Fresno County Department of Social Services v. Superior Court

Does a trial court’s order requiring parties to submit witness lists shortly before trial violate the limited protection accorded to attorneys’ work product? This case requires examination of that question. We will conclude that the order challenged here was made within the juvenile court’s inherent power to manage its calendar and fulfill its duties. We will find no abuse of discretion and will deny the petition for writ of mandate.

Summary of Proceedings Below

Petitioner Fresno County Department of Social Services (the Department) initiated the underlying dependency action by petition filed on *29 January 10, 1990. The petition sought to have two minors, two-year-old Jeanette H. and one-year-old Christopher H., Jr., adjudged dependents of the court and removed from the custody of their parents.

The minors’ mother and father, separately represented, opposed the petition. The jurisdictional hearing was set for May 21, 1990. On April 23, 1990, the father filed a motion asking the juvenile court to order an exchange of witness lists between the parties. The mother joined in the motion. The minors were not named in the motion and filed no written response. Their counsel…