The Civil Justice Reform Act Expense and Delay Reduction Pla

A SourcebookDavid Rauma & Donna StienstraFederal Judicial Center1995This Federal Judicial Center publication was undertaken in furtherance of the Center’s statutory mission to consearch and development for the improvement of judicial administration. The views expressed are those of the asarily those of the Federal Judicial Center. This publication was prepared with the assistance of Abel J. Mattos, Fand Mark S. Mishovsky of the Court Administration Policy Staff and Mark Shapiro of the Rules Committee Suistrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

iii

Contents

Introduction 1Abbreviations Used in the Tables 6Table 1: Service of Process 9Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference 15Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions 63Table 4: Differentiated Case Management 83Table 5: Disclosure 105Table 6: Discovery Requirements 131Table 7: Motions 179Table 8: Trial 205Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges 227Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation 241Table 11: Settlement Conferences 253Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution 269Table 13: Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods 285Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration 299Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions 309Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others 329Table 17: Implementation of the Plan 345Index of District Courts 359

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Introduction

This sourcebook is a reference for the civil case managementprocedures and techniques contained in the Civil Justice Reform Act (CJRA) expense and delay reduction plans adoptedby the U.S. district courts. The sourcebook’s seventeen tablessummarize that information in terms of common civil casemanagement elements, such as service of process, motions, andalternative dispute resolution (ADR). We have produced thissourcebook because of the federal judges’ and federal courtpractitioners’ high level of interest in case management techniques.

To create this sourcebook, a summary of each district’s

plan was drafted and sent to the clerk of court for that districtwith a request to review the summary for accuracy and completeness and to supplement it with citations to local court ruleswhen those rules rather then the CJRA plan address relevantdistrict practices. Clerks in ninety of the ninety-four courts reviewed and returned the summaries. All ninety-four districtsummaries are included in this sourcebook. The following staffof the Federal Judicial Center and the Administrative Officeprepared the initial summaries:

The sourcebook authors prepared the finpublished document. Naomi Medvin, SusSummers, Kim McLaurin, and Shannon OJudicial Center provided valuable assistan

This sourcebook appeared in a prelim

second appendix to a report submitted to ber 1, 1994, concerning the courts’ exption plans.1 This published version differs 

to Congress in that all revisions in respoviews have been completed.2

The tables in this sourcebook are be

view of the U.S. district courts’ CJRA duction plans. Readers who need requirements should not rely on these tabgal authority. For more information, inteconsult the CJRA advisory group reportlay reduction plans directly. The reports aon WESTLAW, and the plans may also bcompendium.3 The district courts are alsannual assessments of their criminal and termine whether additional actions may band delay in civil litigation.4 Interested r

individual courts for these assessments.

1 Judicial Conference of the United States, Civil JDevelopment and Implementation of Plans by Courts (Dec. 1994). Unlike Appendix I of the rorganizes the information from the plans into the ples and techniques set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 47more detailed set of categories derived from the issues addressed in the plans and from a general tices.2 A version of Appendix II that included all revCongress on March 1, 1995, and sent to the circexecutives of the circuit and district courts, the dCJRA advisory group chairs.3Civil Justice Expense and Delay Reduction Plantrict Courts (Lawyers Cooperative Publishing, Ap4 28 U.S.C. § 475.

Research Division, FJCDavid RaumaJohn ThawleyRobert NiemicShannon O’BrienCourt Administration Policy Staff, AOAbel J. MattosFrederick M. RussilloMark S. MishovskyRules Committee Support Office, AOMark Shapiro
2 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expens

Statutory Requirements of the CJRA

The Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 required each U.S.

district court to implement a civil justice expense and delayreduction plan that would “facilitate deliberate adjudication ofcivil cases on the merits, monitor discovery, improve litigationmanagement, and ensure just, speedy, and inexpensive resolutions of civil disputes.”5 Each district court developed its expense and delay reduction plan (or selected it from modelplans) after considering the recommendations of an advisorygroup formed in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 478. The members of each advisory group, appointed by the chief judge ofeach district court, were to include “attorneys and other personswho are representative of major categories of litigants in suchcourt, as determined by the chief judge of such court.”6

In formulating its recommendations, each advisory group

was to consider a variety of factors that included:

1. the condition of the civil and criminal dockets in the

district court;

2. trends in case filings and the demands placed on the

district court’s resources;

3. the principal causes of cost and delay in civil litigation

in the district court, given the court’s procedures andthe ways in which clients and attorneys conduct litigation; and

4. the extent to which costs and delays could be reduced

by better assessments of the impact of new legislationon the courts. 7

5 28 U.S.C. § 471.6 28 U.S.C. § 478(b).7 28 U.S.C. § 472(c)(1).

The Act, as codified at 28 U.S.C. § 

each district court to consider its advisordations and the following six principles ment and cost and delay reduction when p

1. systematic, differential treatmen

tailors the level of individualizemanagement to such criteria as camount of time reasonably needefor trial, and the judicial and otheand available for the preparation acase (28 U.S.C. § 473(a)(1));

2. early and ongoing control of t

through involvement of a judicia§ 473(a)(2));

3. for all cases that the court or an in

ficer determines are complex and ate cases, careful and deliberate mdiscovery/case management confsuch conferences (28 U.S.C. § 473

4. encouragement of cost-effective 

voluntary exchange of informatand their attorneys and through thdiscovery devices (28 U.S.C. § 47

5. conservation of judicial resource

consideration of discovery motionied by a certification that the moa reasonable and good faith efforwith opposing counsel on the mamotion (28 U.S.C. § 473(a)(5)); an

6. authorization to refer appropriate 

dispute resolution programs (28 U
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Section 473(b) of Title 28 further instructed the district

courts to consider for possible inclusion in their plans thesetechniques of litigation management and cost and delay reduction:

1. a requirement that counsel for each party to a case

jointly present a discovery/case management plan forthe case at the initial pretrial conference (28 U.S.C.§ 473(b)(1));

2. a requirement that each party be represented at each

pretrial conference by an attorney with authority tobind that party regarding all matters under discussionat the conference and all related matters (28 U.S.C.§ 473(b)(2));

3. a requirement that all requests for extensions of discovery deadlines or for postponement of the trial be

signed by the attorney and the party making the request (28 U.S.C. § 473(b)(3));

4. a program for the presentation of the legal and factual

basis of a case to a court-selected neutral evaluator ata nonbinding conference conducted early in the litigation (28 U.S.C. § 473(b)(4));

5. a requirement that, upon notice of the court, representatives of the parties with authority to bind them in

settlement discussions be present or available by telephone during any settlement conference (28 U.S.C.§ 473(b)(5)); and

6. any other techniques that the court considers appropriate after considering the advisory group’s recommendations (28 U.S.C. § 473(b)(6)).Ten district courts were designated by the Judicial Conference of the United States as pilot courts and were required to

include the six principles and guidelineexpense and delay reduction plans.8 The tFurthermore, the Judicial Conference wademonstration programs in five courts:9The statute required the demonstration District of Michigan and the Northern Dperiment with systems of differentiated ccourts in the Northern District of Califortrict of West Virginia, and the Western 8 Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 1required the pilot courts to maintain their programand the Judicial Conference to submit a report December 31, 1995, on the experience of the pilprovements Act of 1994 (Pub. L. No. 103-420) eto December 31, 1995, and the report date to Dece9 Id. at § 104.

Southern District of CaliforniaDistrict of DelawareNorthern District of GeorgiaSouthern District of New YorkWestern District of OklahomaEastern District of PennsylvaniaWestern District of TennesseeSouthern District of TexasDistrict of UtahEastern District of WisconsinNorthern District of CaliforniaWestern District of MichiganWestern District of MissouriNorthern District of OhioNorthern District of West Virginia
4 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expens

were also required to experiment with various methods of reducing cost and delay in civil litigation, including alternativedispute resolution.10

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 479, the Judicial Conference submitted a report to Congress on December 1, 1994, on the districts’ expense and delay reduction plans. As noted earlier, a

prepublication version of this sourcebook was the second appendix to that report.Patterns Among the District Plans

In formulating their recommendations, the CJRA advisory

groups were directed by Congress to examine and take accountof the conditions and practices in their respective districts.11Consequently, the expense and delay reduction plans that resulted from the advisory group recommendations and the workof the district courts are as varied in their content as the districts they represent. Yet, there are some distinct patternsamong the adopted plans that largely reflect the congressionaldirectives to consider various principles and techniques of litigation management. It should be noted that only the ten pilotcourts were required to include the six principles and guidelines of litigation management and cost and delay reduction intheir expense and delay reduction plans. Other districts werefree to consider them and adopt them if local conditions werejudged to be appropriate. But many districts already had localrules, standing orders, or other policies that included theseprinciples in varying degrees. Thus, the absence of a principleor guideline from a plan does not mean that that court rejectedit; that principle or guideline may already be reflected in district practices that are not described in the expense and delayreduction plan. It is for this reason that the tables include localrule citations, provided directly by the district courts.10 The Judicial Conference is required to submit a report to Congress nolater than December 31, 1995, on the experience of the demonstrationcourts. Id. at § 104(a).11 28 U.S.C. § 472(c)(1).

Regarding patterns among the plans, 

universal in their adoption of some form case-specific case management (see Tabhave created differentiated case managethat place cases into broad categories ogenerally have their own time frames for covery and trial as well as their own limlimits on the number of interrogatories anally every district that has a formal DCM sion of an expedited track, a standard track, and may have other, more specialiern District of Michigan has six DCM tracks for complex cases and a non-DCM assigned 10% of civil cases. This non-DCfor comparative analysis of DCM and nolitigation management as part of the stution program. Among those districts witthe vast majority subscribe to the princcase management, to be implemented thras case management plans jointly prepartheir attorneys, periodic status conferenconferences (see Tables 2 and 3).

Virtually all of the district courts au

alternative dispute resolution, and many more court-annexed programs (see TabAmong the most common ADR technisettlement conferences and mediation. In districts authorized under 28 U.S.C. § 65tory or voluntary programs of court-annedistricts allow parties to employ private may use arbitration.1212 The Federal Judicial Center and the CPR Institwill jointly publish the Sourcebook on Federal Ditlement Procedures, a court-by-court description grams. Based on the CJRA plans and a survey Sourcebook reflects developments under and subprovides substantially more detail than we do here
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Many courts have codified several additional concepts of

litigation management in their expense and delay reductionplans. One of the most common and oldest concepts is that ofan early, firm trial date, typically established during or soonafter the first discovery/case management conference (see Table 8). A number of courts have also adopted backup systemsfor ensuring that the trial date, once established, is postponedonly in the most extraordinary circumstances. Some of thesecourts have another judge try the case if the assigned judge isunavailable. Others offer litigants the choice of another date ortrial before a magistrate judge. Some districts exchange a firmtrial date for consent by parties to have their case handled andtried by a magistrate judge (see Tables 8 and 9).

Not quite as common as the firm trial date—though very

frequently found in the plans—is the requirement of a goodfaith effort to resolve discovery disputes before requesting judicial involvement (see Table 6). Most districts with this requirement also require that certification accompany thediscovery motion. Several districts require a good-faith effortto resolve the dispute and, if that effort is unsuccessful, a conference with a judge before the filing of a discovery motion.

Among the plans’ provisions for controlling discovery, the

most common provision is the adoption of schedules and timelimits for completing discovery. How these schedules anddeadlines are established varies greatly from court to court, butmany use the Rule 16 scheduling order to set them. Manycourts considered a requirement that attorneys and their clientsboth sign requests for extension of discovery deadlines (seeTable 6), and while some courts did adopt this requirement, agreater number rejected it.

The expense and delay reduction plans vary in their response to the principle of voluntary exchange of information

and the use of cooperative discovery devices (see Table 5).13 Atthe time many of the courts were writing their plans, proposedchanges to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 were pending.Some courts declined to take a position on voluntary disclo13 28 U.S.C. § 473(a)(4).

sure, choosing instead to wait for the outchanges. Other courts chose not to adopt rule. As a result, the information on disand not necessarily indicative of current pcourts.14

The tables in this sourcebook also su

regarding the duties of magistrate judges dures for handling pro se and prisoner litimiscellaneous other provisions of the eduction plans (see Table 15), and court others regarding rules of procedure, crimthe impact of new legislation (see Tablcontains information on the implementatidelay reduction plans, including whether local rule, general order, or a combinati17).14 For current information on the district courts’ Donna Stienstra, Implementation of Disclosure Courts (Federal Judicial Center, March 24, 1995 u
6 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expens

Abbreviations Used in the Tables

The following abbreviations are used throughout the tables

in this sourcebook.

CJRA Plan The district court’s CJRA expense and delay

reduction plan.

ADR Alternative dispute resolution.DCM Differentiated case management.IA The information is absent from the district

court’s CJRA plan.

CR The district court specifically rejects this

procedure or rule.

PD The district court’s CJRA plan notes that the

court’s provision predates the CJRA.

The expense and delay reduction plans differ markedly in

their content, as would be expected of plans formulated on thebasis of local issues and needs. Thus, one district court’s planmay not address issues that are dealt with in another court’splan. In the tables that follow, many of the entries contain theabbreviation IA, meaning that information on a particular topicis absent from a district’s plan. The fact that the information isabsent can mean any of several things. In many districts, thecase management principles and techniques described in thetables had been adopted and implemented before the CJRA.Consequently, these courts may have believed that this information was not pertinent, perhaps because it was described indetail in the CJRA advisory group’s report. Where it was possible to identify this situation in the expense and delay reduction plan, it is noted as PD (Predates the CJRA). Where it wasnot possible to identify this situation, IA is used. It is also possible that, based on the advisory group’

not believe that a change in district praadvisory group may in fact have recommbe made. When such a recommendation the expense and delay reduction plan, the its basis are described in the table. It is courts rejected some principles and tecsituation could be identified, it is noted aAgain, where it was not possible to idenused.The designation IA should not be rcourts had an obligation to include a pament practice in their plans. Only the ten quired to include the six principles outlother courts had the option of adopting Furthermore, some of the practices includnot addressed by the CJRA, but are incluwere found in the plans or are of interest t
CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 1: Service of Process

Earlier Than 120 Days?—Is the deadline for the service of the complaint earlier than 120 days?Show Cause Order Issued?—Is a show cause order issued?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherM.D. Ala. IA IAN.D. Ala. IA IAS.D. Ala. IA IAD. Alaska IA IAD. Ariz. For cases on the pro se prisoner track, the

maximum service date is pursuant to Fed. R. Civ.P. 4 or 60 days from the filing of the service order,whichever is later.

IA

E.D. Ark. IA IAW.D. Ark. IA IAC.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 5.1

IA The first request for an 

respond to the initial corequire court approval.Loc. R. 3.11.1

E.D. Cal. IA

Summary of Court Practices, at 3–4 (12/91)

IA
Table 1: Service of Process

10 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherN.D. Cal. Accelerated deadlines for serving complaints will

be included as part of the Case Management PilotProgram.General Order 34 § III A–B (1/1/92; Revised1/1/93, 12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IAGeneral Order 34 § III C (1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

S.D. Cal. IA IA All complaints must be 

Extensions will be granproof of service is not fdays after an extension clerk will prepare an orwithout prejudice and sdistrict judge for signatLoc. R. 4.1.b (12/91)

D. Colo. IA IAD. Conn. IA IAD. Del. IA IAD.D.C. No NoM.D. Fla. IA IA

Loc. R. 3.10 (7/1/84)

N.D. Fla. IA IA

Loc. R. 10 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 41.1(A) (Proposed)

S.D. Fla. IA IAM.D. Ga. IA IAN.D. Ga. IA IAS.D. Ga. IA IA IAD. Guam IA IAD. Haw. IA IAD. Idaho No IAC.D. Ill. IA IA
T

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherN.D. Ill. IA IAS.D. Ill. IA IAN.D. Ind. IA IAS.D. Ind. IA IAN.D. Iowa IA

Loc. R. 19(b)(1)(A)

IA

S.D. Iowa IA IAD. Kan. IA IAE.D. Ky. IA IAW.D. Ky. IA IAE.D. La. IA IA

Loc. R. 11.01E (5/89)

M.D. La. IA IAW.D. La. IA IA

Loc. R. 1.09 (5/89; RevLoc. R. 5.02 (5/89; Rev

D. Me. IA IA The Civil ICMS electro

programmed to identify of process is not made wAn order to show cause entered.

