2024 California Rules of Court
Rule 10.31. Advisory committee membership and terms
(a) Membership
The categories of membership of each advisory committee are specified in the rules in this chapter. Each advisory committee consists of between 12 and 18 members, unless a different number is specified by the Chief Justice or required by these rules. Advisory committee members do not represent a specific constituency but must act in the best interests of the public and the entire court system.
(Subd (a) amended effective September 1, 2003.)
(b) Terms
The Chief Justice appoints advisory committee members to three-year terms unless another term is specified in these rules or in the order appointing a member. Terms are staggered so that an approximately equal number of each committee's members changes annually. Members may apply for reappointment but there is no presumption of reappointment. All appointments and reappointments are at the sole discretion of the Chief Justice.
(Subd (b) amended effective February 1, 2018; previously amended effective November 1, 2004, and January 1, 2007.)
(c) Chair and vice-chair
The Chief Justice appoints an advisory committee member to be a committee chair or vice-chair for a one-year term except for the chair and vice-chair of the Court Executives Advisory Committee, who may be appointed to two-year terms. Except for the Court Executives Advisory Committee, when a member's term as the chair of an advisory committee ends, that member's term on the committee also ends, unless the Chief Justice orders otherwise.
(Subd (c) amended effective February 1, 2018; previously amended effective September 1, 2000, January 1, 2004, and January 1, 2007.)
(d) Advisory members
On the request of the advisory committee, the Chief Justice may designate an advisory member to assist an advisory committee or a subcommittee. Advisory members are appointed for three-year terms unless another term is specified in the order appointing the advisory member. Advisory members may participate in discussions and make or second motions but cannot vote.
(Subd (d) amended effective February 1, 2018; previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)
(e) Termination of membership
Committee membership terminates if a member leaves the position that qualified the member for the advisory committee unless (g) applies or the Chief Justice determines that the individual may complete the current term.
(Subd (e) amended effective February 1, 2018.)
(f) Vacancies
Vacancies are filled as they occur according to the nomination procedures described in rule 10.32.
(Subd (f) amended effective January 1, 2007.)
(g) Retired judges
A judge's retirement does not cause a vacancy on the committee if the judge is eligible for assignment. A retired judge who is eligible for assignment may hold a committee position based on his or her last judicial position.
Rule 10.31 amended effective February 1, 2018; adopted as rule 6.31 effective January 1, 1999; previously amended and renumbered as rule 10.31 effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective September 1, 2000, September 1, 2003, January 1, 2004, and November 1, 2004.