Legal Research
Event - Pro Bono Week Public Legal Services Fair
Program - Divorce Options Workshop
• Your Divorce Options - What You Need to Know!
Notorious Los Angeles Trials of the 20th Century
Sergio Garcia: Immigration Law in the United States
• Exhibit Case
 • Sergio Garcia
Panel Discussion: To Remake Justice in 2013: Responding to the Growing Justice Gap
Balanced Video Solutions (Video Sample)
The LA Law Library is proud to support the California Consumer Justice Coalition in providing assistance to people at risk of foreclosure or facing other consumer debt issues. This section of the LA Law Library website provides information and resources that will help you learn more about a wide range of legal issues, including foreclosure, debt collection, landlord-tenant issues, problems with money, suing someone or being sued. For additional information on the resources and services available at the LA Law Library, click here to visit the rest of our site.
 = Direct Link   
 = Database (Multi-Step)   
 = PDF Document
Foreclosure
 Overview of Foreclosures - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Tenants' Rights in Foreclosed on Properties - Housing and Economic Rights Advocates
 Foreclosure Research Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Foreclosure Prevention - LawHelpCalifornia
Sued by Credit Card Company
 Problems with Money - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Collection of Credit Card Debt - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 How to Respond to a Credit Card Case - Research Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Consumer & Small Claims - LawHelpCalifornia
 What Can I do if I Can't Pay my Debts? - State Bar of California Pamphlet
Paying/Failure to Pay the Judgment
 Paying the Judgment - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Requesting Installment Payments - Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Are You Judgment Proof? - Research Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library 
 Exemptions from Enforcement of Judgment - Sacramento County Public Law Library
Collecting Money When You Win a Lawsuit
 Collecting the Judgment - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Enforcement of Judgments - Research Guide - Sacramento County Law Library
 Collecting and Resisting Court Judgments - Research Guides - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Get Information about the Debtor's Assets - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Sample Questions to Ask a Debtor - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Ways to Collect from the Debtor - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Discover the Judgment Debtor's Assets - Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library 
 Adding Costs and Interest to a Judgment - Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
For Tenants
 Guide to Evictions for Tenants - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Eviction Forms - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Landlord/Tenant: For Tenants - Virtual Self Help Law Center (Contra Costa County)
 What Should I Know Before I Rent? - State Bar of California Pamphlet
 Landlord Tenant Issues - LawHelpCalifornia
 Evictions Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Eviction - Virtual Self-Help Law Center (Contra Costa County)
 Tenants' Rights Legal Clinic - Coalition for Economic Survival
Security Deposits
 Overview of Security Deposits - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Demand Letter Asking Landlord to Return Security Deposit - California Courts Online Self Help Center 
General Information
 Court Basics -California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Before You File Your Case - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Filing Papers in Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Sample Pleading Paper - Los Angeles County Superior Court (Click here, then click ‘Open’)
 Sample Pleading Paper - Central Disctrict of California (Click here, then click ‘Open’)
 Sample Pleading Paper - Blank 28-lined Pleading Paper (Click here, then click ‘Open’)
 Basics of Court Forms - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Fee Waivers - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Service of Process - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Discovery - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Going to Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Court Interpreters - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 How Courts Work - Virtual Self-Help Law Center (Contra Costa County)
 Understanding Court Processes - Virtual Self-Help Law Center (Contra Costa County)
 Researching the Law - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Resolving Your Dispute Out of Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
Starting a Lawsuit
 Time Period for Starting (Filing) Lawsuits -Virtual Self-Help Law Center Contra Costa County 
 File your Lawsuit in the Right Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Cases for $10,000 or Less - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Cases for $25,000 or Less - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Cases for over $25,000 - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Suing Someone - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Filing a Lawsuit Research Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Request a Default Judgment from the Clerk Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Request a Default Judgment from the Court Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Filing the Papers: Win Your Lawsuit, Chapter 6.  Nolo Press. (Click here, then click ‘PDF Full Text’)
I Have Been Sued
 Being Sued - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Responding to a Breach of Contract Lawsuit Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Law Library
 Responding to a Lawsuit Research Guide - Sacramento County Law Library 
 Legal Defenses to a Lawsuit Research Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Set Aside a Default Judgment Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
Filing and Opposing Motions
 Motions in a Court Case - Virtual Self-Help Law Center (Contra Costa County)
 Writing and Scheduling Motions Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Law Library
Before the Trial
 Case Management Conference - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Case Management Statement Step-by-Step Guide - Sacramento County Law Library
 Preparing the Evidence (Discovery) - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Getting Evidence for Court Pamphlet - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Resolving your Dispute Out of Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Prepare for Trial - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Going to Court - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Business Records Subpoena Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Motion for Relief from Admissions Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Motion to Compel Discovery Responses Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
 Discovery: Win Your Lawsuit, Chapter 10.  Nolo Press. (Click here, then click ‘PDF Full Text’)
 Nolo's Deposition Handbook.  Nolo Press. (Click here, then click ‘PDF Full Text’)
Trial
 What will Happen at the Trial - California Courts Online Self-Help Center
 Motion to Continue Trial Step by Step Guide - Sacramento County Public Law Library
No propositions or initiatives qualified this year.
No propositions or initiatives qualified this year.
February 5, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 Transportation Funds  | 
 