D. Md. IA IA

Loc. R. 103.8.a

D. Mass. IA

Loc. R. 4.1 (9/90)

IALoc. R. 4.1 (9/90; Revised 12/94)

E.D. Mich. IA IAW.D. Mich. IA IA

Loc. R. 33 (Revised 8/92)

D. Minn. IA IA
Table 1: Service of Process

12 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherN.D. Miss. IA IAS.D. Miss. IA IAE.D. Mo. IA IAW.D. Mo. IA IA IAD. Mont. IA IAD. Neb. IA IA

Loc. R. 4.1(a) (Revised 

D. Nev. IA

Loc. R. 160

IALoc. R. 160

D.N.H. IA IA The clerk may grant on

filing an answer; any fujudicial approval.

D.N.J. IA IAD.N.M. The deadline is 90 days. The case is dismissed unless good cause is shown

within 30 days.

E.D.N.Y. IA IAN.D.N.Y. Upon the filing of the complaint, the clerk will

issue an order to the plaintiff that requires serviceof process upon all defendants within 60 days.Loc. R. 4.1(b)

IA

S.D.N.Y. IA IAW.D.N.Y. IA IAE.D.N.C. IA IAM.D.N.C. IA IAW.D.N.C. IA IAD.N.D. IA IAD. N. Mar. I. IA IA
T

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherN.D. Ohio IA IAS.D. Ohio IA IAE.D. Okla. IA IAN.D. Okla. IA IAW.D. Okla. IA IAD. Or. IA

Loc. R. 210-1

IA

E.D. Pa. IA IA The court endorses the 

Advisory Group that thcompletion of service oreduced through amend4(j).

M.D. Pa. IA

Pa. R. Civ. P. 400

IA

W.D. Pa. IA IAD.P.R. IA IAD.R.I. IA IAD.S.C. IA

Loc. R. 7.02 (12/1/93)

IA

D.S.D. IA IA

Loc. R. 5.1 (1984)Loc. R. 5.2 (1992)

E.D. Tenn. IA IAM.D. Tenn. IA IAW.D. Tenn. IA IAE.D. Tex. IA IAN.D. Tex. IA

Loc. R. 3.1(g) (3/78; Revised 2/21/94)

IA
Table 1: Service of Process

14 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Earlier Than 120 Days? Show Cause Order Issued? OtherS.D. Tex. IA IAW.D. Tex. IA IAD. Utah IA IAD. Vt. IA IAD.V.I. IA IAE.D. Va. IA IA

Loc. R. 6(a) (1/80; Revised 2/89)

W.D. Va. IA IAE.D. Wash. IA IAW.D. Wash. IA IAN.D. W. Va. IA IAS.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 1.04

IA

E.D. Wis. IA

Loc. R. 10.01Loc. R. 19.01

IA

W.D. Wis. IA IAD. Wyo. IA

Loc. R. 6 (Revised 11/93)

IALoc. R. 41

The court will continue procedures for monitorresponses to complaintsits policy of obtaining sconsistently enforce coRelief will be granted ounavoidable hardship eextensions of time to rebe handled in the same extensions of time to rerequests. (See Table 6.)
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

Case Types Subject to Scheduling Requirements—What case types are subject to the scheduling requirementplan?Case Management Plan Required?—What is the required content of the case management plan and the timinsion?Case Management Conference Required?—Is a case management conference required, when is it held, what officer presides, and are the clients required to attend?Case Management Conference Topics—What topics are discussed at the case management conference?Scheduling Order Issued?—Is a scheduling order issued, when is it issued, and what is its content?Other—Are there are other relevant provisions?

District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

M.D. Ala. All civil cases Yes Yes These topics are

discussed:1. discovery cut-offs;2. dispositive motions;3. nondispositivemotions;4. trial dates; and5. factual and legalbasis of the case.

Yes

N.D. Ala. All civil cases are

subject to theschedulingrequirements exceptcertain case categoriesexempted in the localrules.

Litigants in all civilcases will be required tofile a proposeddiscovery/casemanagement plan,except when the case isunlikely to needdiscovery or the case is

A pretrial/schedulingconference is requiredin all cases except thoseexempted in the localrules.

Topics discussedinvolve settingdeadlines forcompletion of discoveryand scheduling casesfor trial within areasonable time afterthose deadlines have

Except as ordered by ajudge of the court in aparticular case, ascheduling order neednot be entered in thecategories of casesexempted under localrule from the
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

16 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 26.1

brought pro se bypersons in custody.

Loc. R. 26.1

expired. requirement of a

meeting of the parties.Loc. R. 26.1

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA D. Alaska The court will conduct

formal, face-to-facescheduling and planningconferences in allcomplex cases (bytelephone ifprearranged). Theconference will be heldwithin 120 days offiling (or 30 days of thecase being at issue).

The court rejected suchplans in routine cases(those subject to thepreliminary pretrialorder).Loc. R. 16.1 (1/3/95)

IALoc. R. 16.2 (1/3/95)

During conferencesheld in complex cases,the court will consideruse of ADR, staging ofmotion practice, andbifurcation of issues.

The conference held incomplex cases serves asthe outline for thescheduling and planningorder.

D. Ariz. All civil cases A joint proposed

scheduling order issubmitted by counselfor cases in the standardand complex tracks.

A case managementconference is requiredin all cases except thoseon the expedited track.

The scheduling orderand action deadlines arediscussed at the casemanagementconference.

A standard schedulingorder is issued.

E.D. Ark. IA

Loc. R. D-5 (3/14/85)

IA IA IA A scheduling order is

issued shortly after acase is filed.

W.D. Ark. Complex cases, at the

discretion of the court

A joint plan issubmitted to the courtby the attorneys 7 daysprior to the schedulingconferences. The CJRAplan does not specifythe content of the plan.

A schedulingconference will be heldwithin 30 days after theappearance of thedefendant or from thedate of the lastresponsive pleadings.

Topics include theappropriateness ofconsenting to amagistrate judge andany other mattersrelevant to a justdetermination of theaction.

The scheduling orderwill be issued within 7days after thescheduling conferenceand will establish theseintervals:1. disclosure ofwitnesses;2. discovery cut-offdate;3. amendment ofpleadings and joinder ofparties;
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. D-5 (3/84)

4. settlement conferencedate, if directed bycourt; and5. pretrial conferencedate, if directed bycourt.

C.D. Cal. Scheduling

requirements are at thediscretion of the trialjudge. (PD)

IALoc. R. 6.1Loc. R. 6.2Loc. R. 6.4

IA IA

Loc. R. 6.4

A scheduling order isissued at the discretionof the trial judge. (PD)

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 240(c) (10/84;Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 240(a) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 240(b) (10/84;Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 240(a) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Summary of CourtPractices, at 3–5 (12/91)

IALoc. R. 240(a) (10/84;Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 240 (10/84;Revised 5/91) Summaryof Court Practices, at56–57 (12/91)

N.D. Cal. Judges will participate

in the CaseManagement PilotProgram on a volunteerbasis.

Counsel are required tomeet, confer, andprepare a casemanagement proposal(using a standardchecklist of topics) aspart of the CaseManagement PilotProgram. The proposalwill cover these topics:1. the principal factualand legal issues indispute;2. ADR;3. jurisdiction by amagistrate judge;4. disclosure;5. motions;6. discovery; and7. schedules for joinderof additional parties,filing of motions,

The case managementconference will be heldas part of the CaseManagement PilotProgram.

These topics will bediscussed:1. the principal factualand legal issues indispute;2. ADR;3. jurisdiction by amagistrate judge;4. disclosure;5. motions;6. discovery; and7. schedules for joinderof additional parties,filing of motions,supplementation ofdisclosure, futureconferences, the filingof papers for the finalpretrial conference, andtrial.

Shortly after theconference, the courtwill issue a casemanagement ordermemorializing alldecisions made and allstipulations entered.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

18 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

General Order 34Appendix A–B (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

supplementation ofdisclosure, futureconferences, the filingof papers for the finalpretrial conference, andtrial.General Order 34§§ VII–IX (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

General Order 34 § X(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

General Order 34 § X(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

General Order 34 § XI(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/9312/1/93, 1/18/94)

S.D. Cal. IA IA An early neutral

evaluation conference isscheduled to be heldwithin 45 days of thefiling of an answer.Counsel and partiesmeet with a judicialofficer. A casemanagement conferenceis to be held within 30days after the earlyneutral evaluationconference. For cases inwhich nonbindingarbitration or mediationis considered or held,the conference is to beheld within 60 days.

These topics arediscussed at the casemanagementconference: claims anddefenses, discovery andthe resolution ofdiscovery disputes,principal witnesses,case complexity,motions, expertwitnesses, settlement,ADR alternatives, andany special factors.Loc. R. 16.1 (12/91)

A case managementorder is issued thatincludes a statement ofthe issues, a discoveryschedule, dates forfuture case managemenconferences, dates forthe identification ofexpert witnesses,deadlines for pretrialmotions, and a firmpretrial conference dateLoc. R. 16.1 (12/91)

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 16.2 (Revised4/15/94)

IALoc. R. 4.1 (Revised4/15/94)

A schedulingconference is heldwithin 45 days after thedefendant enters a courtappearance.Loc. R. 16.2(A)(Revised 4/15/94)

These topics arediscussed at the casemanagementconference: discovery,motions, and settlementconferences.Loc. R. 29.1 (Revised4/15/94)

YesLoc. R. 16.2(A)(Revised 4/15/94)
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

D. Conn. At the court’s discretion

the court will order thesystematic, differentialtreatment of civil casesso as to tailor the casemanagement to thecase’s complexity,length, and resourcerequirements.

IA IA IA IA

Standing Order onScheduling in CivilCases (1986; Revised5/1/89)Loc. R. 11(a)2

D. Del. All civil cases except

those exempted by localruleLoc. R. 16.3 (Revised1/95)

In complex cases, thecourt can:1. order separate trialsor staged resolution ofcertain issues;2. set early dates forjoinder of parties;3. make use ofmagistrate judges toresolve disputes;4. limit discovery;5. set a schedule forexpert testimony; and6. limit the time forpresentation ofevidence.Parties will file reportson the status ofdiscovery andprocedural matters.Loc. R. 16.1 (Revised1/95)

Conferences will bescheduled asappropriate to discussissues of contention,discovery, settlement,and scheduling.Loc. R. 16.2(b)(Revised 1/95)

These topics arediscussed at the casemanagementconference: discovery,settlement, andscheduling issues ofcontention.Loc. R. 16(2)(b)(Revised 1/95)

A scheduling order willbe issued that includesthe date to terminatediscovery, dates to filemotions, the date for apretrial conference, ifappropriate, and thedate for trial, ifappropriate.Loc. R. 16(2)(b)(Revised 1/95)

D.D.C. The court will

determine whichcategories of cases willbe exempt from thescheduling conferencerequirement.

Counsel must file astatement within 10days of the meet andconfer conference thatdescribes anyagreements ordisagreements on these12 points:1. track assignment;2. date by which otherparties will be joined orpleadings revised;3. whether the case canbe assigned to a

Counsel will meetwithin 15 days or theappearance of thedefendant, the firstfiling of an answer, orany motion by thedefendant. The plandoes not prohibittelephone conferences,nor does it specify thatclients must be present.

Counsel will discuss the12 points of the casemanagement statementdue 10 days after theconference.

After conferring withparties at the firstscheduling conference,the judge will determinetrack assignment andlimits on discovery, ifany, and issue ascheduling order.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

20 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 206(b) (3/1/94)

magistrate judge for allpurposes;4. whether there is arealistic possibility ofsettlement;5. whether the case cango to ADR;6. whether the case canbe resolved onsummary judgment ormotion to dismiss;7. whether the partiescan agree on exchangeof information andother discovery issues;8. dates for exchange ofexpert witnessinformation;9. if a class action,appropriate proceduresfor dealing proceedingsunder Fed. R. Civ. P.23;10. whether the trialand/or discovery can bebifurcated or managedin phases;11. the date for thepretrial conference; and12. whether the courtshould set a firm trialdate at the firstscheduling conference.Loc. R. 206(d) (3/1/94)

Loc. R. 206(a) (3/1/94)Loc. R. 206(c) (3/1/94) Loc. R. 206(c) (3/1/94)

Loc. R. 206(a) (3/1/94)Loc. R. 206(c) (3/1/94)

M.D. Fla. The plan directs the

repeal of former localrules governing casemanagement andadoption of a new Loc.R. 3.05 that formallyestablishes case tracksand formally definescase managementprocedures associatedwith each track.

The revised version ofLoc. R. 3.05 requires acase managementReport in track 2 and 3cases. A Joint CaseManagement Reportform to be used byparties is provided bythe clerk with a Noticeof Track Designationform shortly after casefiling. The report mustcover many topics,

Case managementconferences are held fortrack 2 and 3 cases, inorder to discuss the casemanagement report.

IA The revised version of

Loc. R. 3.05 providesfor issuance of a casemanagement andscheduling order intrack 2 and 3 cases. Thecase management andscheduling order willestablish a discoveryplan and schedule ofdates, including anyneeded additionalpreliminary pretrial
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

including thoseaddressed in Loc. R.3.05. Counsel andunrepresented partiesmust meet for thepurpose of preparingthe case managementreport within 60 daysafter service of thecomplaint upon anydefendant, or the firstappearance of anydefendant. The casemanagement reportmust be filed within 10days after the meeting.

conferences in track 3cases, as well as finalpretrial conferences andtrial dates (or dates afterwhich they may bescheduled on 20 daysnotice) in track 2 and 3cases. The casemanagement andscheduling order mayalso address otherissues raised in the casemanagement report.

N.D. Fla. All civil cases except

those on theadministrative trackLoc. R. 20 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 16.1(A)(Proposed)Loc. R. 16.1(C)(Proposed)Loc. R. 26.1 (Proposed)

Counsel must file ajoint plan regardingdiscovery and casemanagement prior tothe beginning of thediscovery periodestablished in the initialscheduling order.Loc. R. 16.1 (Proposed)

A case managementconference is held at thecourt’s discretion, basedon the jointdiscovery/casemanagement plan.Standing Order (7/94)

If a conference is held,the topic of discussionis the joint discoveryand case managementplan submitted bycounsel: The discussionwill focus on:1. the nature and basisof any claims;2. the possibility ofsettlement;3. a proposed timetableand deadlines;4. an alternativediscovery plan;5. expected trial dateand estimated length oftrial;6. whether the case iscomplex; and7. other unique matters.

A uniform schedulingorder is issued. (PD)Loc. R. 16.1 (Proposed)

S.D. Fla. Scheduling

requirements aremandatory in all civilcases, except in the casetypes listed belowwhere schedulingrequirements are at thejudge’s discretion:1. cases filed in or

IA The judge may hold a

scheduling conferencewith the parties prior toentering a schedulingorder. In addition, Loc.R. 14 requires parties tomeet within 20 daysafter the filing of theanswer (or within 60

IA The judge will issue a

scheduling order within40 days after the filingof an answer or within120 days after the filingof the complaint(whichever occursfirst). The schedulingorder will include a date
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

22 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

removed to the districton or before the date ofadoption of the plan;2. habeas corpus cases;3. prisoner civil rightscases;4. motions to vacatesentence under 28U.S.C. § 2255;5. Social Security cases;6. foreclosures matters;7. civil forfeitureactions;8. IRS summonsenforcement actions;9. bankruptcyproceedings, includingappeals and adversaryproceedings;10. land condemnationcases;11. default proceedings;12. student loan cases;13. V.A. loanoverpayment cases;14. naturalizationproceedings filed ascivil actions;15. cases seekingreview of administrativeagency action;16. statutoryinterpleader actions;17. Truth-in-LendingAct cases not brought asclass actions;18. Labor ManagementRelations Act andERISA actions seekingrecovery for unpaidemployee welfarebenefit and pensionfunds; and19. any other caseexpressly exempted bycourt order.(The list of exemptedcases was revised on

days after the filing ofthe complaint) toexchange documentsand agree on adiscovery schedule.(This requirement wasrevised on 2/15/93.)

certain for thefollowing:1. completion of alldiscovery;2. filing all pretrialmotions;3. resolution of pretrialmotions;4. the pretrialconference (if one is tobe held); and5. date of trial.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

2/15/93.)Loc. R. 16.1(B)9(2/15/93) Loc. R. 16.1(B) Loc. R. 16.1(B)7 

M.D. Ga. IA

Loc. R. 4.1c (6/2/93)

IALoc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93)

Local rule provides thatcase managementconferences may beheld at the judge’sdiscretion. The localrules will be revised toinclude the provisionthat if a judge has notsought a conference andan attorney desires sucha conference, the judgemay be presumed tohave invited a motionrequesting theconference.

