This section defines some terms related to a type of legal proceeding called an "expedited jury trial." In these trials, there is a smaller jury panel, and the decision is binding. A “high/low agreement” is a deal between the parties about the minimum and maximum damages the defendant will pay, regardless of the jury's verdict, but the jury won't know about it. Also, "post-trial motions" don't include requests about costs, attorney fees, fixing minor judgment errors, or enforcing the judgment.

This law section outlines the basic rules for expedited jury trials in civil cases. It states that specific procedures detailed in this chapter and any additional court rules apply unless the involved parties agree to alternative arrangements. If the chapter doesn't cover certain issues, regular civil action rules will apply.

This law explains the requirements for participating in an expedited jury trial process in California courts. Both parties and their lawyers must sign a consent order to enter the process, and this agreement is generally binding unless all parties agree to end it or a court finds a valid reason to halt it. Participation can only happen after a dispute has already resulted in a filed action. Special approval is required if the trial involves self-represented parties, minors, or individuals with legal guardians. The consent order must confirm that all parties and relevant insurance carriers understand the expedited trial rules and agree to specific procedural terms, such as waiving the right to appeal and having a limited trial time and jury size. The court will approve the consent order unless it identifies a good cause to deny it.

In expedited jury trials, each case typically has eight jurors, unless everyone involved agrees to have fewer. There aren't any backup jurors, known as alternates. Each side in a trial gets three chances to dismiss potential jurors without needing to give a reason, which is called a peremptory challenge. If there are more than two parties or perspectives involved in the case, each party can ask for one extra peremptory challenge, and the court will decide if it’s fair to allow it.

This law clarifies that there is no time limit imposed on how long a jury can discuss and decide on a case. They can take as much time as they need.

This law explains that the usual rules about what evidence can be used in court are still relevant in quick jury trials unless everyone involved agrees to different rules. But, even if they agree to looser rules, it does not affect anyone's right to keep certain information confidential. Additionally, the process for calling witnesses or getting documents for the trial remains as outlined in the legal code.

In a quick jury trial, the decision made by the jury is final unless the parties have a separate agreement on the award's limits. To reach a decision, six out of eight jurors must agree, unless everyone involved decides on a different rule.

If parties choose an expedited jury trial, they agree not to ask for certain legal actions like changing or canceling the jury's decision, or complaining about too little or too much money awarded. The court also won't change the jury's decision or order a new trial unless specific rules in another section are met.

When you choose an expedited jury trial, you give up the right to appeal or make certain post-trial motions unless specific issues arise. These issues include serious errors by the judge or jury misconduct, and any fraud or corruption that affected the trial's fairness. If you believe any of these occurred, you must notify the court within 10 days of the verdict if you want a new trial. Other post-trial motions are limited to those about costs, correcting clerical errors, or enforcing judgments. To appeal, you first need to try for a new trial on the allowable grounds. Appeals can't be made for any other reasons.

This law says that the usual rules for costs and attorney's fees also apply to expedited jury trials, unless everyone involved agrees on a different arrangement.

This law required the Judicial Council to update the process and paperwork by July 1, 2016, to ensure consistent procedures for court cases. These updates include creating or revising rules for consent orders, exchanges and submissions before trial, pretrial conferences, presenting evidence and testimony, and any other necessary procedures to make sure the law runs smoothly.