  | 
Art. XIX § 6; Art. XIXA § 1; Art. XIXB § 1; Art. XIXC § 1. | 
|
| 
 Prohibits certain motor vehicle fuel sales and use taxes, that are earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund, from being retained in the General Fund. Currently such taxes may be retained if Governor issues a proclamation, a special statute is enacted by a 2/3 vote of the Legislature, repayment occurs within three years, and certain other conditions are met. Requires repayment by 6/30/17 of such vehicle fuel taxes retained in General Fund from 7/1/03 to 6/30/08. Currently repayment is generally required by 6/30/16. Changes how and when General Fund borrowing of certain transportation funds is allowed.  | 
|||
| 
 Community Colleges. Funding. Governance. Fees  | 
 
  | 
Art. VII § 4; Art. IX §§ 17, 18, 19; Art. XVI § 8; Educ. §§ 41210 etc. (too many to list here). | 
|
| 
 Establishes in state constitution a system of independent public community college districts and Board of Governors. Generally, requires minimum levels of state funding for school districts and community college districts to be calculated separately, using different criteria and separately appropriated. Allocates 10.46 percent of current Proposition 98 school funding maintenance factor to community colleges. Sets community college fees at $15/unit per semester; limits future fee increases. Provides formula for allocation by Legislature to community college districts that would not otherwise receive general fund revenues through community college apportionment.  | 
|||
| 
 Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office  | 
 
  | 
Art. IV § 2; Art. XX § 7. | 
|
| 
 Reduces the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years. Allows a person to serve a total of 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both. Provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.49. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited into General Fund; tribe would make $42,500,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.48. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Morongo Band of Mission Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited into General Fund; amendment requires tribe to make $36,700,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.51. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between state and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; amendment would permit tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Specifies where revenue paid by tribe pursuant to amendment deposited; amendment requires tribe to make $20,000,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact: Agua Caliente  | 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.46. | 
|
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited in General Fund; tribe would make $23,400,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
June 3, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 Eminent Domain. Limits on Government Authority  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I, §19 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Eminent Domain. Limits on Government Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I, §19 | 
|
  | 
|||
November 4, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 
  | 
Sts & Hwys. §§ 2704-2704.21 | 
||
  | 
|||
| 
 Standards for Confining Farm Animals .  | 
 
  | 
H & S §§ 25990 – 25994 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program  | 
 
  | 
H & S §§ 1179.50-1179.72 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy.  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I § 32 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation  | 
 
  | 
Pen. §§ 1210.1-1210.05, 5050, 6026.01-6026.02, 6032, 6050.1, 6126.01 & multiple sections of Other codes | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws  | 
 
  | 
Pen §§ 32, 665, 136.1, 1464, 14027, 14260, 11166.6, & various sections of Evid, Gov., Veh, & W&I Codes. | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Renewable Energy Generation  | 
 
  | 
Pub. Util. §§ 387, 399.11-399.15, 399.25, 1001, Pub. Res. § § 25107-25110, 25137, 25502, 25517, 25522, 25531, 25540, 25541 & multiple other sections of the Pub. Res. Code. | 
|
  | 
|||
| Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Initiative Constitutional Amendment  | 
Const. Art. I, § 7.5 | 
||
  | 
|||
| 9  | 
Criminal Justice System. Victim's Rights. Parole. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute  | 
Const. Art. I § 28, Pen. §§679.026, 3041.5, 3043-3044. | 
|
  | 
|||
| 10  | 
Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds. Initiative Statute  | 
Pub. Res. §§ 26410-26437 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 11  | 
Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute  | 
Const. Art. XXI title change & §§ 3.2-.3.4 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 12  | 
Veterans' Bond Act of 2008 | 
Mil. & Vet. §§ 988.400 – 988.414 | 
|
  | 
|||
February 5, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 Transportation Funds  | 
 
  | 
Art. XIX § 6; Art. XIXA § 1; Art. XIXB § 1; Art. XIXC § 1. | 
|
| 
 Prohibits certain motor vehicle fuel sales and use taxes, that are earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund, from being retained in the General Fund. Currently such taxes may be retained if Governor issues a proclamation, a special statute is enacted by a 2/3 vote of the Legislature, repayment occurs within three years, and certain other conditions are met. Requires repayment by 6/30/17 of such vehicle fuel taxes retained in General Fund from 7/1/03 to 6/30/08. Currently repayment is generally required by 6/30/16. Changes how and when General Fund borrowing of certain transportation funds is allowed.  | 
|||
| 
 Community Colleges. Funding. Governance. Fees  | 
 