IALoc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93)

IALoc. R. 4.1b (6/2/93)

N.D. Ga. All civil cases except

those assigned to thefirst DCM track (0months for discovery)

Counsel will have anopportunity to set fortha specific discoveryplan for a case, ifneeded.

IALoc. R. 235-3 (1/1/85;Revised 7/1/92)

IA PD 
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

24 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

S.D. Ga. All cases except those

exempted by local ruleLoc. R. 8.5 (1/82);Revised (6/94);Renumbered Loc. R.16.1

A discovery plan isrequired in complexcases; 4 months fordiscovery is thestandard period in allother cases.Loc. R. 7.1 and 8.5(1/82); Revised (6/94);Renumbered Loc. R. 26

Case management,status, and pretrialconferences are held atthe discretion of thecourt. (PD)Loc. R. 8.1 and 8.2(1/82); Loc. R. 8.5(added 6/94); Revised(6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 16.1, 16.2, 16.5

IALoc. R. 8.1 (1/82); Loc.R. 8.5 (Revised 6/94);Renumbered Loc. R.16.1, 16.2

A scheduling order isissued by the clerk.(PD)Loc. R. 6.6, 7.1, 8.5(1/82); Revised (6/94);Renumbered Loc. R.7.4, Loc. R. 16.1, Loc.R. 26, Loc. R. 56.1

D. Guam All civil cases are

subject to thisrequirement except:1. actions filed by or onthe behalf of convictedprisoners, pretrialdetainees, or otherpersons confined in aterritorial or federalinstitution challengingthe validity or theconditions ofconfinement; and2. an action challengingthe validity of acriminal conviction orsentence.

A scheduling ordermust be filed within 75days of the filing of thecomplaint. The orderwill address theseissues:1. the nature of the case;2. the posture of thecase including hearings,motions, and discovery;3. either the adoptionand incorporation of adiscovery plan as partof the scheduling order,or any modifications ofthe time for disclosuresunder Fed. R. Civ. P.26(a) and Fed. R. Civ.P. 26(e)(1), any changesto the discoverylimitations imposed bythe local rules and theFed. R. Civ. P., and adescription andschedule of all pretrialdiscovery each partyintends to initiate priorto the close ofdiscovery;4. the following dates:a. a proposed datelimiting the joinder ofparties and claims;b. a proposed datelimiting the filing ofmotions to amend the

The parties will meetwithin 15 days ofreceipt of the clerk’sscheduling notice forthese purposes:1. exchange alldocuments thenreasonably availableand which arecontemplated to beused;2. exchange preliminaryschedules of discovery;3. exchange any otherevidence thenreasonably available;4. exchange witnesslists;5. discuss settlement;6. discuss whether thecase is sufficientlycomplicated to usesome or all of theprocedures in theManual for ComplexLitigation; and7. discuss the contentsand preparation of thescheduling order.

The parties will meetwithin 15 days ofreceipt of the clerk’sscheduling notice forthese purposes:1. exchange alldocuments thenreasonably availableand which arecontemplated to beused;2. exchange preliminaryschedules of discovery;3. exchange any otherevidence thenreasonably available;4. exchange witnesslists;5. discuss settlement;6. discuss whether thecase is sufficientlycomplicated to usesome or all of theprocedures in theManual for ComplexLitigation; and7. discuss the contentsand preparation of thescheduling order.

The clerk will issue ascheduling notice nolater than 40 days afterthe complaint is filed.The Notice will setforth the date on whichthe scheduling orderwill be filed and thedate for the schedulingconference.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

pleadings;c. the assigned date forthe required schedulingconference with thedistrict judge;d. discovery cut-offdates (defined as thelast day to fileresponses to discovery);e. discovery anddispositive motion cutoff dates (the last day tofile motions);f. pretrial conferencedates;g. dates for filing thepretrial statement,memoranda ofcontentions of fact andlaw, joint exhibit lists,witness lists, and theproposed joint pretrialorder as required byLoc. R. 237; andh. the trial date, whichin no event will be laterthan 18 months after thecomplaint is filed,unless the courtotherwise allows;5. the prospects forsettlement;6. whether the trial isjury or nonjury;7. the number of trialdays required;8. the names of trialcounsel;9. whether the partiesdesire to submit thecase to a settlementconference early in thelitigation ;10. suggestions forshortening trial;11. any other issuesaffecting the status ormanagement of the
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

26 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 235-2 (1983;Revised 5/31/94)

case; and12. a proposeddiscovery plan.

Loc. R. 235-5 (1983;Revised 5/31/94,9/12/94)

Loc. R. 235-5 (1983;Revised 5/31/94,9/12/94)

Loc. R. 235-3(c) (1983;Revised 5/12/94,9/12/94) 

D. Haw. All civil cases

Loc. R. 235-3 (11/91)

A plan is not requiredbut may be consideredin complex cases. (PD)

A schedulingconference is heldwithin 90 days of thefiling of the complaint.(PD)Loc. R. 235-5 (11/91)Loc. R. 235-6 (11/91)

The topics discussed atthe schedulingconference are those inthe standard schedulingconference order. (PD)Loc. R. 235-4 (11/91)

A scheduling order isissued at the schedulingconference. (PD)Loc. R. 235-4 (11/91)

D. Idaho All standard civil cases

are subject to the newschedulingrequirements. At thetime of filing of thecomplaint, the clerk willnotify the parties whichjudge is assigned to thecase and send a formthat lists the next actiondates and therequirements of the firstscheduling conference.Complex cases will beexempted from theserequirements and thecourt will follow theprocedures set forth inthe Manual forComplex Litigation.

Attorneys will berequired tocommunicate withrespect to the issuescovered at thescheduling conference,prepare a detailedlitigation plan, andsubmit it to the court 7days prior to thescheduling conference.

A schedulingconference will be heldand a scheduling orderissued within 90 daysafter the appearance ofa defendant and within120 days after thecomplaint has beenserved on a defendant.(This is a revision of theCJRA Plan.)

A series of next actiondates will be establishedat the schedulingconference, includingdates for the followingevents:1. service of process;2. answer;3. schedulingconference;4. scheduling order;5. status conference;6. trial date, motionsdeadlines, anddiscovery deadlines;7. motion briefingdeadlines;8. motion dispositiongoal;9. settlementconference; and10. pretrial conference.

A scheduling order willbe issued and willprovide time frames forthe following:1. joinder of parties andamendment ofpleadings;2. discovery cut-offdate;3. disclosure ofwitnesses, includingexperts;4. filing of dispositivemotions cut-off date;5. number and length ofdepositions;6. trial date andestimated length oftrial;7. settlement conferencedate;8. status conferencedate; and9. pretrial conferencedate, if necessary.A scheduling order maybe inappropriate inprisoner habeas corpusand mandamus, SocialSecurity, assetforfeiture/penalty,student loan, recoveryof overpayment,Medicare, andbankruptcy appealcases. Consideration
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1(a)(Revised 7/94)

Loc. R. 16.1(a)(Revised 7/94)

Loc. R. 16.1(a)(Revised 7/94)

should be given at thistime to theappropriateness ofreferral to a magistratejudge, the suitability ofADR, application of theManual for ComplexLitigation, and anyother matters conduciveto a just and efficientdetermination of theaction.Loc. R. 16.1(a)(Revised 7/94)

C.D. Ill. Complex civil cases,

such as multitort actionsand civil rights casesLoc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

IALoc. R. 2.11 (1/92;Revised 1/94)

A pretrial schedulingconference is alreadyrequired; a list ofspecific topics will beadded to the agenda ofthis conference.Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

These topics arediscussed at thescheduling conference:1. a firm deadline forrevised pleadings;2. a firm deadline forjoining additionalparties;3. a discovery calendarof deadlines, includinga deadline fordisclosure of expertwitnesses;4. early resolution ofinitial dispositivemotions;5. a schedule for thefiling of dispositivemotions; and6. the availability ofsettlement assistancethrough settlementconference or summarytrial.Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

IALoc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

N.D. Ill. PD PD PD PD PD 
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

28 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00B(6/26/85)

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00B(6/26/85)

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00B(6/26/85)

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A(6/26/85)

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A(6/26/85)

S.D. Ill. All civil cases are

subject to the setting ofthe presumptive trialdate, but cases in trackA are exempt from therequirements of pretrialand settlementconferences unless thejudicial officerdetermines that thecomplexity of the caseso warrants.

A plan for themanagement ofdiscovery is entered atthe initial pretrial andscheduling conference.

Cases in track A areexempt from therequirement of a pretrialand schedulingconference, unless thejudicial officerdetermines that thecomplexity of the caseso warrants.

These topics arediscussed at the initialpretrial and schedulingconference:1. the possibility ofsettlement;2. the possibility ofvoluntary ADR;3. the complexity of thecase and, if tried, theapproximate number ofdays needed tocomplete the testimony;4. confirmation of thepresumptive trial date;5. a cut-off date forcompletion of alldiscovery;6. a plan for themanagement ofdiscovery;7. the issues and how toformulate, simplify, andnarrow them;8. deadlines foramendments to thepleadings;9. the filing of potentialmotions and a schedulefor their disposition;10. the approximatedate of the settlementconference;11. the approximatedate of the final pretrialconference;12. the possibility ofreferring matters to amagistrate judge;13. the advisability ofone or more additionalcase managementconferences; and

The actions taken at theinitial pretrial andscheduling conferencewill be incorporatedinto a pretrialscheduling anddiscovery order thatwill be modified onlyby order of the court.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 11 (5/92;Revised 3/94)

Loc. R. 11(b) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

Loc. R. 11(b) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

14. any other proceduralissues that the judicialofficer determines to beappropriate.Loc. R. 11(b) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

Loc. R. 11(c) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

N.D. Ind. IA The court declined to

adopt such arequirement. Judicialofficers will consider itin appropriate cases.Attorneys shouldconsider agreeing tosuch a plan.

IA The discussion at the

conference will includethese topics:1. whether there is anissue of jurisdictionover subject matter orthe person, orconcerning venue;2. whether all partieshave been properlydesignated and served;3. whether all counselhave filed appearances;4. whether any issueexists concerningjoinder of parties orclaims;5. whether any partycontemplates addingfurther parties;6. the factual bases andlegal theories for theclaims and defenses inthe case;7. the type and extent ofdamages being sought;8. whether any questionexists concerningappointment of aguardian at litem, nextfriend, administrator,executor, receiver, ortrustee;9. the extent ofdiscovery undertaken todate;10. the extent andtiming of anticipatedfuture discovery,including a proposedschedule;

The scheduling orderwill include deadlinesset at the initial pretrialconference(amendments topleadings, joinder ofparties, completion ofdiscovery, designationof expert witnesses, andthe filing of dispositivemotions). The judicialofficer will considerwhether some types ofcases (exempted fromthe issuance of ascheduling order bylocal rule) should beincluded in spite of theexemption.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

30 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

11. identification ofanticipated witnesses orpersons known to havepertinent information;12. whether anydiscovery disputes areanticipated;13. the time reasonablyexpected to be requiredfor completion of alldiscovery;14. the existence andprospect of any pretrialmotions, includingdispositive motions;15. whether a trial byjury has been demandedin a timely fashion;16. whether it would beuseful to separateclaims, defenses, orissues for trial ordiscovery;17. whether relatedactions in any court arepending orcontemplated;18. the estimated timerequired for trial;19. whether specialverdicts will be neededat trial and, if so, theissues verdict formswill have to address;20. a report onsettlement prospects;21. the advisability ofcourt-ordered mediationor early neutralevaluation;22. the advisability ofuse of a court-appointedexpert or master to aidin administration orsettlement efforts; and23. whether the partiesare willing to consent totrial by a magistrate
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1(b)Loc. R. 16.1(c)Loc. R. 16.1(d) Loc. R. 16.1(d)

judge.Loc. R. 16.1(d)

S.D. Ind. All cases except those

exempted pursuant toLoc. R. 16.1(b):Social Security casesfiled under 42 U.S.C.§ 405(g); applicationsfor writs of habeascorpus under 28 U.S.C.§ 2254; motions tovacate sentence under28 U.S.C. § 2255; civilforfeiture cases; IRSsummons cases andsummary proceedings;bankruptcy matters;land condemnationcases; naturalizationproceedings filed ascivil cases; cases under42 U.S.C. § 1983 pro seby prisoners; V.A.overpayment cases;student loan cases; outof-district subpoenacases; HUDoverpayment cases;mortgage foreclosures;and any other caseexempted by the judgefrom the schedulingorder procedure of Loc.R. 16.1(b).Loc. R. 16.1

The order setting theinitial pretrialconference will requirecounsel for all parties toconfer and prepare acase management planand file such plan atleast 15 days before thepretrial conference.After the filing of anacceptable casemanagement plan, thecourt may adopt theplan, ordering itperformed and vacatingthe order for theconference. Such anorder will also set afirm trial date. Theinitial pretrialconference and the casemanagement plan willaddress the followingmatters: trial date,contentions of theparties, the discoveryschedule, witnesses andexhibits, accelerateddiscovery, limits ondepositions, motions,stipulations, bifurcation,ADR, settlement,referral to a magistrate,amendments to thepleadings, joinder ofadditional parties,interim pretrialconferences, andadministrative matters.Loc. R. 16.1

An initial pretrialconference will be heldno more than 120 daysafter the filing of thecomplaint. After thefiling of an acceptablecase management planthe court may vacate theorder for theconference. If a plan isnot filed or if the planfails materially tocomply with the orderor reflects a materialdisagreement among theparties, the court mayconduct the conferenceand, afterward, enter anorder reflecting mattersordered and agreed to atthe conference andsetting a firm trial date.The court may alsoissue an order withoutfurther hearing,adopting the acceptableportions of the plan andsupplying omitted ordisputed matters,vacating the conferenceorder, and setting a firmtrial date.

The initial pretrialconference and the casemanagement plan willaddress the followingmatters: trial date,contentions of theparties, the discoveryschedule, witnesses andexhibits, accelerateddiscovery, limits ondepositions, motions,stipulations, bifurcation,ADR, settlement,referral to a magistrate,amendments to thepleadings, joinder ofadditional parties,interim pretrialconferences, andadministrative matters.Loc. R. 16.1

A scheduling order maybe issued by the court ifthe parties have failedto submit an acceptableplan. The order wouldaddress the mattersordinarily addressed bythe case managementplan: trial date,contentions of theparties, the discoveryschedule, witnesses andexhibits, accelerateddiscovery, limits ondepositions, motions,stipulations, bifurcationADR, settlement,referral to a magistrate,amendments to thepleadings, joinder ofadditional parties,interim pretrialconferences, andadministrative matters.Loc. R. 16.1
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

32 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

N.D. Iowa IA

Loc. R. 16(b)(3)

IALoc. R. 16(b)(1)

IA IA IA 

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA IA IA D. Kan. IA IA The district judge

assigned to a case willdecide, alone or inconjunction with amagistrate judge,whether or not an initialscheduling conferenceis necessary to controlthe cost and duration ofdiscovery.

