If you haven't voted yet, be sure to do so!

Today's DJ has PJ Gilbert's column, titled Limitations of Immortality, which concludes:

If you have not voted yet, tomorrow is your opportunity to vote and spread the word to vote for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices on the ballot. They are the reason California has such an outstanding judiciary. And they are the last safeguard of our liberties and rights as citizens.

Also in today's DJ is the Moskovitz on Appeals column, titled Be Careful What You Wish For, about appellate dispositions.

• Given that California Courts of Appeal have written their draft opinions before oral argument, the argument itself can seem like Kabuki theater. Even at that late stage, though, many Justices have not made up their mind about the proper disposition. So a key use for oral argument is educating the panel about exactly how they should "deliver the goods."

• A good brief should make a Justice's life easier. Especially when an appeal involves a convoluted procedural posture, wise appellate counsel will guide the court to their ideal (and backup) outcomes. And that guidance should appear in the conclusion of the opening and responsive briefs.