribed by the
law of the place where the person is served for proof of service in an action in its
courts of general jurisdiction; or
(d) By the written admission of the party.
(e) If served by posting pursuant to Section
415.45, by the affidavit of the person who posted the premises, showing the time and place
of posting, and an affidavit showing the time and place copies of the summons and of the
complaint were mailed to the party to be served, if in fact mailed.
§ 417.30
(a) After a summons has been served on a person,
the summons must be returned together with proof of service as provided in Section 417.10
or 417.20, unless the defendant has previously made a general appearance.
(b) If a summons is lost after service has been
made but before it is returned, an affidavit of the person who made the service showing
the time, place, and manner of service and facts showing that such service was made in
accordance with this chapter may be returned with the same effect as if the summons itself
were returned.
§ 417.40
Any proof of service which is signed by a person
registered under Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350 Bus. & Prof.) of Division 8
of the Business and Professions Code or his employee or independent contractor shall
indicate the county in which he is registered and the number assigned to him pursuant to
Section 22355 Bus. & Prof. of the Business and Professions Code.
§ 2015.3
The certificate of a sheriff, marshal, or the clerk of the
superior or municipal court, has the same force and effect as his or her affidavit.
§ 2015.5
Whenever, under any law of this state or under any rule,
regulation, order or requirement made pursuant to the law of this state, any matter is
required or permitted to be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by the sworn
statement, declaration, verification, certificate, oath, or affidavit, in writing of the
person making the same (other than a deposition, or an oath of office, or an oath required
to be taken before a specified official other than a notary public), such matter may with
like force and effect be supported, evidenced, established or proved by the unsworn
statement, declaration, verification, or certificate, in writing of such person which
recites that it is certified or declared by him or her to be true under penalty of
perjury, is subscribed by him or her, and (1), if executed within this state, states the
date and place of execution, or (2), if executed at any place, within or without this
state, states the date of execution and that it is so certified or declared under the laws
of the State of California. The certification or declaration may be in substantially the
following form:
(a)
If executed within this state
"I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that
the foregoing is true and correct":
_______
(Date and Place)
_______
(Signature)
(a)
If executed at any place, within or without this state
"I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury
under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct":
_______
(Date and Place)
_______
(Signature)
§ 1985
Subpoena
(a) The process by which the attendance of a
witness is required is the subpoena. It is a writ or order directed to a person and
requiring the person's attendance at a particular time and place to testify as a witness.
It may also require a witness to bring any books, documents, or other things under the
witness's control which the witness is bound by law to produce in evidence. When a county
recorder is using the microfilm system for recording, and a witness is subpoenaed to
present a record, the witness shall be deemed to have complied with the subpoena if the
witness produces a certified copy thereof.
(b) A copy of an affidavit shall be served with a
subpoena duces tecum issued before trial, showing good cause for the production of the
matters and things described in the subpoena, specifying the exact matters or things
desired to be produced, setting forth in full detail the materiality thereof to the issues
involved in the case, and stating that the witness has the desired matters or things in
his or her possession or under his or her control.
(c) The clerk, or a judge, shall issue a subpoena
or subpoena duces tecum signed and sealed but otherwise in blank to a party requesting it,
who shall fill it in before service. An attorney at law who is the attorney of record in
an action or proceeding, may sign and issue a subpoena to require attendance before the
court in which the action or proceeding is pending or at the trial of an issue therein, or
upon the taking of a deposition in an action or proceeding pending therein; the subpoena
in such a case need not be sealed. An attorney at law who is the attorney of record in an
action or proceeding, may sign and issue a subpoena duces tecum to require production of
the matters or things described in the subpoena.
(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 511, Sec. 1. Effective August 13, 1990.)
