In an action to enforce subdivision (a) of Section 14052, the court shall allow the prevailing plaintiff other than the state or political subdivision of the state, a reasonable attorney’s fee consistent with the standards established in Serrano v. Priest (1977) 20 Cal.3d 25, 48-49, and litigation expenses including, but not limited to, expert witness fees and expenses as part of the costs. A prevailing defendant shall not recover any costs, unless the court finds the action to be frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 235, Sec. 1. (SB 415) Effective January 1, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2018, pursuant to Section 14057.)

Terms Used In California Elections Code 14054

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Political subdivision: means a geographic area of representation created for the provision of government services, including, but not limited to, a city, a school district, a community college district, or other district organized pursuant to state law. See California Elections Code 14051