“The Judicial Council is authorized to and has adopted rules of court governing various aspects of court administration, practice and procedure in the superior court. The rules of court adopted by the Judicial Council have the same force and effect of law, as long as they are not inconsistent with any applicable statute. A rule of court may also go beyond the provisions of a related statute, as long as it reasonably furthers the statutory purpose. However, a rule of court may not change statutory requirements. Courts have authority to make their own rules (i.e., “local rules”) to the extent such rules do not conflict with statutes or the rules of court established by the Judicial Council. A valid local rule is generally as binding on the court and parties as a procedural statute.”
[California Civil Courtroom Handbook & Desktop Reference [certain citations omitted]]