§ 1985.1
Any person who is subpoenaed to appear at a session of
court, or at the trial of an issue therein, may, in lieu of appearance at the time
specified in the subpoena, agree with the party at whose request the subpoena was issued
to appear at another time or upon such notice as may be agreed upon. Any failure to appear
pursuant to such agreement may be punished as a contempt by the court issuing the
subpoena. The facts establishing or disproving such agreement and the failure to appear
may be proved by an affidavit of any person having personal knowledge of the facts.
(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 140.)
§ 1985.2
Any subpoena which requires the attendance of a witness at
any civil trial shall contain the following notice in a type face designed to call
attention to the notice:
Contact the attorney requesting this subpoena, listed
above, before the date on which you are required to be in court, if you have any question
about the time or date for you to appear, or if you want to be certain that your presence
in court is required.
(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 431.)
§ 1985.3
(a) For purposes of this section, the following
definitions apply:
(1) "Personal records" means the
original, any copy of books, documents, other writings, or electronic data pertaining to a
consumer and which are maintained by any "witness" which is a physician,
dentist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist,
podiatrist, veterinarian, veterinary hospital, veterinary clinic, pharmacist, pharmacy,
hospital, medical center, clinic, radiology or MRI center, clinical or diagnostic
laboratory, state or national bank, state or federal association (as defined in Section
5102 Fin. of the Financial Code), state or federal credit union, trust company, anyone
authorized by this state to make or arrange loans that are secured by real property,
security brokerage firm, insurance company, title insurance company, underwritten title
company, escrow agent licensed pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 17000 Fin.)
of the Financial Code or exempt from licensure pursuant to Section 17006 Fin. of the
Financial Code, attorney, accountant, institution of the Farm Credit System, as specified
in Section 2002 of Title 12 of the United States Code, or telephone corporation which is a
public utility, as defined in Section 216 Pub. Util. of the Public Utilities Code, or
psychotherapist, as defined in Section 1010 Evid. of the Evidence Code, or a private or
public preschool, elementary school, secondary school, or postsecondary school as
described in Section 76244 Educ. of the Education Code.
(2) "Consumer" means any individual,
partnership of five or fewer persons, association, or trust which has transacted business
with, or has used the services of, the witness or for whom the witness has acted as agent
or fiduciary.
(3) "Subpoenaing party" means the person
or persons causing a subpoena duces tecum to be issued or served in connection with any
civil action or proceeding pursuant to this code, but shall not include the state or local
agencies described in Section 7465 Gov't of the Government Code, or any entity provided
for under Article VI of the California Constitution in any proceeding maintained before an
adjudicative body of that entity pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 6000 Bus.
& Prof.) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
(4) "Deposition officer" means a person
who meets the qualifications specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section
2020.
(b) Prior to the date called for in the subpoena
duces tecum for the production of personal records, the subpoenaing party shall serve or
cause to be served on the consumer whose records are being sought a copy of the subpoena
duces tecum, of the affidavit supporting the issuance of the subpoena, if any, and of the
notice described in subdivision (e), and proof of service as indicated in paragraph (1) of
subdivision (c).This service shall be made as follows:
(1) To the consumer personally, or at his or her
last known address, or in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1010 Evid.)
of Title 14 of Part 3, or, if he or she is a party, to his or her attorney of record. If
the consumer is a minor, service shall be made on the minor's parent, guardian,
conservator, or similar fiduciary, or if one of them cannot be located with reasonable
diligence, then service shall be made on any person having the care or control of the
minor or with whom the minor resides or by whom the minor is employed, and on the minor if
the minor is at least 12 years of age.
(2) Not less than 10 days prior to the date for
production specified in the subpoena duces tecum, plus the additional time provided by
Section 1013 if service is by mail.
(3) At least five days prior to service upon the
custodian of the records, plus the additional time provided by Section 1013 if service is
by mail.
(c) Prior to the production of the records, the
subpoenaing party shall do either of the following:
(1) Serve or cause to be served upon the witness a
proof of personal service or of service by mail attesting to compliance with subdivision
(b).
