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n e w s l e t t e r · s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 0 7
T h e C a l i f o r n i a S u p r e m e C ou r t
Historical Society
Headnotes About the Reporters,
1850–1990
b y e d wa r d w.
j e s s e n...
More
n e w s l e t t e r · s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 0 7
n e w s l e t t e r · s p r i n g / s u m m e r 2 0 0 7
T h e C a l i f o r n i a S u p r e m e C ou r t
Historical Society
Headnotes About the Reporters,
1850–1990
b y e d wa r d w.
j e s s e n
“Report me and my cause aright.
”
Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2
From the California Constitution of 1849 to the present
day, the Supreme Court
has been required to decide
causes in writing with the
reasons stated.
1
The resulting written opinions become
precedent to be followed by
all other appellate and trial
courts in California.
But
for opinions to be followed
requires they be reported
reliably and made available
to all, and that has been
the fundamental mission of
every Reporter of Decisions.
Thus the Constitution of 1849 authorized the
appointment of a Reporter of Decisions, charged with
responsibility for preparing and publishing the opinions, subject to correction and approval by the court.
To ensure availability of the opinions, the
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