IA The judges and

magistrates in eachdistrict office willjointly establish aprocedure for the entryof an initial schedulingorder tailored toparticular cases. If aninitial schedulingconference has beenheld, this order will bereviewed, modified, andentered after theconference. The initialscheduling order willaddress these issues:1. whether or notlimited discovery wouldhelp the court resolvesubstantive issues andnarrow the scope ofremaining discovery;2. how dispositivemotions can be filed at
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

the earliest possibleopportunity;3. whether documentscan be exchangedwithout a formaldiscovery request;4. whether or not issuesshould be bifurcated;5. potential dispositiveor discovery issues;6. the placing of casesin categories for casemanagement;7. the setting of a datefor the final pretrialconference and trial;and8. the best time toconsider mediation orsettlement.

E.D. Ky. All civil cases except

prisoner civil rights,habeas corpus,extraordinary writs, andU.S. cases, such asstudent loan andforfeiture cases.

IA There will be a

mandatory statusconference early in thelitigation.

The following topicsare discussed at thestatus conference:1. limiting the numberof interrogatories anddepositions;2. limiting the numberof expert witnesses;3. discovery deadlines;4. dispositive motiondeadlines;5. identification of allwitnesses, experts, andexhibits; and6. the final pretrialconference and a firmtrial date.

IA

W.D. Ky. The court currently

exempts these casesfrom the requirementsof Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b):habeas corpus cases,pro se prisoner civilrights cases, SocialSecurity cases, and civilpenalty cases.

The court endorses theconcept of a casemanagement plan asproposed by theAdvisory Group andwill study further thisrecommendation forways to improve currentpractices. The court

A conference isrequired, pursuant toFed. R. Civ. P. 16. (PD)

The topics are thoseoutlined in Fed. R. Civ.P. 16. (PD)

A scheduling order isissued pursuant to Fed.R. Civ. P. 16. (PD)
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

34 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 22

anticipates that thedistrict judges willimplement the casemanagement planrequirement in differentways.General Order (EOD2/1/94)

E.D. La. All civil cases not

exempted by local rule

No statement or plan isrequired by the CJRAplan; case managementissues are resolved atthe preliminaryconference.

Within 10 days after allparties have entered anappearance, the courtwill issue an orderscheduling apreliminary conferenceto be held no later than20 days after theissuance of the order.The conference will beconducted by thedistrict judge or thecourtroom deputy (casemanager). Thisconference may beconducted by telephone.

The preliminaryconference will:1. provide for an earlyneutral evaluation;2. establishrequirements anddeadlines for disclosureof witnesses, documentsand other exhibits,damage computations,and insuranceagreements;3. establish discoverydeadlines;4. establish deadlinesfor filing of motions,amending pleadings,and adding parties;5. establish deadlinesfor exchange of reportsof expert witnesses;6. determine whetherdiscovery can belimited below the limitsestablished by the Fed.R. Civ. P. or whetherdiscovery might exceedthose limits;7. the possibility ofsettlement and the needand date for any futuresettlement conference;8. establish final pretrialconference and trialdates, with the trial dateto be no later than 9months after thepreliminary conference,unless required by the

The court will issue ascheduling andmanagement orderfollowing thepreliminary conference.The order will set outall disclosurerequirements anddeadlines, discoverydeadlines and limits, ifany, and final pretrialconference and trialdates. Theserequirements and datesare to be established atthe preliminaryconference.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 3.00E (12/93) Loc. R. 6.07E (12/93)

complexity of the case;and9. discuss any othermatters appropriate forthe effectivemanagement of thecase.

M.D. La. All civil cases are

subject to schedulingrequirements except:1. student loan cases;2. bankruptcy appeals;3. motions to vacate asentence;4. habeas corpuspetitions;5. prisoner cases filedunder 42 U.S.C. § 1983;and6. Social Securityappeals.

Yes (PD) Yes These topics are

discussed at the casemanagementconference:1. early neutralevaluation;2. discovery deadlines;3. deadlines for motionsadding parties andamending pleadings;4. deadlines forexchange of expertwitness reports;5. the limits ofpermissible discovery;6. the possibility ofsettlement and the needfor a settlementconference;7. the dates for the finalpretrial conference andthe completion of thecase; and8. all other appropriatematters.

A uniform schedulingorder is issued.

W.D. La. All civil cases, except

those exempted aspermitted by Fed. R.Civ. P. 16

IA A scheduling

conference will be heldwithin 120 days fromservice of the lastdefendant or within 90days from the firstappearance of the lastdefendant, whichever islater. Trial counsel foreach party are requiredto attend.

These topics arediscussed at thescheduling conference:trial schedule, discoveryapproach and deadline,settlement, ADR, andtracking. Prior to theconference, counsel willexchange writtenwitness and documentlists that conform torequirements describedin the CJRA Plan.

A detailed schedulingorder will be issuedafter the conference,setting deadlines for allaspects of the case.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

36 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

D. Me. A proposed scheduling

order will be issued inall cases except SocialSecurity disabilitycases, habeas corpuspetitions, bankruptcyappeals, asbestos trackcases, and any othercase or category ofcases as a judicialofficer may order.

A proposed discoveryand motion plan isrequired in all complextrack cases and in thosestandard track cases inwhich counsel seek toalter any schedulingdeadline.

In complex cases andany other appropriatecases, a discovery/casemanagementconference, or series orconferences, will beheld.

The agenda for theinitial conference willinclude the followingtopics: narrowing thecase to its essentialissues, sequencing andlimiting discovery andmotion practice, a trialdate, all legal issues,settlement, ADRoptions, consenting totrial before a magistratejudge, and the date ofthe next conference.During the conferencethe judicial officer willbe aggressive inexploring theadvisability and utilityof ADR, ascertainingthe actual discoveryneeds and costs, andimposing discoverylimits and deadlines.

The proposedscheduling order inadministrative,standard, and prisonercivil rights track caseswill limit the time tojoin other parties,amend pleadings, fileand hear motions, directthe parties to exchangewritten settlementpapers by certain dates,and identify the monthin which the case willbe ready for trial. Inaddition, the proposedscheduling order instandard track caseswill set limits on theamount of discoveryand complete otherpretrial preparation. Thescheduling order inState of Maine/PineTree Legal Protocoltrack cases will containthe items in the protocodescribed in thememorandum ofagreement executed byPine Tree LegalAssistance, Inc. and theMaine AttorneyGeneral’s Office. Theproposed schedulingorder in administrative,standard, and prisonercivil rights track caseswill be issued as soonas possible but no laterthan 120 days after thefiling of the complaint.The scheduling order inState of Maine/PineTree Legal Protocoltrack cases will beissued upon the filing ofthe proposed scheduling
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16 (8/1/93)

Loc. R. 17(b)(3)(4)(8/1/93)Loc. R. 17(c)(2)(3)(8/1/93)

Loc. R. 17(b)(2)Loc. R. 17(c)(1) Loc. R. 17L(c)(4)(5)

order that is to besubmitted within 10days of service of thecomplaint. Unless aparty files an objectionto a proposedscheduling order within10 days of its filing, theorder will become thescheduling order of thecourt as required byFed. R. Civ. P. 16(b).Loc. R. 16

D. Md. All civil cases are

subject to schedulingrequirements in oneform or another. Caseswith no discoveryrequirements (e.g.,habeas corpus petitions,motions under 28U.S.C. § 2255, SocialSecurity cases, andmortgage foreclosures)will have a briefingschedule established fordispositive motions.Routine cases will havea scheduling orderentered.Complex cases willhave a schedulingconference.

IA A case management

conference is held incomplex cases.

Trial dates arediscussed at the casemanagementconference.

Yes 

D. Mass. All civil actions are

subject to schedulingrequirements, except asexempted by local rule.

Counsel will meet nolater than 14 days priorto the schedulingconference and preparea proposed pretrialschedule that includes aplan for discovery.Unless ordered by thedistrict judge, theparties are required tofile a joint statementcontaining a proposedpretrial schedule no

The initial casemanagement schedulingconference before adistrict judge isrequired. Additionalcase managementconferences may beconvened at thediscretion of the judicialofficer to whom thecase is assigned.

These issues arediscussed at the initialscheduling conference:1. the possibility ofsettlement;2. the issues incontention;3. a discovery plan andschedule; and4. time limits ondiscovery.With information inthese four areas, the

Following thescheduling conference,the judge will enter ascheduling order for thepretrial phase of thecase. The order willinclude specificdeadlines or generaltime frameworks for:1. amendments to thepleadings;2. service of andcompliance with written
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

38 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1 (10/92)Loc. R. 16.2 (9/90)

later than 5 days priorto the mandatory initialscheduling conference.(These requirements area revision of thoseoriginally in the CJRAPlan.)Loc. R. 16.1 (10/92;Revised 12/94)

Loc. R. 16.1 (10/92)Loc. R. 16.3 (10/92)

district judge canprepare a schedulingorder. If a judicialofficer later convenes acase managementconference, it will focuson these same issues.However, many casesare not likely to requiremore than thescheduling conference.Loc. R. 16.1 (10/92;Revised 11/94)

discovery requests;3. completion ofdepositions;4. identification of trialexperts;5. sequence ofdisclosure ofinformation regardingexperts as contemplatedby Fed. R. Civ. P.26(b);6. the filing of motions;7. a date for asettlement conference;8. one or more casemanagementconferences and/or afinal pretrialconference;9. a date for a finalpretrial conference;10. the joinder ofadditional parties; and11. any other proceduramatter determined bythe judge to beappropriate.(The content of thescheduling order hasbeen revised since theadoption of the CJRAPlan.)Loc. R. 16.1(f) (10/92;Revised 11/94)

E.D. Mich. IA IA In complex cases, the

court will encouragediscovery/casemanagementconferences in which ajudicial officer willmeet with the parties todiscuss the possibilityof settlement, identifythe principal issues incontention, and enterorders that willfacilitate the just and

IA IA
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1

speedy resolution of thematter.

Loc. R. 16.2(b)

W.D. Mich. IA

Loc. R. 31(i) (Revised8/92)

IAAdministrative Order93-125 (12/93)

Except in non-DCMcases, a casemanagement conferencewill be held no laterthan 30 days afterreceipt of the lastdefendant’s firstresponsive pleading.The conference may beconducted by telephoneor in person.(This requirement wasrevised byadministrative order on12/17/93 to require thatthe conference be heldno later than 45 daysafter receipt of the lastdefendant’s firstresponsive pleading.)Loc. R. 11 (Revised6/92)

IA IA

D. Minn. All civil cases except

simple cases

Counsel are required tomeet no later than 10days prior to the initialscheduling conferencein order to jointlyprepare a proposedpretrial schedule thatincludes a discoveryplan. The plan will besubmitted to the courtno later than 3 daysprior to the schedulingconference.

An initial schedulingconference will be heldno later than 90 daysafter the appearance ofthe defendant.

Initial schedulingconference topics:1. deadlines and timeframes for pleadingsand amendments topleadings;2. deadlines for joinderof parties;3. deadlines forcompletion ofnonexpert discovery;4. deadlines for filing ofmotions;5. a settlementconference date and alist of attendees;6. dates for the casemanagement and finalpretrial conferences;and7. trial readiness dates.

Yes
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

40 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

N.D. Miss. All civil cases A joint case

management plan isprepared by counsel andapproved by the judicialofficer at the casemanagementconference. The planwill set forth trackassignments and/orADR recommendationsand deadlines foramendments topleadings and joinder ofadditional parties,completion ofdiscovery, designationof experts, and thefiling of motions.

A case managementconference will be heldwithin 90 days of thefiling of the complaint,or on the first availabledate thereafter. Theconference may beconductedtelephonically.Attorneys must havebinding authority, andthe judicial officer mayrequire the attendanceor availability of partiesas well.

Topics to be discussedinclude principal issues,ADR, magistrate judgejurisdiction, disclosure,motions, discovery,settlement, andscheduling for thejoinder of additionalparties, amendments tothe pleadings, thecompletion ofdiscovery, the nextconference, the finalpretrial conference, andthe commencement ofthe trial.

A case managementorder will be issuedwithin 10 days of thecase managementconference. It can onlybe modified by order,with good cause shown.

S.D. Miss. All civil cases A joint case

management plan isprepared by counsel andapproved by the judicialofficer at the casemanagementconference. The planwill set forth trackassignments and/orADR recommendationsand deadlines foramendments topleadings and joinder ofadditional parties,completion ofdiscovery, designationof experts, and thefiling of motions.

A case managementconference will be heldwithin 90 days of thefiling of the complaint,or on the first availabledate thereafter. Theconference may beconductedtelephonically.Attorneys must havebinding authority, andthe judicial officer mayrequire the attendanceor availability of partiesas well.

Topics to be discussedinclude: principalissues, ADR, magistratejudge jurisdiction,disclosure, motions,discovery, settlement,and scheduling for thejoinder of additionalparties, amendments tothe pleadings, thecompletion ofdiscovery, the nextconference, the finalpretrial conference, andthe commencement ofthe trial.

A case managementorder will be issuedwithin 10 days of thecase managementconference. It can onlybe modified by order,with good cause shown.

E.D. Mo. Case management will

depend on trackassignment. Cases inthe expedited track willfollow a prescribedwritten pretrialschedule. Standard andcomplex cases notgoverned by Fed. R.Civ. P. 26(a)(1) will

A joint scheduling orderis required for cases inthe standard andcomplex tracks. Aproposed order issubmitted to the courtwithin 40 days of theentry of appearance bythe last defendant. Theproposed order will: set

Parties whose cases arein the standard orcomplex tracks willmeet within 30 daysafter all serveddefendants have enteredan appearance todiscuss the proposedscheduling order.

Parties will discuss thecontents of the jointscheduling order. Theproposed order will: setdates for disclosure, setlimits on the number ofwritten interrogatoriesand depositions,establish a deadline forthe filing of dispositive

Within 14 days aftersubmission of thescheduling order, thejudge will set a time fora scheduling conferenceby telephone forstandard cases or inperson for complexcases. At the schedulingconference or within 10
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

submit a joint proposedscheduling order to thecourt within 40 days ofthe entry of appearanceby the last defendant.

dates for disclosure, setlimits on the number ofwritten interrogatoriesand depositions,establish a deadline forthe filing of dispositivemotions, establish adeadline for pretrialconferences todetermine unresolvedmatters or outstandingmotions, and set arealistic and firm trialdate.

motions, establish adeadline for pretrialconferences todetermine unresolvedmatters or outstandingmotions, and set arealistic and firm trialdate.

days after theconference, the judgewill enter the court’sscheduling order.

W.D. Mo. IA With the exception of

consolidated cases thathave already had ameeting and actionstransferred to the courtunder 28 U.S.C. § 1407,or consolidated withactions so transferred,or actions subject totransfer because ofmultidistrict litigationstatus, a joint orseparate proposedschedulingorder/discovery plan isrequired within 10 daysof the initial meeting ofthe parties.

IA IA Within 100 days after

the complaint is filed,the parties will file aproposed schedulingorder. The proposeddates to be included inthe scheduling orderare:1. a date limiting thejoinder of parties;2. a date limiting thefiling of motions toamend the pleadings;3. a date limiting thefiling of motions;4. a plan for thecompletion of allpretrial discovery,including the date ofcompletion;5. an estimate of thenumber of days to trythe case with supportingreasons; and6. an agreeable trialdate for the court’sconsideration.Loc. R. 15A (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)Loc. R. 15D (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

42 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 15C-1 (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)

Loc. R. 15C-2, 15F,15D (1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

Loc. R. 15D (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)

Loc. R. 15D (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)

7/94)Loc. R. 15F (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)Loc. R. 15H (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)

D. Mont. All civil cases except

those exempted by localruleLoc. R. 235-1

YesLoc. R. 235-1(c)

A preliminary pretrialconference is required.Loc. R. 235-1(a)

Before the preliminarypretrial conference, allparties must file apretrial statement and amandatory prediscoverydisclosure statement.Topics discussed at thepreliminary pretrialconference include casecomplexity anddiscovery deadlines forjoinder, amendment ofpleadings and filingmotions, expertwitnesses, and the finalpretrial order. At thepreliminary pretrialconference, the judicialofficer will implement adiscovery plan thatestablishes dates forcompletion ofdiscovery, limits theextent of discovery, andmanages expertwitnesses.Loc. R. 235-1Loc. R. 235-4

A scheduling order willbe issued after thepreliminary pretrialconference.Loc. R. 235-2

D. Neb. IA IA IA IA Within 60 days after the

defendant or defendantshave appeared, the courwill commence theprogression of the casein accordance with Fed.R. Civ. P. 16(b). Thecourt will suggest orsolicit progressiondeadlines in ascheduling letter orconference or will
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1 (Revised1/93)

establish deadlines in ascheduling order subjecto amendment.