(2) Furnish the witness a written authorization to
release the records signed by the consumer or by his or her attorney of record. The
witness may presume that any attorney purporting to sign the authorization on behalf of
the consumer acted with the consent of the consumer, and that any objection to release of
records is waived.
(d) A subpoena duces tecum for the production of
personal records shall be served in sufficient time to allow the witness a reasonable
time, as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 2020, to locate and
produce the records or copies thereof.
(e) Every copy of the subpoena duces tecum and
affidavit, if any, served on a consumer or his or her attorney in accordance with
subdivision (b) shall be accompanied by a notice, in a typeface designed to call attention
to the notice, indicating that (1) records about the consumer are being sought from the
witness named on the subpoena; (2) if the consumer objects to the witness furnishing the
records to the party seeking the records, the consumer must file papers with the court or
serve a written objection as provided in subdivision (g) prior to the date specified for
production on the subpoena; and (3) if the party who is seeking the records will not agree
in writing to cancel or limit the subpoena, an attorney should be consulted about the
consumer's interest in protecting his or her rights of privacy. If a notice of taking of
deposition is also served, that other notice may be set forth in a single document with
the notice required by this subdivision.
(f) A subpoena duces tecum for personal records
maintained by a telephone corporation which is a public utility, as defined in Section 216
Pub. Util. of the Public Utilities Code, shall not be valid or effective unless it
includes a consent to release, signed by the consumer whose records are requested, as
required by Section 2891 Pub. Util. of the Public Utilities Code.
(g) Any consumer whose personal records are sought
by a subpoena duces tecum and who is a party to the civil action in which this subpoena
duces tecum is served may, prior to the date for production, bring a motion under Section
1987.1 to quash or modify the subpoena duces tecum. Notice of the bringing of that motion
shall be given to the witness and deposition officer at least five days prior to
production. The failure to provide notice to the deposition officer shall not invalidate
the motion to quash or modify the subpoena duces tecum but may be raised by the deposition
officer as an affirmative defense in any action for liability for improper release of
records.
Any other consumer or nonparty whose personal records are sought by a subpoena duces tecum
may, prior to the date of production, serve on the subpoenaing party the witness, and the
deposition officer, a written objection that cites the specific grounds on which
production of the personal records should be prohibited.
No witness or deposition officer shall be required to produce personal records after
receipt of notice that the motion has been brought by consumer, or after receipt of a
written objection from a nonparty consumer, except upon order of the court in which the
action is pending or by agreement of the parties, witnesses, and consumers affected.
The party requesting a consumer's personal records may bring a motion under Section 1987.1
to enforce the subpoena within 20 days of service of the written objection. The motion
shall be accompanied by a declaration showing a reasonable and good faith attempt at
informal resolution of the dispute between the party requesting the personal records and
the consumer or the consumer's attorney.
(h) Upon good cause shown and provided that the
rights of witnesses and consumers are preserved, a subpoenaing party shall be entitled to
obtain an order shortening the time for service of a subpoena duces tecum or waiving the
requirements of subdivision (b) where due diligence by the subpoenaing party has been
shown.
(i) Nothing contained in this section shall be
construed to apply to any subpoena duces tecum which does not request the records of any
particular consumer or consumers and which requires a custodian of records to delete all
information which would in any way identify any consumer whose records are to be produced.
(j) This section shall not apply to proceedings
conducted under Division 1 (commencing with Section 50), Division 4 (commencing with
Section 3200), Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 6100), or Division 4.7 (commencing
with Section 6200 Lab.) of the Labor Code.
