California's trial courts consisted of superior and municipal courts, each with its own jurisdiction and number of judges. In June 1998, California voters approved Proposition 220, permitting the judges in each county to merge their superior and municipal courts into a "unified," or single, superior court. As of February 2001, all 58 counties have unified their trial courts.
The writ of attachment is not found in the small claims court. The small claims court is generally presided over by a justice of the peace or judge pro temp and is a summary method of expediting causes where the amount involved is less than $5,000. It is an abbreviated procedure heard informally without the presence of attorneys on either side and without formal pleadings. Writs of attachment and garnishment are denied the plaintiff. (Superior Wheeler C. Corp. v. Superior Count, et al, 203 Cal. 384)