D. Nev. IA

Loc. R. 190-2

CR A case management

conference is held whenit is needed andconsidered appropriate.

IA Yes (PD)

D.N.H. All cases except those

assigned to theadministrative track

In complex and anyother appropriate cases,detailed casemanagement orders willbe used at the discretionof the court. Thecontent of such orderswill be developed inconsultation with theparties.

YesLoc. R. 10(a) (5/69;Revised 1/85)

The topics include:1. a pretrial discoveryschedule;2. discovery limitationsunder Fed. R. Civ. P.26;3. consent to trial by amagistrate judge; and4. dates for anyadditional pretrialconferences that may benecessary.Loc. R. 10(a)(1) (5/69;Revised 1/85)Loc. R. 10(a)(3) (5/69;Revised 1/85)

In cases assigned to thecomplex track, either acase management orderwill be issued by thecourt or the parties willbe directed to prepareand file a joint proposedcase management orderfollowing thepreliminary pretrialconference.

D.N.J. IA

Gen. R. 15B.1 (12/91;Revised 1/94)Gen. R. 40.4(c) (10/84)

Counsel will confer (inperson or by telephone)prior to the initialconference to develop ajoint discovery plan.(This requirement waseliminated by a 1/94revision of the localrules.)Gen. R. 15B.1 (12/91;Revised 1/94)

An initial schedulingconference will be heldwithin 60 days of thefiling of an initialanswer unless deferredby the magistrate judgedue to the pendency ofa dispositive or othermotion. Casemanagementconferences areconducted beforemagistrate judges unlessthe assigned districtjudge directs otherwise.Gen. R. 15A.1 (12/91)Gen. R. 40A.4(b)(10/84; Revised 12/91)

Topics discussed at theinitial schedulingconference includedates for amendmentsto pleadings,submission of experts’reports, discoverycompletion, filing ofdispositive motions, andthe final pretrialconference. Theprogress of discoveryand the use of ADR arealso discussed.Gen. R. 15B.1 (1/94)Gen. R. 15B.3 (12/91)

After the initialscheduling conferenceand in consultation withcounsel, the magistratejudge will issue ascheduling order thatincludes dates foramendments topleadings, submissionof experts’ reports,discovery completion,filing of dispositivemotions, and the finalpretrial conference. Thescheduling order incases assigned toarbitration will not set apretrial date.Gen. R. 15C (12/91)
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

44 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

D.N.M. All cases are subject

except administrativetrack cases. The timingof the conference is setby the casemanagement plan.Prisoner petitions areexempted from theserequirements.

Parties are not requiredto submit a casemanagement plan priorto the schedulingconference. Parties tocases in the standardand complex tracks arerequired to meet andconfer prior to thescheduling conference;the purpose is todispose of as manyconsensual matters aspossible.

Expedited and standardtrack cases will have aconference 60 daysafter a case is at issuebefore the judicialofficer. Parties must bepresent or available. Incomplex cases, theconference is heldwithin 30 days afterissue. Parties must bepresent.

In expedited andstandard track cases thetopics includescheduling, discoverycut-off, a casemanagement plan, and afirm trial date. Incomplex track cases,topics include thepossibility ofsettlement,identification andformulation of issues,bifurcation of issues, adiscovery schedule, anda motions schedule.

A scheduling order isissued in standard andexpedited track cases.The order sets thediscovery cut-off andtrial dates.

E.D.N.Y. IA Pursuant to standing

orders, counsel willconfer on a possiblescheduling order priorto any schedulingconferences.Civ. R. 49.3 (StandingOrder 3)

The initial pretrialconference will be heldin person unless thejudicial officerdetermines itimpracticable.Subsequent pretrialconferences will be heldat the court’s discretion.Guideline 50.7

The topics will includethose currently set outin Fed. R. Civ. P. 16, aswell as identificationand clarification ofgenuinely disputedissues of law and fact,stipulations of law andfact, scheduling of cutoff dates for discovery,amendment ofpleadings, scheduling oftrial date, and discoverylimitations.

IA 

N.D.N.Y. All civil cases The parties must meet

before the pretrialconference andformulate a proposeddiscovery plan. Theparties are directed touse General Order 25,which is provided to allplaintiffs uponcommencement ofaction for service ondefendants.

An initial pretrialconference will be heldwithin 120 days afterthe filing of thecomplaint.

At the initial pretrialconference, the courtwill consider and theparties will discuss thefollowing: deadlines forjoinder of parties;amendment ofpleadings; completionof discovery and filingof motions; trial dates;requests for jury trials;subject matter andpersonal jurisdiction;factual and legal basisfor claims and defenses;

After the pretrialconference, thepresiding judicialofficer will issue auniform pretrialscheduling order settingforth deadlines forjoinder of parties,amendment ofpleadings, completionof discovery, filing ofmotions, settlementconference, trial date,and requirements for alltrial submissions.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

General Order 25

factual and legal issuesin dispute; facts andissues that can beargued upon ornarrowed; specific reliefrequested; intendeddiscovery and proposedmethods to limitdiscovery time andexpenses; suitability ofcase for voluntaryarbitration; measuresfor reducing length oftrial; related pendingcases; procedure forcertifying class actions,if necessary; andsettlement prospects.General Order 25 § XI General Order 25

S.D.N.Y. All cases will be subject

to early judicial casemanagement.

Case informationstatements will be filedby the parties. Instandard and complexcases, a casemanagement plan willbe developed at the casemanagementconference.

Case managementconferences will berequired in all caseswithin 120 days of thefiling of the complaint.For complex andstandard cases, periodicconferences should bescheduled to ensureadequate courtsupervision.

These topics will bediscussed at the casemanagementconference:1. the identification andsimplification of theprincipal issues incontention;2. discovery issues andschedule;3. dispositive motions;4. the joinder ofadditional parties;5. whethercounterclaims are to beasserted;6. the feasibility ofsettlement or ADR;7. whether and to whatextent there should bereference to thedesignated magistratejudge; and8. the dates for futureconferences or otherprocedures to permitjudicial oversight.

A case managementplan scheduling eventsin the case should beissued following thecase managementconference.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

46 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

W.D.N.Y. All civil cases are

subject to theserequirements, exceptpro se prisoner cases,Social Security cases,and habeas corpuscases.

At the first discoveryconference, counsel foreach party will present aplan and schedule fordiscovery andmanagement of thecase.

The court will hold apretrial discoveryconference within 60days of filing. Within30 days after the closeof discovery, the courtwill hold a pretrialconference to set a firmtrial date, discusssettlement, and set acut-off date for anyremaining motions.

These topics arediscussed at the firstpretrial discoveryconference: motions, adiscovery schedule, andsettlement.

The court will issue ascheduling order thatsets a trial date, adiscovery cut-off date, asettlement conferencedate, and time limits onjoinder, third-partypractice, and pretrialmotions. The court willadopt uniformscheduling orders.

E.D.N.C. Unless exempted by

local rule, all civil casesreceive a schedulingorder.

IA IA IA Unless exempted by

local rule, all civil casesreceive a schedulingorder.Loc. R. 29.00 (2/94)

M.D.N.C. All civil cases

Loc. R. 203

A case managementplan is required.Loc. R. 203(b)

A case managementconference is requiredexcept for certainexempted categories.Loc. R. 203(c)

Topics to be discussedinclude the possibilityof settlement, ADR,mediation, discovery, aschedule fordepositions, andconsent to trial before amagistrate judge.Loc. R. 203–206

An initial pretrial orderis entered. Immediatelyafter entry of the order,the clerk should set afirm trial date.Loc. R. 207

W.D.N.C. All cases are subject to

schedulingrequirements except prose prisoner and SocialSecurity cases.

An initial attorneyconference must be heldwithin 15 days of thefiling of the lastrequired pleading. Acertificate of initialattorneys conferenceand a proposed casemanagement plan mustbe filed within 5 daysafter the initialattorneys conference.

An initial pretrialconference must be heldwithin 30 days after thefiling of the certificateof initial attorneysconference and theproposed casemanagement plan.

The initial pretrialconference will be usedto accomplish thefollowing (based onFed. R. Civ. P. 16):1. rule on pendingmotions;2. inquire about thepossibility ofsettlement;3. determine theappropriateness ofADR;4. evaluate the case forDCM assignment;5. inquire regardinganticipated discoverymotions;6. fix parameters for the

The scheduling order isincorporated in the casemanagement plan.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

amount of and sequenceof discovery (e.g.,number ofinterrogatories anddepositions);7. establish a schedulefor designating expertwitnesses;8. approval of consentorders; and9. enter a pretrial ordersetting the trial date andadopting the casemanagement plan.

D.N.D. Class 2 (standard

management) cases

Counsel must meet andconfer at least 7 days inadvance of thescheduling conferenceto prepare a proposedscheduling/discoveryplan. This plan will bepresented to the court atleast 2 days before theconference.

A schedulingconference is required.

These topics arediscussed at thescheduling conference:contents of thescheduling/discoveryplan, the trial date, andthe final pretrialconference date.

The proposedscheduling/discoveryplan is finalized at thescheduling conference.

D. N. Mar. I. The plan does not

exclude any cases fromthe schedulingrequirements.

After the casemanagementconference, the judgewill enter an order thatwill serve as the casemanagement plan andthat summarizes thematters discussed at theconference anddesignates the track towhich the case has beenassigned.

A case managementconference will beconvened by the judgein a timely manner.

Counsel for all partiesare required to file awritten statement beforethe case managementconference thataddresses all matterscritical to thedevelopment of arealistic and efficientcase management planand that are specificallyset forth in Rule 240-5of the Rules ofProcedure of the U.S.District Court for theNorthern MarianaIslands.

The judge willimmediately issue anorder summarizing thematters discussed andaction taken inestablishing the casemanagement plan.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

48 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

N.D. Ohio All civil cases are

subject to schedulingrequirements.Loc. R. 8:2.1(b)(4)(1/1/92; Revised12/15/92)

At the conclusion of thecase managementconference, the judicialofficer will prepare,file, and issue an ordercontaining the casemanagement plan.Loc. R. 8:4.2(c) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92,12/1/93)

The case managementconference will be heldwithin 15 days after thetime for the filing of thelast permissibleresponsive pleading, or,in any event, no laterthan 60 days of thefiling of the initialcomplaint.Loc. R. 8:1.2(c) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92,12/1/93)

The agenda for the casemanagement conferencewill include:1. determination oftrack assignment;2. determination ofsuitability for ADR;3. determination ofconsent to jurisdictionof a magistrate judge;4. voluntary disclosureof discoveryinformation;5. determination of thetype and extent ofdiscovery;6. a discovery cut-offdate;7. a deadline for filingmotions; and8. the date of the statushearing, approximatelymidway between thecase managementconference and thediscovery cut-off date.Loc. R. 8:4.2(a) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92,12/1/93)

At the conclusion of thecase managementconference, the judicialofficer will prepare,file, and issue an ordercontaining the casemanagement plan.Loc. R. 8:4.2(c) (1/1/92Revised 12/15/92,12/1/93)

S.D. Ohio IA

Loc. R. 16.2 (10/91)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (10/91)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (10/91)General Order 91-4(Eastern Division, 7/91)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (10/91)General Order 91-4(Eastern Division, 7/91)

IALoc. R. 16.2 (10/91)General Order 91-4(Eastern Division, 7/91)

E.D. Okla. All cases are subject to

schedulingrequirements, exceptSocial Security appealswill not be set forstatus/schedulingconferences. Thejudicial officer willtimely convene andconduct astatus/schedulingconference, during

A discovery/casemanagement plan willbe implemented at thestatus/schedulingconference.

A status/schedulingconference is requiredfor all cases exceptSocial Security appealcases.

At the status/schedulingconference, deadlineswill be set foramendments, adding ofadditional parties,discovery, anddisposition motions.Firm dates will be setfor pretrial conferencesand jury dockets. Thejudicial officer will alsoacquaint counsel with

IA
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

which the plan foraccomplishment ofdiscovery and finaldisposition will beimplemented by thejudicial officer afterconsultation withcounsel.

the court’s policy ofrequiring a settlementconference in allstandard and specialmanagement cases.

N.D. Okla. Case management

conferences arerequired in all casesexcept Social Securityappeals, bankruptcyappeals, administrativereviews, foreclosures,student loans, andprisoner petitions.Loc. R. 16.1(A)Loc. R. 16.1(B)

A joint casemanagement plan isrequired for cases onthe special managementtrack. The plan willinclude summaries ofthe claims and defenses,a list of pendingmotions, stipulations, adiscovery plan, partiesto be added, claimsdismissed and defensesabandoned, whetherparties consent to trialbefore a magistratejudge, a settlement plan,a list of anticipateddispositive motions,estimates of litigationcosts, and whether thecase warrants specialmanagement. The jointcase management planis to be submitted 4days prior to the casemanagementconference. Counselmust confer at least 14days before the casemanagementconference.Loc. R. 16.1(C)Loc. R. 16.1(D)Loc. R. 16.1(E)Loc. R. 16.1(I)

A case managementconference is requiredin special and standardmanagement cases.Counsel must meetprior to the conferenceand prepare a joint casemanagement plan.Loc. R. 16.1(A)

IALoc. R. 16.1

IALoc. R. 16.1(H)

W.D. Okla. All civil cases except

prisoner cases (unlessordered by the court)

In all civil cases, a jointstatus report is filedprior to the

A status/schedulingconference is heldwithin 120 days of the

Topics will include thestreamlining of claimsand defenses,

A scheduling order willbe issued that includesall deadlines established
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

50 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

and Social SecuritycasesLoc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

status/schedulingconference. The statusreport includes a briefstatement of the facts,stipulated and disputedfacts and legal issues,proposed exhibits andwitnesses as well as anyrequested or requiredADR. This report andthe court’s schedulingorder constitute amanagement plan forstandard track cases. Inspecial managementtrack cases, the courtmay direct counsel tojointly prepare aproposed casemanagement plan.Loc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

complaint.Loc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

stipulations, discovery,deadlines, admissions,witnesses, settlement,ADR, and any measureto settle the casequickly.Loc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

by the court at thescheduling conference.Loc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

D. Or. All civil cases, at the

discretion of the court

IA A case management

conference is notrequired, but the courtmay order a statusconference within 30days of filing if, in thejudgment of the court,the case warrants earlyjudicial intervention.

If a status conference isheld, the court mayenter a “full”scheduling order thatincludes discoverydeadlines, motiondeadlines, pretrial orderdates, and pretrialconference and trialdates.

The clerk will issue adiscovery and pretrialscheduling order at thetime of filing of eachnew civil action. Theorder will fix the timefor filing all pleadingsand motions, joining allparties and claims,completing alldiscovery, and lodginga joint pretrial order anddisclosing expertspursuant to Fed. R. Civ.P. 26(a)(2). If the courtholds a statusconference, a “full”scheduling order maybe entered at the
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 205-1Loc. R. 205-3 Loc. R. 205-1(a) Loc. R. 205-1(a) Loc. R. 205-1(a)

conference withdiscovery deadlines,motion deadlines,pretrial order dates, andpretrial conference andtrial dates.

