Title 8. Of the Trial and Judgment In Civil Actions · Chapter 7. Provisions Relating to Trials in General · Article 1.5. View by Trier of Fact · Enacted 1975 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 651 lets the court, on its own motion or a party's, order the judge, jury, and court personnel to visit and view property, a scene, or an object relevant to the case when doing so would aid the trier of fact, with the proceeding conducted in session and recorded like courtroom testimony.
(a)On its own motion or on the motion of a party, where the court finds that such a view would be proper and would aid the trier of fact in its determination of the case, the court may order a view of any of the following:
(1)The property which is the subject of litigation.
(2)The place where any relevant event occurred.
(3)Any object, demonstration, or experiment, a view of which is relevant and admissible in evidence in the case and which cannot with reasonable convenience be viewed in the courtroom.
(b)On such occasion, the entire court, including the judge, jury, if any, court reporter, if any, and any necessary officers, shall proceed to the place, property, object, demonstration, or experiment to be viewed. The court shall be in session throughout the view. At the view, the court may permit testimony of witnesses. The proceedings at the view shall be recorded to the same extent as the proceedings in the courtroom.
Plain-English Summary
Sometimes photographs and testimony can't substitute for seeing the real thing. Section 651 lets the court order a "view" — sending the judge, jury (if any), court reporter, and any necessary officers out to look at property in dispute, the location where a relevant event occurred, or an object, demonstration, or experiment that can't reasonably be shown in the courtroom.
The view isn't a break from trial; it's part of it. The court stays in session throughout, may permit witness testimony at the site, and the reporter records everything to the same extent as courtroom proceedings.
Either side can ask for a view, or the court can order one without a request, but only when the court finds the view proper and likely to help the trier of fact decide the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request a view under § 651?
Either party may move for one, or the court may order it on its own motion.
What can be viewed?
The property that is the subject of the litigation, the place where a relevant event occurred, or an object, demonstration, or experiment that is relevant and can't reasonably be shown in the courtroom.
Is testimony allowed during the view?
Yes, the court may permit witness testimony at the site.
Is the view recorded?
Yes, the proceedings at the view are recorded to the same extent as courtroom proceedings.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 301.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:jury view of premises californiaview by trier of fact