California · Penal Code

PEN §870: The magistrate or his or her clerk shall keep the depositions taken on the information or the examination, until they are returned to the proper court; and shall not permit them to be examined or copi

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes procedures for magistrates to maintain and control access to depositions in criminal proceedings, and requires transcripts be provided to defendants after commitment.

Read the full statutory text

The magistrate or his or her clerk shall keep the depositions taken on the information or the examination, until they are returned to the proper court; and shall not permit them to be examined or copied by any person except a judge of a court having jurisdiction of the offense, or authorized to issue writs of habeas corpus, the Attorney General, district attorney, or other prosecuting attorney, and the defendant and his or her counsel; provided however, upon demand by the defendant or his or her attorney the magistrate shall order a transcript of the depositions taken on the information, or on the examination, to be immediately furnished the defendant or his or her attorney, after the commitment of the defendant as provided by Sections 876 and 877, and the reporter furnishing the depositions, shall receive compensation in accordance with Section 869.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.