Judge Canter presides over
Dept. 7 in the Santa Maria
Miller Division.

Department 2 Links:

Judge Zel Canter

Born and raised in Ohio, Judge Zel Canter graduated from Northwestern University and the Ohio State University College of Law. He distinguished himself during his law school studies and was honored as a member of the Order of the Coif and as a Summa Cum Laude graduate.

Beginning his legal practice in San Francisco, Judge Canter came to Santa Barbara as a Deputy County Counsel in 1968. One year later he joined the Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office as a trial deputy. His legal experience also included a four year term as a Deputy District Attorney as well as a private law practice in Solvang, California from 1974 through 1981. In June, 1981, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. appointed Judge Canter to the Santa Barbara Superior Court bench (Santa Maria).