Federal Court
FAQs and Resources
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The following resources may be helpful to you as you litigate your case in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
Glossary of Legal Definitions
The United States Courts maintains a glossary of legal terms to help individuals understand the legal system.
https://www.uscourts.gov/glossary
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure explain the procedural rules that apply in every federal trial court in the country.
https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/current-rules-practice-procedure/federal-rules-civil-procedure
Central District of California Local Rules
The Local Rules numerically correspond with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, but only apply in the Central District of California. The Local Rules provide additional detail beyond the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/court-procedures/local-rules
Federal Rules of Evidence
The Federal Rules of Evidence explain what evidence a federal trial court can consider during a case.
https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/current-rules-practice-procedure/federal-rules-evidence
US District Court for the Central District of California – Information for Pro Se Litigants
https://prose.cacd.uscourts.gov
US District Court for the Central District of California – Court Forms
The Court’s website contains many court forms that you may need in your case, such as a summons or a civil cover sheet.
https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/court-procedures/forms
Guidelines for Remote Appearances in the Central District of California
https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/clerk-services/courtroom-technology/zoom-courtroom-proceedings
How to find a case on the Court’s online docketing system (PACER)
PACER, the acronym for Public Access to Court Electronic Records, is an electronic public access service that you can use to obtain information and download documents in your case. PACER will allow you to review court orders, confirm that your documents have been filed, or look at any documents filed by the opposing side.
https://www.uscourts.gov/court-records/find-a-case-pacer
LA County Bar Association Referral Service (Smartlaw)
The Lawyer Referral Service of the Los Angeles County Bar Association is a nonprofit public service that allows members of the public to find a qualified attorney.
https://lacba.org/?pg=smartlaw-lawyer-referral-service
Los Angeles LA Law Library
The Law Library can assist pro se litigants with legal research questions and provide access to legal materials. Law librarians can show you where to find a specific judicial opinion or help narrow your legal research.
