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Sixth District Appellate Program
The SDAP Way
A Passion for Justice
SDAP’s attitude toward the representation of indigents is that expressed in Von Moltke v. Gillies (1948) 332 U.S. 708:
“Undivided allegiance and faithful, devoted service to a client are prized traditions of the American lawyer. It is this kind of service for which the Sixth Amendment makes provision. And nowhere is this service deemed more honorable than in case of appointment to represent an accused too poor to hire a lawyer, even though the accused may be a member of an unpopular or hated group, or may be charged with an offense which is peculiarly abhorrent.” (Id., at pp. 725-726, fn. omitted.) Read more.
News From The Director
Juvenile Delinquency Appellate Seminar
Court of Appeal Staff Attorney Opening
The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence
Mandatory Form for Augment Motions
Proofs of Service With No-Issue Briefs
File Omission Letter in 6DCA
Mandatory Forms for EOTs
Juvenile Delinquency Appellate Seminar
Nov. 5, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. – ZoomHosted by CAPLAPresented by: Former FDAP Staff Attorney Richard Braucher and SDAP Executive Director Jonathan Grossman Youth justice is one of the most interesting and rewarding areas of appellate practice. However, much has changed within the last 5 years. Our legislature shut down California’s youth prison system after more […]
Court of Appeal Staff Attorney Opening
The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District is looking for a Staff Attorney. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Court decides cases at the forefront of California’s civil and criminal jurisprudence. The Court is currently recruiting talented lawyers with a love for the law and writing, a strong work ethic and a […]
The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence
The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence SDAP conducts an annual seminar that offers four hours of continuing legal education relevant to the practice of criminal appellate law. At the conclusion of each seminar, SDAP announces the winner of that year’s Gerald Z. Marer Award. The late Gerald Z. Marer was an inspirational figure. […]
Mandatory Form for Augment Motions
There is now an updated form proposed order for augment motions. All motions to augment the record filed in the Sixth District Court of Appeal must be accompanied by the court’s fillable standard order form that can be found here. For civil cases, use this form. The court has given us the following guidance regarding three aspects […]
Proofs of Service With No-Issue Briefs
SDAP has been informed by the Court of Appeal that in several, recent cases – particularly in juvenile cases – the Court has had difficulties getting the client’s address to send the client the standard letter advising them of their rights when a no-issue brief has been filed on their behalf. In a few cases, […]
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