Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette is observed. No shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses, hats, or headgear allowed. Exceptions will be made for religious clothing. No food or drink is permitted in the courtroom and all cellphones and wireless devices must be off and put away while in the courtroom.

Motions & Briefs

Motions must submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Motions are ruled on without oral hearing unless requested. 

Continuances

Continuances and extensions will be granted if reasonably possible with the understanding that all cases should be resolved within the time frames and guidelines of the Rules of Superintendence. Requests for continuances must be presented to the court a minimum of five (5) days prior to court dates. 

General

For most civil cases, the Court will refer the case for mediation shortly after it is assigned. If both parties participate in mediation and are unsuccessful, the Court will generally schedule the case for trial. If a party does not participate in mediation, a second attempt will occur. If unsuccessful, the Court will schedule the matter for trial.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

All parties, with or without counsel, need to be present unless excused by the Court. If the Court approves the absence of either party, the attorney should make sure their client can be reached to facilitate any settlement offer. Counsel are required to confer before the hearing pursuant to Local Court Rule 6.01 and to make sincere effort to settle the case.

Motions & Briefs

Motions are to be submitted timely with a proposed entry and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without an oral hearing unless requested. All motions will be reviewed and decided in a timely manner with extensions granted for good cause.

Discovery

The Court encourages the prosecutor to meet with the opposing counsel to discuss the case(s) and exchange any discovery requested prior to the court date.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Criminal defendants are to be present at all pretrial hearings unless otherwise excused by the Court. Counsel should be prepared to discuss their case(s) with the prosecutor and attempt to resolve the matter at the pretrial if at all possible. The Court is available to meet with the parties prior to the plea or to discuss negotiations, if needed.

General

The Court will allow attorneys to try their cases within the Rules of Evidence and without unnecessary interference from the Court.

Dates

Trial dates will be set by the Court/Bailiff with the approval of counsel. Trial date continuances will be granted providing it is within the rule and with approval of both counsels, preferably at least one (1) week prior to trial.
 

Jury Procedures

Jurors are permitted to inspect exhibits at trial and in the jury room. The jury is instructed by the Judge. Counsel is permitted to talk with jurors after the verdict is read. The Court generally seats two alternates in addition to the sworn jurors. All questioning during voir dire is limited to the seated jurors and not the entire pool.