E.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 47

For special managementtrack cases, the partieswill confer and providethe court with aproposed jointdiscovery plan thatcovers a number oftopics (e.g., bifurcation,deposition, guidelines,appointment of specialmasters to administermultitrack discovery). Ifit is contemplated thatdiscovery in such a planwill proceedsimultaneously with thecompletion of otherobligations of theparties under the plan,the parties can onlyexpect a stay of all orpart of any discoveryfor the mostextraordinary andcompelling reasons.

The court’s policy isthat most cases willhave an initial pretrialconference (which maybe conducted bytelephone) prior to theentry of the schedulingorder. The judicialofficer may dispensewith the conference ororder an in-personconference.For special managementtrack cases, the assignedjudicial officer willschedule a schedulingconference within 30–60 days after the filingof the complaint.

For special managementtrack cases, the partieswill be prepared todiscuss, and the courtwill determine, theprocedures for resolvingdiscovery disputes atthe initial pretrialconference.Loc. R. 21(b)Loc. R. 47

Some cases on thestandard track areexempt from ascheduling order underlocal rule.Loc. R. 47

M.D. Pa. All civil cases A discovery/case

management plan isrequired for discussionat the initial schedulingcase managementconference.

The conference is to beheld within 120 days ofthe filing of thecomplaint (or the firstavailable datethereafter) to arrangedifferential treatment.

Topics to be discussedinclude: principalfactual/legal issues indispute, considerationof ADR referral,possible referral to amagistrate judge, thediscovery plan,individuals with bindingauthority, a trial dategoal, and witnesses.

The order will confirmagreed-uponscheduling, discovery,and case managementelements.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

52 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16.1 (Revised1/94)

Loc. R. 16.3(A)Loc. R. 16.3(B)(Revised 1/94)

Loc. R. 16.4 (Revised11/88)

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.1.1E (10/93)

IALoc. R. 16.1.2 (10/93)

Within 60 days of thefiling of an answer, theassigned judicial officerwill schedule an initialcase managementconference, except incases designated forarbitration, SocialSecurity appeals,bankruptcy appeals,habeas corpus cases,government collections,and prisoner civil rightscases.Loc. R. 16.1.1A (10/93)

IALoc. R. 16.1.2A (10/93)

The judicial officer,after consultation withcounsel, will enter acase management orderthat may include datesfor completion of experand fact discovery, apretrial conference,presumptive trial orsubsequent statusconference, and theADR designation.Loc. R. 16.1.2A (10/93)

D.P.R. In any action, the court

may direct casemanagement by settingan initial schedulingconference or mayinstead order the partiesto proceed, setting fortha series of deadlines inthe case managementorder.

In any action, the courtmay require the partiesto file with the court,prior to the initialscheduling conference,a memorandumdiscussing their factualand legal contentions,their list of witnessesand documentaryevidence, and itemizingall discovery. The courtwill issue a casemanagement order in allcases.

In any action, and assoon as practicable, thecourt will direct theattorneys for the partiesto appear before it foran initial schedulingconference.

The purpose of thescheduling conferenceis reach agreement onuncontroverted facts,assess any damagesclaimed, announce alldocumentary evidenceand witnesses, setdiscovery procedure,schedule pretrial andtrial, and discusssettlement.

The court will issue acase management orderthat establishesdiscovery proceduresand deadlines and a triadate. If the court hasscheduled a schedulingconference, the casemanagement order willsummarize theinformation coveredduring the schedulingconference.

D.R.I. IA The court retains the

flexibility to requiresuch plans inappropriate cases, butrejects a generalrequirement.

The court alreadyconducts conferencesunder Fed. R. Civ. P. 16and rejected theAdvisory Group’srecommendation thatcase managementconferences be requiredfor routine or complexcases.

IA Scheduling orders are

issued, but the courtrejected the AdvisoryGroup’srecommendation that auniform schedulingorder be adopted for useby all district judges.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

D.S.C. IA

Loc. R. 7.00 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.01 (12/1/93)

PDLoc. R. 7.03 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.04 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.05 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.06 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.07 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.08 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.09 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.10 (12/1/93)

PDLoc. R. 7.02Loc. R. 7.14

PDLoc. R. 7.04 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.07 (12/1/93)

IALoc. R. 7.10 (12/1/93)

D.S.D. Yes (PD)

Loc. R. 16.1 (1992)

Yes (PD) Yes (PD) IA A scheduling letter is

issued.

E.D. Tenn. IA

Loc. R. 16.1

IALoc. R. 16.1

PD IA A scheduling order will

be issued by the districtor magistrate judge assoon as is practicablebut no later than 120days after the complainthas been served on thedefendant, except inthese cases: SocialSecurity cases; petitionsfor relief under 28U.S.C. §§ 2254 and2255; actions broughtunder 42 U.S.C. § 1983in which the plaintiff ispro se and is in thecustody of state or localauthorities; andbankruptcy appeals.

M.D. Tenn. All cases except those

exempted by local rule(Title VII, prisonercases, and SocialSecurity and bankruptcyappeals) are subject toschedulingrequirements.

Counsel will conferbefore the initial casemanagement conferencein order to develop acase management planfor submission to thecase manager at theinitial case managementconference.

An initial casemanagement conferenceis required in all casescovered undercustomized casemanagement.

The case manager willoutline the conferenceagenda for each case inthe case managementorder. The casemanagement order willbe tailored to the needsand complexities ofeach case and willinclude all deadlinesand the discovery planfor the progress of thecase.

A case managementorder is issued after theinitial case managementconference.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

54 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 11(b) (3/94)

Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(b)(2)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2) (3/94)

Loc. R. 11(d)(1) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(b)(2)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(6) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(3) (3/94)

Loc. R. 11(c)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(a)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(a)(2) Loc. R. 11(d)(2) (3/94)

W.D. Tenn. General civil litigation

cases

Attorneys are requiredto present a jointdiscovery/casemanagement plan.

A case managementconference is requiredin all general civillitigation cases. Thecourt will generallyhold conferences nolater than 90 days fromthe filing of thecomplaint.

These topics will bediscussed at the casemanagementconference:1. progress of the case;2. trial date, which is tobe within 18 monthsunless certification ismade;3. discovery and motiontimetables;4. consent to trial beforea magistrate judge;5. a schedule foradditional pretrialconferences; and6. the presentation bycounsel of a joint casemanagement plan.

In Social Security casesthe clerk will enter anorder requiring theplaintiff to file a briefwithin 30 days, thedefendant to file aresponse within 21 daysof the plaintiff’s brief,and the plaintiff to fileany response briefwithin 10 days of thedefendant’s response.No case management isrequired for UnitedStates debt cases. Inbankruptcy appeals, theclerk will enter an orderestablishing a briefingschedule. In pro secases, the judge willenter an order requiringdiscovery to becompleted within 4months, pretrialmotions within 5months, and the trialdate within 9–12months of filing. Thecourt will attempt todispose of bankruptcy,habeas corpus (exceptdeath penalty cases),and Social Securitycases within 9 monthsafter filing.

E.D. Tex. IA IA Within 120 days after

issues have been joined,the judicial officerassigned to cases intracks 3, 4, and 5 willconvene a managementconference.

At the managementconference, the judicialofficer will addressthese items:1. confirm or modifytrack assignment;2. establish deadlines

The docket controlorder produced at themanagement conferencemay be modified at anytime thereafter by theassigned judicialofficer.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

for filing motions;3. determine issues tobe tried;4. identify witnesseswho will testify at trial;5. establish deadlinesfor approval ofproposed expertwitnesses;6. determine theefficacy of referral toADR;7. determine feasibilityof a settlementconference and itstiming;8. establish a firm trialdate;9. consider a time limitfor trial;10. discuss litigationcost estimates;11. invite offers ofjudgment; and12. discuss any otherrelevant matters.

N.D. Tex. A pretrial conference

will be held in everycivil case except thefollowing: civil rightsactions filed byincarcerated persons;actions for forfeiture;government collectioncases; bankruptcyappeals; and pro secases. In every casedetermined by thepresiding judge to becomplex, an earlydiscovery schedulingconference will be heldin order to develop adiscovery schedulingorder. Discoveryscheduling orders willbe developed for

A discovery schedulingorder will be developedfor complex cases andany other cases at thejudge’s discretion.

A pretrial conferencewill be held in everycivil case except thefollowing: civil rightsactions filed byincarcerated persons;actions for forfeiture;government collectioncases; bankruptcyappeals; and pro secases. A discoveryscheduling conferencewill be held forcomplex cases and anyother cases at thejudge’s discretion.

These topics arediscussed at thediscovery schedulingconference:identification andexchange of coreinformation, and thenecessity of schedulingearly in the litigationdiscovery relating to thenature and extent ofdamages.

A scheduling order willbe issued in each casewithin 90 days afterissue is joined. Thescheduling order willset a trial date anddeadlines for thefollowing:1. completion ofdiscovery;2. motions to join otherparties, motions toamend the pleadings,and motions forsummary judgment andother dispositivemotions;3. reports on the statusof settlementnegotiations andcounsels’ respective
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

56 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

complex cases and anyother cases at thecourt’s discretion.

attitudes towardmediation and referralto a magistrate judge fotrial by consent;4. a joint pretrial orderand its contents;5. exchange of witnesslists, exhibit lists anddeposition designationsand objections thereto;6. designation of expertwitnesses; and7. any additional matterthe presiding judgedeems appropriate.A discovery schedulingorder will be issued incomplex cases and inother cases at thejudge’s discretion.

S.D. Tex. All civil cases A general order

requiring thepreparation of adiscovery/casemanagement plan bycounsel prior to theinitial pretrialconference will beentered in each case notplaced in one of theDCM tracks.

An initial pretrialconference will be heldin all cases not placedin one of the DCMtracks.Loc. R. 8 (5/88;Revised 1/92, 2/94)

The scheduling orderwill set cut-off dates fornew parties, motions,expert witnesses anddiscovery; set a trialdate; and establish atime framework fordisposition of motions.The scheduling ordermay be entered at adiscovery conference, ifone has been requested.Loc. R. 8 (5/88;Revised 1/92, 2/94)

IA 

W.D. Tex. All civil cases except

those exempted by localrule

Unless otherwiseordered by the court, auniform schedulingorder will be issued ineach civil case. Thescheduling order willrequire the completionof discovery within 6months of the filing ofdefendant’s initialpleadings.

IA IA A scheduling order is

issued for all civil casesexcept those exemptedby local rule. Within 30days of the appearanceof any defendant, theplaintiff will submit tothe court a proposedscheduling order in theform prescribed bylocal rule. The plaintiffwill confer with any
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. CV-16 (Revised1/94)

Loc. R. CV-16(d)(Revised 1/94)

Loc. R. CV-16(g)(Revised 1/94)

party who has appearedin the action. Partieswill endeavor to agreeon the proposed order.If they cannot agree,each party’s positionand reasons fordisagreement will beincluded in theproposed schedule. Inthe event plaintiff hasnot yet obtained serviceon all parties, anexplanation of why allparties have not beenserved must be includedin the proposedscheduling order.Loc. R. CV-16(a)Loc. R. CV-16(c)Loc. R. Appendix B-1(Revised 1/94)

D. Utah IA IA After an issue is joined,

there is an initial statusand schedulingconference, conductedby a district judge or amagistrate judgedesignated by theassigned district judge.The initial status andscheduling conferenceprovides the frameworkfor case management.

These topics arediscussed at the initialscheduling conference:case complexity,preparation timeestimates, motiondeadlines, and pretrialdates.Loc. R. 204-1(a)

YesLoc. R. 204-1(a)

D. Vt. IA

Loc. R. 12(b)

IALoc. R. 4(a)(1)

IALoc. R. 6

IALoc. R. 6Loc. R. 11

The discovery schedulefiled by the parties willbecome the schedulingorder provided by Fed.R. Civ. P. 16(b) withrespect to the timelimits for thecompletion of discoveryand for filing andhearing motions.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

58 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

D.V.I. All civil cases

Loc. R. 16.1 (7/21/92)

IALoc. R. 16.1(b)(7/21/92)

The court conducts adiscovery casemanagement conferencein complex and otherappropriate cases. (PD)Loc. R. 16.1 (7/21/92)

IALoc. R. 16.1(a)(7/21/92)

IALoc. R. 16.2(d)(7/21/92)

E.D. Va. IA

Loc. R. 12(A)–(C)

CR IA

Loc. R. 12(C) (8/62;Revised 1/80, 2/89)

IA IA

Loc. R. 12(C) (8/62;Revised 1/80, 2/89)

W.D. Va. All cases are subject to

schedulingrequirements exceptSocial Security appeals,pro se prisoner cases,student loan cases, V.A.overpayment cases,bankruptcy appeals, andother cases where thecourt is acting in anappellate capacity.

IA Initial conferences will

be conducted by thescheduling official.

The scheduling officialwill ascertain theavailability of trialdates, anticipated lengthof trial, and otherpertinent matters.

All civil cases exceptthe exemptedspecialized cases willbe subject to an initialpretrial order. The orderwill establish discoverydeadlines, motionspractices, and otherpretrial matters. Thepretrial order will alsoestablish a firm trialdate, which shouldgenerally be set 6 to 8months from the date ofservice. More complexcases that require morepretrial preparation willbe set on an ad hocbasis.

E.D. Wash. IA By current local

practice, lawyers arerequired to submit, priorto the initial statusconference, a proposedscheduling order.Loc. R. 16(b)

The court will ensurethat schedulingconferences areroutinely held within 90days of filing.Loc. R. 16(a)

The court will considerthe appropriateness ofdiscovery managementand apprise lawyers andlitigants of availableADR processes.

IALoc. R. 16

W.D. Wash. IA PD PD IA A scheduling order is

issued in most cases.
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. CR-16(a) Loc. R. CR-16(a)

N.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

S.D. W. Va. All civil cases

Loc. R. 2.01

IALoc. R. 2.01

A time frameconference is held incomplex cases or at therequest of counsel. Theconference is conductedby a judicial officer.Loc. R. 2.01

The purpose of the timeframe conference is toestablish the following:1. the complexity of thecase and whether or notto designate it as acomplex or mass tortlitigation case;2. realistic discoveryand pretrial time framedeadlines;3. summary judgmentor dismissal motionsdeadlines;4. whether or not partiesare willing to proceedthrough the trial phasewith a magistrate judgeconducting all aspectsof the case; and5. the possibility ofearly settlement and thesetting of ADRmechanisms.Loc. R. 2.01Loc. R. 2.02

After issues are joinedor a responsive pleadinghas been filed by alldefendants, the courtwill enter a time frameorder in all cases notexempted by local rule.The time frame orderwill set firm dates forthe following:1. joinder andamendments;2. Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)motions for judgment;3. extra-judicialprocedures;4. discovery;5. summary judgmentand other dispositivemotions (except Fed. R.Civ. P. 12(b) motions);6. pretrial order;7. proposed charges tothe jury and/orsuggested findings offact and conclusions oflaw;8. pretrial conference;and9. final settlementconference.Counsel orunrepresented partiesmay move formodification of theorder within 21 daysafter its entry.Loc. R. 2.01
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Case Management Conference

60 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

E.D. Wis. IA IA The court may require

the parties to appear andconsider the futureconduct of the case.These preliminarypretrial conferences canbe designed as statusconferences, schedulingconferences, discoveryconferences, or anyother type of meeting.Loc. R. 7.04 (Revised1/1/92)

These topics arediscussed at the casemanagementconference:1. nature of the case;2. contemplatedmotions;3. contemplateddiscovery; and4. further scheduling ofthe case for finaldisposition.Loc. R. 7.04 (Revised1/1/92)

The court may enter anyorders that appearnecessary to aid furtherscheduling of theaction.Loc. R. 7.04 (Revised1/1/92)

W.D. Wis. All cases are subject to

schedulingrequirements exceptthose that, by theirnature, do not require apreliminary pretrialconference (e.g., SocialSecurity appeals,bankruptcy appeals).

