Description
The records of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and its related subcommittees contain approximately 220 cubic feet of textual
materials, 1705 cassette tapes, 95 CDs, and 31 VHS tapes. The records are organized with the records of the Standing Committee
first, followed alphabetically by the names of the Subcommittees.
Background
The Senate Judiciary Committee was among the first committees created during California's first legislative session. On December
21, 1849, the third standing committee of the Senate to be created was that of Judiciary (1850 Senate Journal, page 28). Initially,
the Senate Judiciary Committee was granted jurisdiction over "so much as relates to hanging for stealing," any "Act of Congress
in relation to the grant of swamp and overflowed land," and any "repeal, amendment, or enactment of laws" (Ibid., page 51).
In 1854, the standing committee's focus was substantially narrowed to address matters which "[relate] to amendments of the
State Constitution" (1854 Senate Journal, page 58).
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
Availability
While the majority of the records are open for research, any access restrictions are noted in the record series descriptions.