(k) Failure to comply with this section shall be
sufficient basis for the witness to refuse to produce the personal records sought by a
subpoena duces tecum.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 444, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)
§ 1985.4
The procedures set forth in Section 1985.3 are applicable
to a subpoena duces tecum for records containing "personal information," as
defined in Section 1798.3 Civ. of the Civil Code which are otherwise exempt from public
disclosure under Section 6254 Gov't of the Government Code which are maintained by a state
or local agency as defined in Section 6252 Gov't of the Government Code. For the purposes
of this section, "witness" means a state or local agency as defined in Section
6252 Gov't of the Government Code and "consumer" means any employee of any state
or local agency as defined in Section 6252 Gov't of the Government Code, or any other
natural person. Nothing in this section shall pertain to personnel records as defined in
Section 832.8 Penal of the Penal Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 441, Sec. 1.)
§ 1985.5
If a subpoena requires the attendance of a witness before
an officer or commissioner out of court, it shall, for a refusal to be sworn, or to answer
as a witness, or to subscribe an affidavit or deposition when required, also require the
witness to attend a session of the court issuing the subpoena at a time and place thereof
to be fixed by said officer or commissioner.
(Added by Stats. 1941, Ch. 405.)
§ 1985.6
(a) For purposes of this section, the following
definitions apply:
(1) "Employment records" means the
original or any copy of books, documents, other writings, or electronic data pertaining to
the employment of any employee maintained by the current or former employer of the
employee.
(2) "Employee" means any individual who
is or has been employed by a witness subject to a subpoena duces tecum.
(3) "Subpoenaing party" means the person
or persons causing a subpoena duces tecum to be issued or served in connection with any
civil action or proceeding, but shall not include the state or local agencies described in
Section 7465 Gov't of the Government Code, or any entity provided for under Article VI of
the California Constitution in any proceeding maintained before an adjudicative body of
that entity pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 6000 Bus. & Prof.) of
Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
(4) "Deposition officer" means a person
who meets the qualifications specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section
2020.
(b) Prior to the date called for in the subpoena
duces tecum of the production of employment records, the subpoenaing party shall serve or
cause to be served on the employee whose records are being sought a copy of: the subpoena
duces tecum; the affidavit supporting the issuance of the subpoena, if any; and the notice
described in subdivision (e), and proof of service as provided in paragraph (1) of
subdivision (c). This service shall be made as follows:
(1) To the employee personally, or at his or her
last known address, or in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1010) of
Title 14 of Part 3, or, if he or she is a party, to his or her attorney of record. If the
employee is a minor, service shall be made on the minor's parent, guardian, conservator,
or similar fiduciary, or if one of them cannot be located with reasonable diligence, then
service shall be made on any person having the care or control of the minor, or with whom
the minor resides, and on the minor if the minor is at least 12 years of age.
(2) Not less than 10 days prior to the date for
production specified in the subpoena duces tecum, plus the additional time provided by
Section 1013 if service is by mail.
(3) At least five days prior to service upon the
custodian of the employment records, plus the additional time provided by Section 1013 if
service is by mail.
(c) Prior to the production of the records, the
subpoenaing party shall either:
(1) Serve or cause to be served upon the witness a
proof of personal service or of service by mail attesting to compliance with subdivision
(b).
(2) Furnish the witness a written authorization to
release the records signed by the employee or by his or her attorney of record. The
witness may presume that the attorney purporting to sign the authorization on behalf of
the employee acted with the consent of the employee, and that any objection to release of
records is waived.
(d) A subpoena duces tecum for the production of
employment records shall be served in sufficient time to allow the witness a reasonable
time, as provided in paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 2020, to locate and
produce the records or copies thereof.
(e) Every copy of the subpoena duces tecum and
affidavit served on an employee or his or her attorney in accordance with subdivision (b)
shall be accompanied by a notice, in a typeface designed to call attention to the notice,
indicating that (1) employment records about the employee are being sought from the
witness named on the subpoena; (2) the employment records may be protected by a right of
privacy; (3) if the employee objects to the witness furnishing the records to the party
seeking the records the employee shall file papers with the court prior to the date
specified for production on the subpoena; and (4) if the subpoenaing party does not agree
in writing to cancel or limit the subpoena, an attorney should be consulted about the
employee's interest in protecting his or her rights of privacy. If a notice of taking of
deposition is also served, that other notice may be set forth in a single document with
the notice required by this subdivision.
