As a litigator who has tried dozens of cannabis-related cases in the eight years since California voters legalized cannabis for adult use, yesterday’s decision by the California Court of Appeal in JCCrandall v. Santa Barbara immediately called to mind an image from one of my favorite childhood books. A young girl steps out from a throng of adoring subjects, points …
The Crucial Role of Standard of Review in California Civil Appeals
If you are considering appealing a decision from a California Superior Court in a civil case, it is essential to understand the concept of the standard of review. This legal principle dictates how the Court of Appeal will evaluate the decisions made by the trial court or jury. Misunderstanding or overlooking the standard by which the court will evaluate your …
Undue Influence in the Execution of a Deed in California
In California, the concept of undue influence plays a critical role in the execution of deeds, particularly in property transactions. Undue influence occurs when one party exerts excessive pressure on another, undermining their free will and resulting in an unfair transaction. This legal principle is especially pertinent in cases involving confidential relationships, where one party places significant trust in another. …