Educational guide

California Civil Jury Trial Request Checklist

A practical general-information checklist for identifying and preserving a jury-trial request in a California civil case, based on California Courts Self-Help, the statewide civil fee schedule and rule 3.727. It is not individualized legal advice and does not calculate a deadline for a particular case.

1. First determine whether the kind of relief requested can be tried to a jury. California Courts explains that many civil cases can have a jury or court trial, while some matters seeking only an injunction or declaratory relief may not allow a jury trial.
2. Review the pleadings, court notices and local rules before assuming a jury has already been requested. A demand, fee deposit and later trial-setting requirements are related but distinct procedural steps, and failure to satisfy applicable requirements can affect the right to a jury.
3. Discuss the jury question during the case-management meet and confer and report it accurately on Case Management Statement, form CM-110. Rule 3.727 requires the parties to address whether a jury is demanded and identify each party requesting one.
4. Calendar the advance jury-fee deadline from the actual case history. California Courts states that a party requesting a jury ordinarily pays a $150 nonrefundable deposit before the first case management conference, but statutory exceptions and different timing can apply when no conference is set or a party appears later.
5. Check the current statewide civil fee schedule and the assigned superior court's payment method before submitting the deposit. Keep the receipt and confirm that the payment was posted to the correct case and party.
6. If paying the jury fee is difficult, review California Courts information on requesting waiver of additional fees. A current fee waiver may be required, and the court—not the party—decides whether additional jury-related fees are waived.
7. Continue tracking later trial-setting instructions and jury costs. California Courts notes that additional jury fees can arise after the first trial day; local pretrial orders may also require jury instructions, verdict forms, witness lists or other submissions.
8. Do not rely on this checklist to decide trial strategy or to cure a possible waiver. Jury entitlement, waiver and relief from waiver can turn on the claims, timing and record, so seek prompt advice from a qualified civil lawyer when the issue is disputed or a deadline may have passed.

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