Several days prior to thepreliminary pretrialconference, the partieswill submit a report tothe court describing thecase, the issues, and anycontemplatedamendments topleadings, as well asmake recommendationsconcerning the timingof deadlines and thetrial.

A preliminary pretrialconference will be heldshortly after filing in allcases except those that,by their nature, do notrequire a conference(e.g., Social Securityappeals, bankruptcyappeals).

These topics will bediscussed at thepreliminary pretrialconference:1. discovery and adeadline for itscompletion;2. a deadline foridentification of expertwitnesses and adeadline for disclosureof the substance of theirtestimony;3. a deadline for thefiling of dispositivemotions and a briefingschedule for suchmotions; and4. a trial date.

The judge will issue apreliminary pretrialorder after thepreliminary pretrialconference, coveringthe topics discussed anddecisions made at theconference. This orderwill serve as the agendafor case developmentand trial.

D. Wyo. IA IA IA IA IA 
Table 2: Case Scheduling/Initial Cas

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Case Types Subject toSchedulingRequirements

Case ManagementPlan Required?

Case ManagementConference Required?

Case ManagementConference Topics

Scheduling OrderIssued? 

Loc. R. 16 (Revised11/93)Loc. R. 16(b) (Revised11/93) Loc. R. 16 Loc. R. 16(a)

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

Status Conferences Required?—Are status conferences required, when, and under what circumstances (e.g., icases)?Final Pretrial Conference Required?—Is a final pretrial conference required, when, and what materials must bvance?Representatives with Authority to Bind?—Are representatives with authority to bind required to attend pretriWho is required to attend and at which conferences?Encouragement of Telephone Conferences?—Are telephone conferences encouraged instead of face-to-face Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

M.D. Ala. Status conferences are held at

the discretion of the judge.

The final pretrial conferenceis held at the discretion of thejudge.

Yes (PD) Yes (PD)

N.D. Ala. IA IA IA The judges will continue

their practice of permitting,when appropriate, litigantsand counsel to participate bytelephone at conferences andin hearings on motions.

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

64 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

D. Alaska IA

Loc. R. 16.1 (1/3/95)

IA The court presumes that

counsel participating inpretrial proceedings haveauthority to bind.

IALoc. R. 16.1 (1/3/95)Loc. R. 7.2 (1/3/95)

Thmwoprfooradpldiwi

D. Ariz. Status conferences are held

as necessary at the court’sdiscretion.

A pretrial conference is heldfor cases on the standard andcomplex tracks.

Yes Yes

E.D. Ark. IA The court will continue its

policy of holding a finalpretrial conference whenrequested by a party.Loc. R. D-4 (5/1/80)

IA The court encourages

telephone conferences.

W.D. Ark. IA IA

Loc. R. D-5 (5/80)

IA IA

C.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 6.4

IALoc. R. 9.2Loc. R. 9.5Loc. R. 9.6Loc. R. 9.7Loc. R. 9.8

IA IA

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 240(a) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Summary of Court Practices,at 8–9 (12/91)

IALoc. R. 282 (10/84; Revised5/91)Loc. R. 281(a)(10/84;Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 281(b)(10/84;Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 270 (10/84; Revised5/91)

IASummary of Court Practices,at 9–10 (12/91)Summary of Court Practicesof the Magistrate Judges, at36–37 (2/91)

N.D. Cal. Judges participating in the

Case Management PilotProgram are expected to holdfollow-up management andstatus conferences as theneeds of individual caseswarrant.

IALoc. R. 235-5

IALoc. R. 235-5

IA
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

S.D. Cal. IA IA IA IAD. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 29.1(10) (Revised4/15/94)

YesLoc. R. 29.1(10) (Revised4/15/94)

The court may requirepersons with settlementauthority to be present at anyhearing or conference.Loc. R. 29.1 (Revised4/15/94)

IALoc. R. 16.2 (Revised4/15/94)

D. Conn. IA

Loc. R. 11(a)1

IA Each party will be

represented by an attorneywith authority to bind at allpretrial conferences.

IALoc. R. 11(a)1

D. Del. IA IA

Loc. R. 16.4(a) (Revised1/95)

IALoc. R. 16.4(b) (Revised1/95)

IALoc. R. 16.4(c)–(d) (Revised1/95)

D.D.C. IA IA

Loc. R. 209(a) (Revised3/1/94)

IA IA

M.D. Fla. The revised version of Loc.

R. 3.05 provides that apreliminary pretrialconference is required intrack 3 cases after receipt ofthe case management reportand is at the court’sdiscretion in other cases.Loc. R. 3.05

The revised version of Loc.R. 3.05 requires a finalpretrial conference in track 2and 3 cases. The conferencewill take place on a date setby the court, based in part onparty input provided in thecase management report.Loc. R. 3.06 requires ameeting of counsel before thepretrial conference.Loc. R. 3.05

YesLoc. R. 3.06 (7/1/84; Revised4/1/91)

YesLoc. R. 3.01(i) (2/1/94)

N.D. Fla. Status conferences are held at

the court’s discretion. (PD)

Yes (PD) Yes IA

S.D. Fla. IA Under the court’s pre-CJRA

informal case managementsystem, judges must set earlyand firm pretrial conferencedates.Loc. R. 16.1(C) (2/15/93)

IALoc. R. 16.1(C) (2/15/93)

IA
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

66 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

M.D. Ga. IA IA

Loc. R. 5.1 (6/2/93)

The court adopts therequirement that arepresentative with authorityto bind must be present atkey conferences.Loc. R. 5.1 (6/2/93)

IA

N.D. Ga. IA IA The local rules will be

revised to require arepresentative with authorityto bind at the post-discoverysettlement conference.Loc. R. 235-2(b)(1)

The settlement conferenceheld prior to discovery maybe conducted by telephone.Loc. R. 235-2(a)(2) (1/1/85;Revised 7/1/92)

S.D. Ga. Status conferences are held at

the discretion of the court.Loc. R. 8.1, 8.5 (1/82);Revised (6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 16.1, 16.2)

A final pretrial conference isheld at the discretion of thecourt.Loc. R. 8.2 (1/82);Renumbered Loc. R. 16.4)

YesLoc. R. 8.3 (1/82);Renumbered Loc. R. 16.5)

IA

D. Guam IA

Loc. R. 235-3(c) (1983,Revised 5/31/94, 9/12/94)

IALoc. R. 237-2 (1983)

Each party appearing at allconferences will have fullauthority with respect to allmatters on the agenda,including settlement.Loc. R. 235-4 (1983; Revised9/12/94)Loc. R. 237-2 (1983; Revised9/12/94)

IA

D. Haw. Status conferences are held at

the discretion of the court.(PD)Loc. R. 233-1 (11/91)

One pretrial conference isheld in every action orproceeding. Additionalconferences are held at thediscretion of the court. (PD)Loc. R. 235-5 (11/91)

The court has referred thisissue to the rules committeefor further clarification andstrengthening of the localrule.Loc. R. 235-8 (11/91)

Yes (PD)

D. Idaho IA

Loc. R. 16.1(a) (Revised7/94)

The date for a final pretrialconference will bedetermined at the schedulingconference and scheduled inthe scheduling order.Loc. R. 16.1(c) (Revised7/94)

IA The court, at its discretion,

may use telephonic hearingsto conduct the schedulingconference.
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

C.D. Ill. CR

Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92)

At the final pretrialconference, the court willexplore these issues withcounsel:1. the possibility of consentto trial before a magistratejudge; and2. establishment of a shortnotice civil trial calendar.Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

IALoc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised1/94)

Hearings will be set bytelephone conferencewhenever possible.Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised1/94)

1. sewh2. exvica3. poev4. reprdiwhprap

N.D. Ill. PD

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)

PDLoc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)

PDLoc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)

IA

S.D. Ill. IA A final pretrial conference

will be held not less than 7days prior to the presumptivetrial date. These issues willbe discussed at theconference: stipulated anduncontroverted facts, issuesto be tried, disclosure of allwitnesses, exchange of allexhibits, pretrial rulings onobjections to evidence,outstanding motions,elimination of unnecessary orredundant proof, itemizedstatements of damages,bifurcation of the trial, limitson the length of trial, juryselection, and any otherissues deemed necessary bythe presiding judicial officer.Loc. R. 11(e) (5/92; Revised3/94)

Representatives withauthority to bind must bepresent at the initial pretrialand scheduling conferenceand the final pretrialconference.Loc. R. 11(d)(e) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

The initial pretrial andscheduling conference maybe conducted by telephone atthe discretion of thepresiding judicial officer.Loc. R. 11(c) (5/92; Revised3/94)

N.D. Ind. IA IA Participating attorneys will

be required to have authorityto bind the parties at theinitial pretrial conference.

The court declined to adopt auniform policy requiring orforbidding telephoneconferences. Judicial officers

Thqurepr
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

68 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 16.1(e)

Loc. R. 16.1(f)Loc. R. 16.1(g)Appendix A to the LocalRules

The judicial officer mayrequire the attendance oravailability of the parties, aswell as counsel. The courturges the government, at theleast, to assure that itscounsel are vested with asmuch binding authority as isfeasible.Loc. R. 16.1(h)

will consider their use. be

cojuredeCothdiad

S.D. Ind. Additional conferences (after

the initial pretrialconference) will be held asordered by the court.Loc. R. 16.1

IA IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA IA

Loc. R. 16(c)

IA IA

S.D. Iowa IA IA The court rejects the

Advisory Group’srecommendation thatrepresentatives with authorityto bind be present atsettlement discussionsbecause it is already thepractice in this district.

IA

D. Kan. The judge assigned to a case,

alone or in conjunction witha magistrate judge, willconduct additionalconferences with counsel asnecessary to eliminate orminimize delays andexpenses in the discovery ortrial process.

IALoc. R. 213 (Revised 5/92)

IALoc. R. 214 (Revised 6/93)

IA

E.D. Ky. IA Yes IA IAW.D. Ky. IA IA PD PD
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

E.D. La. IA Yes The pretrial conference must

be attended by the attorneyswho will try the case. Theseattorneys will come to theconference with fullauthority to accomplish thepurposes of Fed. R. Civ. P.16.

Attendance of counsel bytelephone, where feasible,may be permitted by thecourt.

Prpracof Inwiprconedeto 

M.D. La. IA Yes Yes Yes

Loc. R. 6.07M3Loc. R. 6.07M4

W.D. La. IA A final pretrial conference

will be held 3 to 4 weeksbefore the scheduled trial.

IA IA

D. Me. IA A final pretrial conference

will be held as close to thetime of trial as possible. Theconference may beconducted by any judicialofficer. No later than 5 daysbefore the final pretrialconference, each party willfile with the court induplicate and serve on allother parties a pretrialmemorandum no more than 5pages in length, containingthis information:1. a brief factual statement ofthe party’s claim or defense;2. a brief statement of theparty’s contentions withrespect to any controvertedpoints of law;3. proposed stipulationsconcerning matters that arenot in substantial dispute andto facts and documents thatwill avoid unnecessary proof;4. names and addresses of allwitnesses the party intends tocall at trial; and

Each party must berepresented at each pretrialconference by an attorneywho has the authority to bindthat party regarding allmatters previously identifiedby the court for discussion atthe conference and allreasonably related matters.

The scheduling conference instandard track cases may beconducted by telephone.

ThAdremscCoscanapof
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

70 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

5. a list of documents andthings the party intends tooffer as exhibits at trial.The parties, through theirlawyers, should be preparedto engage in meaningfulsettlement discussions at theconference. At or followingthe final pretrial conference,the court will issue a finalpretrial order, which willrecite the action taken at theconference, and such orderwill control the subsequentcourse of the action.Loc. R. 20 Loc. R. 20(c) Loc. R. 17(b)(2)

D. Md. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 106.6

The court encourages the useof telephone conferences.

D. Mass. Case management

conferences and otherpretrial conferences after theinitial scheduling conferencemay be scheduled at thediscretion of the judicialofficer to whom the case isassigned.

The final pretrial conferencewill occur within 18 monthsafter the filing of thecomplaint. Counsel willconfer no later than 14 daysprior to the conference andfile no later than 5 days priorto the conference a pretrialmemorandum that sets forth:1. a concise summary of theevidence;2. facts established bypleadings, stipulations, oradmissions by counsel;3. contested issues of fact;4. jurisdictional questions;5. questions raised bypending motions;6. issues of law, withsupporting authority;7. requested amendments topleadings;8. any additional matters thatmay aid in the disposition ofthe trial;9. the probable length of thetrial;10. names, addresses, andtelephone numbers of

Parties will be represented atthe final pretrial conferenceby counsel with full authorityto settle.

IA
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 16.3 (10/92)

witnesses to be called andwhether the testimony of anysuch witness is intended tobe presented by deposition;11. the proposed exhibits;and12. the parties’ positions onexpert testimony.The agenda for theconference will include adiscussion of issues coveredby the memorandum as wellas issues concerning juryselection and jurycomprehension.Loc. R. 16.1(F) (10/92;Revised 12/94)Loc. R. 16.5 (10/92; Revised12/94) Loc. R. 16.5(B)

E.D. Mich. IA

Loc. R. 16.1

IALoc. R. 16.2(a)

IALoc. R. 16.1(e)(d)

PD Th

eainprR. rejrelorewiev

W.D. Mich. IA IA IA IAD. Minn. IA A final pretrial conference

may be held no less than 7days prior to the trial date.

YesLoc. R. 16.2 (2/91)

The court encouragestelephone conferences andthe issue is under review bythe local rules committee.

N.D. Miss. IA A final pretrial conference

will be held within 45 daysof trial, by the assigned oranother judicial officer. If thejudge decides that a finalconference is unnecessary,parties will submit a jointlyprepared pretrial order.

Counsel who will conductthe trial must be present andthe court may require theattendance or availability ofthe parties as well.

The case managementconference may beconducted telephonically atthe discretion of the judicialofficer.

WmparerepeprThprtri
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

72 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

its codarewishshPaprwi

S.D. Miss. IA A final pretrial conference

will be held within 45 daysof trial, by the assigned oranother judicial officer. If thejudge decides that a finalconference is unnecessary,parties will submit a jointlyprepared pretrial order.

Counsel who will conductthe trial must be present andthe court may require theattendance or availability ofthe parties as well.

The case managementconference may beconducted telephonically atthe discretion of the judicialofficer.

WmparerepeprThprtriits codarewishshPaprwi

E.D. Mo. IA IA IA IAW.D. Mo. IA

Loc. R. 16 (1/83)

IALoc. R. 16 (1/83)

IALoc. R. 16 (1/83)

Counsel must confer bytelephone or in person witheach other to resolvediscovery disputes and thenconfer by telephone with thecourt before filing discoverymotions.

D. Mont. IA Yes Counsel at the preliminary

pretrial conference will havethe authority to enter intostipulations and makeadmissions on mattersdiscussed at the conference.Counsel at the final pretrial

IA
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 235-3 Loc. R. 235-6

conference will have theauthority to bind or ensurethat binding authority may beobtained during theconference.Loc. R. 235-8

D. Neb. IA IA

Loc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/93)

IALoc. R. 16.2(b) (Revised1/93)

Consideration will be givento conducting statusconferences by telephone.

D. Nev. IA

Loc. R. 190-2

IALoc. R. 190-2

If a case managementconference is held, arepresentative with authorityto bind must be present.

The use of telephoneconferences to argue motionswill be expanded whereappropriate.