(f) Any employee whose employment records are
sought by a subpoena duces tecum may, prior to the date for production, bring a motion
under Section 1987.1 to quash or modify the subpoena duces tecum. Notice of the bringing
of that motion shall be given to the witness and the deposition officer at least five days
prior to production. The failure to provide notice to the deposition officer shall not
invalidate the motion to quash or modify the subpoena duces tecum but may be raised by the
deposition officer as an affirmative defense in any action for liability for improper
release of records.
Any nonparty employee whose employment records are sought by a subpoena duces tecum may,
prior to the date of production, serve on the subpoenaing party, and the deposition
officer, the witness a written objection that cites the specific grounds on which
production of the employment records should be prohibited.
No witness or deposition officer shall be required to produce employment records after
receipt of notice that the motion has been brought by an employee, or after receipt of a
written objection from a nonparty employee, except upon order of the court in which the
action is pending or by agreement of the parties, witnesses, and employees affected.
The party requesting an employee's employment records may bring a motion under subdivision
(c) of Section 1987 to enforce the subpoena within 20 days of service of the written
objection. The motion shall be accompanied by a declaration showing a reasonable and good
faith attempt at informal resolution of the dispute between the party requesting the
employment records and the employee or the employee's attorney.
(g) Upon good cause shown and provided that the
rights of witness and employees are preserved, a subpoenaing party shall be entitled to
obtain an order shortening the time for service of a subpoena duces tecum or waiving the
requirements of subdivision (b) where due diligence by the subpoenaing party has been
shown.
(h) Nothing contained in this section shall be
construed to apply to any subpoena duces tecum which does not request the records of any
particular employee or employees and which requires a custodian of records to delete all
information which would in any way identify any employee whose records are to be produced.
(i) This section shall not apply to proceedings
conducted under Division 1 (commencing with Section 50), Division 4 (commencing with
Section 3200), Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 6100), or Division 4.7 (commencing
with Section 6200 Lab.) of the Labor Code.
(j) Failure to comply with this section shall be
sufficient basis for the witness to refuse to produce the employment records sought by
subpoena duces tecum.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 444, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)
§ 1985.7
When a medical provider fails to comply with Section 1158
Evid. of the Evidence Code, in addition to any other available remedy, the demanding party
may apply to the court for an order to show cause why the records should not be produced.
Any order to show cause issued pursuant to this section shall be served upon respondent in
the same manner as a summons. It shall be returnable no sooner than 20 days after issuance
unless ordered otherwise upon a showing of substantial hardship. The court shall impose
monetary sanctions pursuant to Section 1158 Evid. of the Evidence Code unless it finds
that the person subject to the sanction acted with substantial justification or that other
circumstances make the imposition of the sanction unjust.
(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1159, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 1997.)
§ 1987
(a) Except as provided in Sections 68097.1 Gov't to
68097.8 Gov't, inclusive, of the Government Code, the service of a subpoena is made by
delivering a copy, or a ticket containing its substance, to the witness personally, giving
or offering to the witness at the same time, if demanded by him or her, the fees to which
he or she is entitled for travel to and from the place designated, and one day's
attendance there. The service shall be made so as to allow the witness a reasonable time
for preparation and travel to the place of attendance. The service may be made by any
person. When service is to be made on a minor, service shall be made on the minor's
parent, guardian, conservator, or similar fiduciary, or if one of them cannot be located
with reasonable diligence, then service shall be made on any person having the care or
control of the minor or with whom the minor resides or by whom the minor is employed, and
on the minor if the minor is 12 years of age or older.
