Request for Production of Documents, RPOD, CCP 2031.280

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

Email | Call (888) 600-8654

Have a quick question? I answered nearly 1500 FAQs.

Starting from January 1, 2020, civil litigants in California are subjected to more rigorous requirements when responding to request for production of documents. The revised California Code of Civil Procedure mandates that “any documents or categories of documents furnished in compliance with a request for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling must be tagged with the precise request number they correspond to” as per Cal. Civ. Pro. § 2031.280(a). This represents a significant shift from the previous regulation, where it was acceptable to produce documents in the manner they are usually stored in the course of business. The updated rule is applicable to all ongoing cases in California, even those that were initiated before the effective date of the amendment, January 1, 2020.

CCP § 2031.280

(a) Any documents or category of documents produced in response to a demand for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling shall be identified with the specific request number to which the documents respond.

(b) The documents shall be produced on the date specified in the demand pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 2031.030, unless an objection has been made to that date. If the date for inspection has been extended pursuant to Section 2031.270, the documents shall be produced on the date agreed to pursuant to that section.

(c) If a party responding to a demand for production of electronically stored information objects to a specified form for producing the information, or if no form is specified in the demand, the responding party shall state in its response the form in which it intends to produce each type of information.

(d) Unless the parties otherwise agree or the court otherwise orders, the following shall apply:

(1) If a demand for production does not specify a form or forms for producing a type of electronically stored information, the responding party shall produce the information in the form or forms in which it is ordinarily maintained or in a form that is reasonably usable.

(2) A party need not produce the same electronically stored information in more than one form.

(e) If necessary, the responding party at the reasonable expense of the demanding party shall, through detection devices, translate any data compilations included in the demand into reasonably usable form.

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment Law

Most recent blogs:

What Does Business Acumen Mean

Business acumen involves strategic thinking, decision-making, and understanding organizational dynamics to impact goals effectively. Essential skills include financial insight, stakeholder awareness, and navigating uncertainty for leadership at all levels.

How Much is a Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit Worth?

Wrongful arrest lawsuit settlements vary based on damages, injuries, and missed opportunities. Know your rights to compensation for false arrests.

How to File a Lawsuit Against a Company?

Filing a lawsuit against a company involves specific legal steps, from documentation to court procedures. This guide outlines key processes and considerations.

What is a Civil Lawsuit? Key Facts Explained

A civil lawsuit involves resolving disputes over contracts, debts, property damage, or personal injuries through the court system. Key differences between civil and criminal cases include burden of proof, judgment outcomes, and legal procedures.

How to Start a Civil Class Action Lawsuit?

Initiate a civil class action lawsuit with clear steps for eligibility, legal requirements, and court certification. Find insights into common claims and advantages.

Financial Statements: Understanding the Core of Corporate Financial Reporting

Financial statements are a set of formal records that showcase a company's financial performance and position, providing insights into its current health and potential future performance, primarily consisting of the balance sheet, income statement (profit and loss statement), and cash flow statement.

Maximizing the 2024 Child Tax Credit: Your Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Future Expansions

The 2024 Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child. Families can reduce tax burdens and access refundable credits to ease financial strain.

Winning over Gen Alpha - What brands need to do now (2024)

Winning Over Gen Alpha: What Brands Must Do in 2025

Generation Alpha, born after 2010, is tech-savvy and socially conscious, shaping modern consumer behavior. Businesses must align with their digital fluency, values, and authenticity to remain relevant and successful.

Understanding What Comes After Generation Z and Alpha: Impacts on Families and Businesses

What comes after Generation Z and Alpha will reshape society through evolving values and technology. Businesses and families must adapt to new generational traits to remain relevant and connected.

26 Proven Small Business Ideas for 2025 and Startup Costs Under $1000

Explore 26 proven small business ideas for 2025, ranging from online reselling to digital marketing, and find your path to success. Start with minimal costs and unlock profitable opportunities with these diverse, adaptable business concepts.

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Cost of an LLC

The cost of an LLC includes formation fees, taxes, and ongoing compliance expenses. Proper budgeting ensures your LLC remains legally compliant and financially stable year-round.

Affirmative Defenses to Breach of Contract

Can Debt Collectors Come to Your House Legally

What is a partition action?

A California partition action arises when one co-owner wants to sell their share. Other co-owners can legally divide or sell the property through "partition."

Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

The implied covenant requires each party to uphold the contract’s purpose and benefits. A breach occurs when a party’s actions interfere with or undermine the contract's agreed terms.

Understanding Failure of Consideration for Lawyers

Failure of consideration happens when a party fails to fulfill their promised obligations. It justifies rescission if the failure is substantial.

What is the meaning and example of anticipatory breach of contract?

An anticipatory breach of contract happens when one party signals non-performance before the contract date. This breach allows the non-breaching party to take immediate legal action for remedies.

Condition Precedent to Contract

A condition precedent is crucial for determining when contractual duties become enforceable. Meeting a condition precedent is necessary before a party's obligation to perform arises.

How to Protect Yourself from a Disgruntled Employee

Protect your workplace by addressing early signs of employee dissatisfaction to prevent disruptions. Implement strategies to ensure safety during difficult terminations.

Breach of Contract Law in California

To recover damages from the defendant for breach of contract in California, the plaintiff must prove all of the following: (1) that plaintiff and defendant entered into a valid contract; (2) that plaintiff performed under the contract or that performance was excused; (3) that the defendant failed to perform under the contract; (4) that plaintiff was harmed; and (5) that defendant’s breach of contract was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s harm.

What is a Registered Agent? Understanding the Role and Importance for your LLC

A registered agent is essential for your LLC, handling legal, tax, and government correspondence, ensuring timely delivery of important documents. Choosing a registered agent service offers privacy, compliance, and reliable handling of official communications, helping your business operate smoothly across states.

Form 1096: A guide for US employers

Guide to Form 1096 for US Employers: Learn which businesses must file Form 1096 and the consequences of not filing. Get details on obtaining free forms and submitting accurate reports to the IRS.

Core competencies in business: Finding a competitive advantage

Core competencies give businesses a competitive edge by leveraging unique resources and talents. Identifying and developing these strengths is crucial for success in today's market.

Organizational structure for companies with examples and benefits

An organizational structure defines task completion rules to meet company goals, enhancing productivity and information flow. Different structures, like matrix and functional, suit various business needs and cultures.

What is a Gap analysis?

Gap analysis helps businesses compare current performance with desired goals, identifying inefficiencies. This method aids in developing action plans to bridge performance gaps.

Duty to Mitigate: What is mitigation of damages?

This article explains the doctrine of mitigation of damages, emphasizing the duty to minimize losses through reasonable efforts in legal disputes.

Skills Matrix: Your key to managing and developing team talent

Utilizing a skills matrix helps identify existing competencies within your team and highlights essential skills for business success. This tool enables strategic talent management and efficient task assignment in organizations.

SWOT Analysis Example

Conducting an HR SWOT analysis helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within and external to an organization. This process aids in developing strategic HR actions aligned with the company's objectives.

HR Career Pathway

Discover how to shape your HR career pathway effectively, utilizing insights on skills, gaps, and tools available for your professional growth. Learn strategies for navigating various HR career routes to enhance your development and impact.

Certifications For HR

Explore nine HR certifications to enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your knowledge of best HR practices. Discover how certifications can increase your earning potential and make you more competitive in the HR field.

HR Roles: Key duties and responsibilities in today’s workplace

Explore how HR roles have evolved from basic administrative functions to strategic tasks that enhance organizational performance and employee engagement. Learn about the crucial roles in HR that drive company success and adapt to technological and workplace changes.

1,243