Using Referrals under CCP § 638 and CCP § 639 to Overcome Litigation Delays from COVID-19.
As we recover from COVID-19 shutdowns, we are all looking for tools to help us overcome backlogs and limited resources. Social distancing requirements and budget cuts have affected every court. Moreover, because California law frequently prioritizes other cases, civil matters may have to wait longer for access to justice. Fortunately, Code of Civil Procedure §§ 638 and 639 can provide some relief. You may be familiar with stipulated referrals under CCP § 638 and ordered discovery referrals under CCP § 639, but such referrals are only a fraction of what you can accomplish with those statutes.