(b) In the case of the production of a party to the
record of any civil action or proceeding or of a person for whose immediate benefit an
action or proceeding is prosecuted or defended or of anyone who is an officer, director,
or managing agent of any such party or person, the service of a subpoena upon any such
witness is not required if written notice requesting the witness to attend before a court,
or at a trial of an issue therein, with the time and place thereof, is served upon the
attorney of that party or person. The notice shall be served at least 10 days before the
time required for attendance unless the court prescribes a shorter time. If entitled
thereto, the witness, upon demand, shall be paid witness fees and mileage before being
required to testify. The giving of the notice shall have the same effect as service of a
subpoena on the witness, and the parties shall have such rights and the court may make
such orders, including the imposition of sanctions, as in the case of a subpoena for
attendance before the court.
(c) If the notice specified in subdivision (b) is
served at least 20 days before the time required for attendance, or within such shorter
time as the court may order, it may include a request that the party or person bring with
him or her books, documents or other things. The notice shall state the exact materials or
things desired and that the party or person has them in his or her possession or under his
or her control. Within five days thereafter, or such other period as the court may allow,
the party or person of whom the request is made may serve written objections to the
request or any part thereof, with a statement of grounds. Thereafter, upon noticed motion
of the requesting party, accompanied by a showing of good cause and of materiality of the
items to the issues, the court may order production of items to which objection was made,
unless the objecting party or person establishes good cause for nonproduction or
production under limitations or conditions. The procedure of this subdivision is
alternative to the procedure provided by Sections 1985 and 1987.5 in the cases herein
provided for, and no subpoena duces tecum shall be required.
Subject to this subdivision, the notice herein provided shall have the same effect as is
provided in subdivision (b) as to a notice for attendance of that party or person.
(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1416, Sec. 28.)
§ 1987.3
When a subpoena duces tecum is served upon a custodian of
records or other qualified witness as provided in Article 4 (commencing with Section 1560
Evid.) of Chapter 2 of Division 11 Evid. of the Evidence Code, and his personal attendance
is not required by the terms of the subpoena, Section 1989 shall not apply.
§ 1987.5
The service of a subpoena duces tecum is invalid unless at
the time of such service a copy of the affidavit upon which the subpoena is based is
served on the person served with the subpoena. In the case of a subpoena duces tecum which
requires appearance and the production of matters and things at the taking of a
deposition, the subpoena shall not be valid unless a copy of the affidavit upon which the
subpoena is based and the designation of the materials to be produced, as set forth in the
subpoena, is attached to the notice of taking the deposition served upon each party or its
attorney as provided in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 2002). If matters and things
are produced pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum in violation of this section, any other
party to the action may file a motion for, and the court may grant, an order providing
appropriate relief, including, but not limited to, exclusion of the evidence affected by
the violation, a retaking of the deposition notwithstanding any other limitation on
discovery proceedings, or a continuance. The party causing the subpoena to be served shall
retain the original affidavit until final judgment in the action, and shall file the
affidavit with the court only upon reasonable request by any party or witness affected
thereby. This section does not apply to deposition subpoenas commanding only the
production of business records for copying under subdivision (d) of Section 2020.
(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 926, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1994.)
§ 1988
If a witness is concealed in a building or vessel, so as
to prevent the service of subpoena upon him, any Court or Judge, or any officer issuing
the subpoena, may, upon proof by affidavit of the concealment, and of the materiality of
the witness, make an order that the Sheriff of the county serve the subpoena; and the
Sheriff must serve it accordingly, and for that purpose may break into the building or
vessel where the witness is concealed.
(Enacted 1872.)
§ 1989
A witness, including a witness specified in subdivision
(b) of Section 1987, is not obliged to attend as a witness before any court, judge,
justice or any other officer, unless the witness is a resident within the state at the
time of service. (Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 184, Sec. 3.)
§ 1990
A person present in Court, or before a judicial officer,
may be required to testify in the same manner as if he were in attendance upon a subpoena
issued by such Court or officer.
(Enacted 1872.)
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