California Supreme Court Watch

#26-52 Clapp v. Department of Motor Vehicles, S294891. (B343964; nonpublished opinion; Los Angeles County Superior Court; 24STCP00925.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed the judgment in an action for writ of administrative mandate and remanded with directions. The court ordered briefing deferred pending decision in Romane v. Department of Motor Vehicles, S291093 (#25-274), which presents the following issue: Under what circumstances does an administrative per se hearing officer’s relationship with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) violate a driver’s due process right to an impartial adjudicator by creating an unacceptable risk of bias during a DMV driver’s license suspension hearing?

Petition for review granted; briefing deferred: 3/25/2026

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.