Glossary of Key Terms

Bailiff: A court officer responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge.

Bench: The raised platform where the judge sits.

Bench Officer: The person presiding over the court, who can be a judge, commissioner, or judge pro tem.

Commissioner: A court official appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, who can preside over cases with the consent of both parties.

Docket Number: The specific number assigned to your case on the court’s calendar.

Exhibit Notebook: A binder containing all evidence and supporting documents for your case.

Judge Pro Tem: A lawyer temporarily acting as a judge for a specific case or period.

Mandatory Settlement Conference: A court-ordered mediation session aimed at facilitating a settlement between the parties.

Notice of Unlawful Detainer Trial: A legal document informing the tenant of the scheduled trial date for their eviction case.

PIP (Personal Information Packet): A concise document summarizing your case and current situation for EDN staff.

Plaintiff: The party initiating the lawsuit, in this case, the landlord.

Stipulation to the Commissioner: A written agreement allowing a commissioner to preside over your case instead of a judge.

Trial Notebook: A binder containing all court documents related to your case.