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SC-300-INFOOptional

Information on Writ Proceedings in Small Claims Cases

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2016

This information sheet explains what writ proceedings are in small claims court cases and what types of orders a person can ask for. It tells readers that this information is general and directs them to other rules and forms for specific actions.

The court describes it as: Explains the Small Claims court writ process and how to use the Petition for Writ (form SC-300).

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This sheet is used to give general information about writ proceedings, which is a process where someone asks a higher court to review an order from the small claims court. It is meant to be read before filling out the Petition for Writ (form SC-300).

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is a writ?
A writ is an order from a higher court telling a lower court to either do something the law requires or not to do something the law says it cannot do.
Is a writ proceeding the same as an appeal?
No, a writ proceeding is not a new trial. The judge reviewing the case does not have to decide on the facts or hold a new trial.
Does this information cover everything?
No, this information sheet is only meant to give a general idea of the writ process, and it does not cover everything a person might need to know.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2016.

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