Fifth Appellate District

News and Announcements

October 31, 2025

Using AI for Your Court Case? Read This First

If you're considering using AI tools like ChatGPT to help with your court case, please visit our "Using AI?" page to help you use these tools safely and effectively.

Generative AI is a tool that can help you write or explain things, but it can make mistakes. Use it carefully—especially for legal issues.

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Appellate Resources

Learn about Rules, Forms & Filing

Search Appellate Case Information

View Oral Argument Calendar

Find Appellate Self-Help Information

Learn more about the appeals process and find information relevant to those representing themselves
5DCA Justices on the bench

Justices

Find information about the current Justices of the Fifth Appellate District, as well as historical bios.

Learn About the Justices
5DCA courthouse

About the 5th District

The Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District’s jurisdiction encompasses nine counties located in central California: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne. The court is located at 2424 Cesar Chavez Blvd in downtown Fresno. The clerk’s office can be reached by telephone at (559) 445-5491.

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Self-Help Guide to the Courts of Appeal

For those seeking to understand how the appellate process works, view the short video or connect with additional resources on the Courts of Appeal Self-Help website.  The site may help anyone who is involved in an appeal, especially those without a lawyer who are representing themselves. 

Get Self Help