Continuing a relatively slow start to its current term, the Supreme Court will hear four oral arguments in November. (The court heard six arguments in September and only three arguments this month.) At this rate, there will be only 47 or 48 opinions this term, slightly fewer than last term’s historically low output. (Related: “What’s ailing the California Supreme Court? Its productivity has plummeted”.)

The November arguments will mark the physical return of both the justices and counsel to the courtroom for the first time since March 2020, although attorneys do have the option of appearing remotely. The arguments will be live streamed.

On Wednesday, November 2, the court will hear the following cases (with the issue presented as summarized by court staff or limited by the court itself):

In re D.P.: When the court granted review in May 2021, it limited the issues to: ” (1) Is an appeal of a juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding moot when a parent asserts that he or she has been or will be stigmatized by the finding? (2) Is an appeal of a juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding moot when a parent asserts that he or she may be barred from challenging a current or future placement on the Child Abuse Central Index as a result of the finding?”

People v. Espinoza: The court limited the issue to: “Did the Court of Appeal err in ruling that defendant failed to adequately corroborate his claim that immigration consequences were a paramount concern and thus that he could not demonstrate prejudice within the meaning of Penal Code section 1473.7?” Review was granted in September 2021.

People v. Thomas: This is an automatic direct appeal from a March 2008 judgment of death. The court’s website does not list issues for death penalty appeals. Counsel was appointed in July 2011. Briefing was completed in April 2017.

People v. Waldon: This one has been on the court’s docket for over 30 years. It’s an automatic direct appeal from a February 1992 judgment of death. The court’s website does not list issues for death penalty appeals. Counsel was appointed in December 1995. Main briefing was completed in August 2015. Excluding relatively short supplemental briefs, the parties three briefs total almost 1,400 pages.