(a) Cases subject to arbitration Except as provided in (b), the following cases must be arbitrated: (1) In each superior court with 18 or more authorized judges, all unlimited civil cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000 as to any plaintiff; (2) In each superior court with fewer than 18 authorized judges that so provides by local rule, all unlimited civil cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000 as to any plaintiff; (3) All limited civil cases in courts

(a) General application The rules in this chapter prescribe the procedures for the management of all applicable court cases. These rules may be referred to as "the case management rules." (Subd (a) amended and lettered effective February 26, 2013; adopted as unlettered subd.) (b) Suspension of rules A court by local rule may exempt specified types or categories of general civil cases from the case management rules in this chapter, provided that the court has in place alternative procedures for case