  | 
Art. VII § 4; Art. IX §§ 17, 18, 19; Art. XVI § 8; Educ. §§ 41210 etc. (too many to list here). | 
|
| 
 Establishes in state constitution a system of independent public community college districts and Board of Governors. Generally, requires minimum levels of state funding for school districts and community college districts to be calculated separately, using different criteria and separately appropriated. Allocates 10.46 percent of current Proposition 98 school funding maintenance factor to community colleges. Sets community college fees at $15/unit per semester; limits future fee increases. Provides formula for allocation by Legislature to community college districts that would not otherwise receive general fund revenues through community college apportionment.  | 
|||
| 
 Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office  | 
 
  | 
Art. IV § 2; Art. XX § 7. | 
|
| 
 Reduces the total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years. Allows a person to serve a total of 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of both. Provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.49. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited into General Fund; tribe would make $42,500,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.48. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Morongo Band of Mission Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited into General Fund; amendment requires tribe to make $36,700,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.51. | 
||
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between state and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; amendment would permit tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Specifies where revenue paid by tribe pursuant to amendment deposited; amendment requires tribe to make $20,000,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
| 
 Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact: Agua Caliente  | 
 
  | 
Gov. § 12012.46. | 
|
| 
 Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; amendment would permit tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines; Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act; amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited in General Fund; tribe would make $23,400,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.  | 
|||
June 3, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 Eminent Domain. Limits on Government Authority  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I, §19 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Eminent Domain. Limits on Government Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I, §19 | 
|
  | 
|||
November 4, 2008Voter Information Guide | Voter Results | 
|||
| Proposition and Summary | Passed | Citation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 
 
  | 
Sts & Hwys. §§ 2704-2704.21 | 
||
  | 
|||
| 
 Standards for Confining Farm Animals .  | 
 
  | 
H & S §§ 25990 – 25994 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program  | 
 
  | 
H & S §§ 1179.50-1179.72 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy.  | 
 
  | 
Const. Art. I § 32 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation  | 
 
  | 
Pen. §§ 1210.1-1210.05, 5050, 6026.01-6026.02, 6032, 6050.1, 6126.01 & multiple sections of Other codes | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws  | 
 
  | 
Pen §§ 32, 665, 136.1, 1464, 14027, 14260, 11166.6, & various sections of Evid, Gov., Veh, & W&I Codes. | 
|
  | 
|||
| 
 Renewable Energy Generation  | 
 
  | 
Pub. Util. §§ 387, 399.11-399.15, 399.25, 1001, Pub. Res. § § 25107-25110, 25137, 25502, 25517, 25522, 25531, 25540, 25541 & multiple other sections of the Pub. Res. Code. | 
|
  | 
|||
| Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Initiative Constitutional Amendment  | 
Const. Art. I, § 7.5 | 
||
  | 
|||
| 9  | 
Criminal Justice System. Victim's Rights. Parole. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute  | 
Const. Art. I § 28, Pen. §§679.026, 3041.5, 3043-3044. | 
|
  | 
|||
| 10  | 
Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds. Initiative Statute  | 
Pub. Res. §§ 26410-26437 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 11  | 
Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute  | 
Const. Art. XXI title change & §§ 3.2-.3.4 | 
|
  | 
|||
| 12  | 
Veterans' Bond Act of 2008 | 
Mil. & Vet. §§ 988.400 – 988.414 | 
|
  | 
|||
LA Law Library is pleased to offer remote access to valuable databases!
In our continuing efforts to reach those we serve wherever they are, we are excited to offer access to a limited number of resources remotely – whether from your home, office, school, neighborhood library or anywhere else with internet access. Our currently available remote databases are listed below.
EBSCO Legal Information Reference Center (LIRC)
The LIRC database offered by EBSCO allows for remote access to Nolo Press titles. Nolo Press specializes in resources for people who will be representing themselves in court or who need to address a legal issue without the help of an attorney.
To access LIRC, please click the link below. When you reach the login page, please use the credentials as provided in this PDF document: CLICK HERE
LexisNexis Digital Library
LA Law Library is also very excited to offer remote access to eBooks through the LexisNexis Digital eBooks platform! You can now borrow digital copies of Lexis books using your library card without visiting the Library in-person.
To access this service, click the link below and, when you arrive at the sign in page, choose the “Library Card Access” option. Enter your library card number. You will be able to borrow seven eBooks at a time, for up to seven days. Renewals are available for eBooks, unless another library card holder has placed a hold on the title. Books will automatically be removed from your account at the end of the loan period. For additional information, please review the following PDF document: CLICK HERE
RESOURCE | 
DESCRIPTION | 
|---|---|
| 
 Legal Information Reference Center  | 
 Searchable full text database of Nolo Press self-help publications.  | 
| 
 LexisNexis Digital Library  | 
 Borrow eBook versions of Lexis practice guides, form books, and treatises. Click here to access this database remotely.  | 
          