D.N.H. Yes Yes

Loc. R. 10(b) (5/69; Revised1/85)

YesLoc. R. 10 (5/69; Revised1/85)

Yes Fi

resp1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. No foexcirpradof

D.N.J. Status conferences may be

conducted as appropriate tothe circumstances of aparticular case. Track 2 casesare presumed to requirefrequent conferences.Gen. R. 15A.2 (12/91)Gen. R. 15D

The date for the final pretrialconference is set in thescheduling order.Gen. R. 15B.3(e) (12/91)

Parties not appearing pro sewill be represented byattorneys with full bindingauthority in pretrial matters.Gen. R. 15A.3 (12/91)

Parties may be available bytelephone at settlementconferences as directed bymagistrate. Discovery or casemanagement disputes may bepresented by telephoneconference. Oral argumenton discovery or casemanagement motions may bemade by telephoneconference.Gen. R. 15A.4 (12/91)Gen. R. 15E.2 (12/91)Gen. R. 15F.4 (Adopted10/84 as Gen. R. 15C.4)
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

74 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

D.N.M. All cases except prisoner

petitions and cases on theadministrative track must filestatus reports and attendperiodic conferences asoutlined in the schedulingorder.

IA Local rules require counsel

who will try a case to attenda pretrial conference.

IA

E.D.N.Y. At a minimum, status

conferences in complex casesshould be convened at 6month intervals fordiscussion of motions anddiscovery. Periodicsettlement conferencesshould also be scheduled.Guideline 50.7

A final pretrial conference isrequired in all cases.

IA IA

Civ. R. 49.6 (StandingOrder 6(b))Civ. R. 49.6 (StandingOrder 8)

N.D.N.Y. IA

Loc. R. 16.1General Order 25 § VIII (A)

The only additionalconference mandated is asettlement conference, whichis scheduled in the uniformpretrial order.General Order 25, § VIII (A)

A party who has theauthority to bind must bepresent or available bytelephone during settlementdiscussions.General Order 25 § VIII (A)

IA

S.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA Th

coat co

W.D.N.Y. Status conferences are held at

the discretion of themagistrate judge.

A final pretrial conference isrequired within 30 days ofthe trial, to discusssettlement, motions, theresolution of factual or legalissues, stipulations, and anyother appropriate matters.

Representatives withauthority to bind must bepresent at the pretrialconferences.

IA Ju

easenoofcodi

E.D.N.C. IA A working pretrial

conference is required incomplex cases, in addition tothe regular pretrialconference. (PD)

IA IA Co

prPrreLo
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

M.D.N.C. IA A final conference is held

only if requested by thecourt.Loc. R. 207

IALoc. R. 601

Telephone conferences arepermitted if the offices of thelead counsel are separated bymore than 150 miles.Loc. R. 204(b)

W.D.N.C. Status conferences are held

as necessary at the discretionof the court.Loc. R. 7

A final pretrial conference isheld as necessary at thediscretion of the court.

Yes Yes

D.N.D. A status conference is

required in all class 2 cases(standard management). Thisconference will define issuesfor trial, explore limits onwitnesses, and exploresettlement prospects andADR options.

A final pretrial conference isrequired. Counsel will conferon jury instructions andpresent to the court a set ofinstructions that represents asmuch agreement as possibleamong the parties.

IA The court uses telephone

conferences to facilitate casemonitoring.

D. N. Mar. I. A mandatory status hearing

is held approximatelymidway between the date ofthe case managementconference and the discoverycut-off date.

A pretrial conference will beheld not later than 7 daysbefore the scheduled trialdate, unless deemedunnecessary by the court andcounsel. Unless excused bythe judge, each party must berepresented at the conferenceby counsel who will conductthe trial. These issues will bediscussed at the conference:trial date, stipulated anduncontroverted facts, issuesto be tried, disclosure of allwitnesses, listing andexchange of all copies andexhibits, pretrial rulings onobjections to evidence,disposition of all outstandingmotions, elimination ofunnecessary or redundantproof, itemized statements ofall damages by all parties,bifurcation of the trial, limitson the length of trial, juryselection issues, any issuesthat in the judge’s opinionmay facilitate and expedite

Unless excused by the judge,each party will berepresented at the finalpretrial conference bycounsel who have fullauthority from their clientswith respect to settlement.

The court encouragestelephone conferences whenit will save the attorneys,parties, or court time andmoney.
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

76 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 240-2

the trial, and the date whenproposed jury instructionswill be submitted to the courtand opposing counsel which,unless otherwise ordered,will be the first day of thetrial.

N.D. Ohio A status hearing will be held

midway between the casemanagement conference andthe discovery cut-off date.These topics will bediscussed: settlement andADR issues, any requests forrevision of track assignmentand/or deadlines, any specialproblems in the case, the dateof the final pretrialconference date, and a firmtrial date.Loc. R. 8:5.1 (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92)

A final pretrial conferencemay be scheduled by thejudicial officer at the statushearing. Counsel may berequired to submit pretrialmemoranda.Loc. R. 8:5.2 (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92)

The parties and lead counselof record will be present atthe final pretrial conference.Loc. R. 8:5.2 (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92)

IA

S.D. Ohio IA

Loc. R. 16.1 (10/91)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (10/91)General Order 91-4 (EasternDivision, 7/91)

IAGeneral Order 91-4 (EasternDivision, 7/91)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (10/91)

E.D. Okla. IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(F)

IALoc. R. 16.2(M)

IALoc. R. 16.2

The court will encouragetelephone conferences.Loc. R. 37.2(B)

McoupjuLo

W.D. Okla. IA IA Representatives with

authority to bind must attendpretrial conferences.Loc. R. 17(D)(1)Loc. R. 17(I)Loc. R. 43(I)(1)Loc. R. 46(E)(2)

Counsel may participate inthe status conference bytelephone when justified bythe circumstances andallowed by the court.Loc. R. 17(D)(1)Loc. R. 43(I)(1)Loc. R. 46(E)(2)

Plsuon mLoScMRe8/4/
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

D. Or. The court will schedule

status conferences as often asneeded. In addition, attorneyshave an affirmative duty toask for scheduling and statusconferences to help resolvedisputes (including discoverydisputes) after conscientiousefforts by all parties toresolve them.

A final pretrial conferencemay be held at the discretionof the court.Loc. R. 235-3

IA The assigned judge should

arrange for an immediatetelephone conference uponevidence of repeateddiscovery disputes,suggestion of an overlyactive motions practice, anymotion to extend the pretrialorder lodging date, or anyapplication or stipulation forextension of time to completediscovery. At the conclusionof the telephone conference,the judge should set a fullschedule for the remainder ofthe case, including all reviseddeadlines, firm trial date,pretrial conference date, andpretrial order lodging date.Attorneys will be expected torespond to calls for telephonestatus conferences on shortnotice, including lunch hoursand before/after office hours.

Unasof coesdalo

E.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 47

IA When, in the court’s

discretion, efficientmanagement of litigationrequires this, each party willbe represented at eachidentified pretrial conferenceby an attorney with authorityto bind.

YesLoc. R. 21(b)

M.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.3(B) (Revised1/94)

IALoc. R. 16.1 (Revised 1/94)

IALoc. R. 16.2 (Revised 11/88)

IA

W.D. Pa. Status conferences may be

held as necessary. If the caseis not tried within 12 monthsof the pretrial conference, thejudicial officer will schedulea status conference to discusssettlement and set a prompttrial date.

Within 20 days of the closingof discovery, the plaintiffwill file and serve a pretrialstatement that includes astatement of material facts, alist of exhibits, and a copy ofall reports. The defendantwill do the same within 20days of the plaintiff’s filingof the pretrial statement.

Representatives withauthority to bind must bepresent at each conference.

IA Pa

dueittel
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

78 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 16.1.4F (10/93)

Counsel will then meet anddiscuss the statements andany unresolved issues.Loc. R. 16.1.4A (10/93)Loc. R. 16.1.4B (10/93) Loc. R. 16.1.4E4 (10/93) Lo

D.P.R. IA Yes IA IA Ca

mprstabimMLi

D.R.I. IA IA Yes (PD) IAD.S.C. CR IA

Loc. R. 13.00 and 13.01(12/1/93)

IA IA

D.S.D. IA A final pretrial conference is

held at the court’s discretion.

Yes IA

E.D. Tenn. IA IA At all pretrial conferences,

each party who is notproceeding pro se must berepresented by an attorneywho has the authority to bindthat party regarding allmatters identified by thecourt for discussion at theconference and allreasonably related matters.

IA Sc

be jua d

M.D. Tenn. Status conferences are

tailored to the needs andcomplexities of each case.Loc. R. 11(d)(1) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(3) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(6) (3/94)

YesLoc. R. 11(d)(6) (3/94)

Representatives withauthority to bind may berequired by the case manageror settlement judge to attendsettlement conferences.Loc. R. 20(d)(3) (3/94)

IALoc. R. 11(d)(4)(c) (3/94)

W.D. Tenn. Status conferences will be

scheduled as needed.

IA Representatives with

authority to bind must bepresent.

IA Fo

caunletthdi
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 15(a) (Revised 1/93)

whor ca

E.D. Tex. IA IA Counsel at the management

conference must haveauthority to bind their clients.

IA

N.D. Tex. IA IA

Loc. R. 7.1 (3/78)

IA IA

S.D. Tex. IA IA By individual notice, the

court will require theattendance at all pretrialsettlement conferences ofattorneys who have authorityto bind regarding all matters.Loc. R. 8 (5/88; Revised1/92, 2/94)

IA

W.D. Tex. IA IA IA

Loc. R. CV-16(g) (Revised1/94)

IA

D. Utah IA IA

Loc. R. 204-1(e)

IALoc. R. 204-2(c)Loc. R. 212(i)Loc. R. 212(j)

IALoc. R. 204-1(d)

Cowiina s

D. Vt. IA IA IA The court should attempt to

use conference calls forhearings and conferenceswhere counsel would berequired to commute anappreciable distance, thepersonal presence of counselis not required, and thejudicial officer is confidentthat any record required canadequately reflect theremarks of counsel and thejudicial officer.

Thissshis cafopucosoordiinesfocaagantriissm
Table 3: Other Pretrial Conference Provisions

80 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 12(g)(4)Loc. R. 11(e)

wirethnecoinisseitco

D.V.I. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(b) (7/21/92)

IALoc. R. 16.2(c) (7/21/92)

It is the practice of the courtthat attorneys with authorityto bind their clientsrespecting all matterspreviously identified by thecourt for discussion bepresent at pretrialconferences. (PD)

IA

E.D. Va. IA IA

Loc. R. 12(D) (8/62; Revised1/80, 2/89)Loc. R. 13(B)

CR IA

W.D. Va. Additional pretrial

conferences will bescheduled as needed.

IA IA Conferences can be

conducted in person or bytelephone.

Codimca

E.D. Wash. IA

Loc. R. 16

IA IA IA

W.D. Wash. PD IA

Loc. R. CR-16(m)

IALoc. R. CR-16(m)

Yes

N.D. W. Va. IA IA

Loc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13

S.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 2.01

A date for the pretrialconference is established inthe time frame order.Loc. R. 2.03Loc. R. 2.04

Lead counsel are required toattend the final pretrialconference.Loc. R. 2.04

IALoc. R. 2.01

E.D. Wis. The need for status

conferences will bedetermined by the court.

IA IA IA Th

parepr
Table 3: Other Pret

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Status ConferencesRequired?

Final PretrialConference Required?

Representatives withAuthority to Bind?

Encouragement ofTelephone Conferences? O

Loc. R. 7.04 (Revised1/1/92) Loc. R. 7.05

Loc. R. 7.05Loc. R. 7.12

If exa gthLo

W.D. Wis. IA The final pretrial conference

will be used to resolve asmany issues as possiblebefore trial. Prior to the finalconference, parties arerequired to submit to thecourt their proposed juryinstructions, voir dire, andform of special verdict.

Representatives withauthority to bind must bepresent at the preliminarypretrial conference.

The preliminary pretrialconference may be held bytelephone at the request ofone or more parties or if oneor more counsel are locatedoutside Madison, Wis.

D. Wyo. IA IA

Loc. R. 16(g)

A local rule requires counselwho will try the case toattend the final pretrialconference.

IALoc. R. 16(i)Loc. R. 100

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

DCM Tracks—What are the names of the DCM tracks and what are their characteristics?Assignment to DCM Tracks—Who assigns cases to tracks and when does that assignment occur?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherM.D. Ala. CR IA The Advisory Group an

current system, in which responsible for schedulithe necessary flexibility

N.D. Ala. Three tracks:

1. open ADR track;2. mediation track; and3. mediation/arbitration track.

Each judge will conduct an ADR evaluationconference during the early stages of casedevelopment to determine suitability for ADR.The court may order use of either mediation trackor mediation/arbitration track. Parties may chooseone of the tracks by agreement. Parties may alsoelect to use other ADR procedures under the openADR track.

S.D. Ala. IA IAD. Alaska IA IA A special subcommittee 

review the state court exThe court wants the subwhether such a program court using differentiateThe court will integrate treatment of civil cases procedures.
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

84 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherD. Ariz. Five tracks:

1. expedited;2. arbitration;3. pro se prisoner;4. standard; and5. complex.

With the exception of complex cases, assignmentsare made by the clerk’s office based on the natureof the suit. Complex cases are determined by thecourt and the parties.

E.D. Ark. IA IA The court will continue 

management practices rcategories of civil cases

W.D. Ark. CR IAC.D. Cal. IA IA The court concludes tha

be left to the discretion 

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 302(c) (10/84; Revised 5/91)

IA

N.D. Cal. IA IAS.D. Cal. IA IAD. Colo. IA IA Civil case management 

complexity of the partic

D. Conn. IA IAD. Del. Three tracks:

1. expedited;2. standard; and3. complex.

IA Any party seeking a det

must file a notice of intethe answer.Loc. R. 16.1(a)(1) (Rev

D.D.C. Three tracks:

1. fast, for cases that can be resolved quickly;2. routine or standard, for routine cases; and3. complex, for complex cases.Loc. R. 206.1(a) (Adopted 3/1/94)

Track assignment is discussed at the meet andconfer conference, a recommendation is made bycounsel in the case scheduling statement, and thefinal decision is made by the judge. Trackassignment can be changed at any time.Loc. R. 206(c) (Adopted 3/1/94)Loc. R. 206.1(b) (Adopted 3/1/94)

M.D. Fla. Three tracks:

1. habeas corpus cases, prisoner petitions,administrative agency reviews, bankruptcyappeals, mortgage foreclosure cases, student loancases, and veterans benefits cases;2. noncomplex trial cases not designated as track 1

Cases will be assigned to appropriate tracks by theclerk, but the assigned judge may change the trackdesignation at any time.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

or 3; and3. class actions, anti-trust cases, securities cases,complex torts, multiple parties, multiple claims, orcases imminently affecting the public interest.

N.D. Fla. CR All cases are assigned by the clerk’s office at the

time of filing.

The court accepts the Arecommendation that, wprisoner and administracivil docket did not wardifferential case manageLoc. R. 26.1 (Proposed)

S.D. Fla. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(A)2

IALoc. R. 16.1(A)4

Each civil case is assignbased on the complexity factors, using a modifiecase management. The crelated uniform discove1. expedited cases (90–12. standard cases (180–23. complex cases (270–3Loc. R. 16.1(A)2

M.D. Ga. IA IA The court already has cu

prisoner petitions, bankrsecurity appeals, and haBased on the Advisory Gthe court has hired a law litigants and is working General to institute a bethe state prison system tof prisoner petitions in t

N.D. Ga. The court has 3 tracks that are defined by the

length of the discovery period:1. 0 months for student loans, overpayment ofveterans benefits, enforcement and overpaymentof judgments, prisoner petitions other than deathpenalty and civil rights, bankruptcy, and SocialSecurity cases;2. 8 months for antitrust, securities/commodities,and patent cases; and3. 4 months for all other cases.

Assignment of cases to discovery tracks is done bycase type as indicated on the civil cover sheet,Form JS44.

Cases in the 0-months dsubject to mandatory disettlement conference rerequired to file a prelimpretrial order.Loc. R. 201-2

S.D. Ga. PD

Loc. R. 7.1 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 26.1(d)Loc. R. 14 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 23Loc. R. 25 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 17General Order 10/2/89

PDLoc. R. 7.1 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 26.1(d)Loc. R. 14 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 23Loc. R. 25 (1/82) Renumbered Loc. R. 17General Order 10/2/89
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

86 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

Loc. R. 2.7 (Revised 6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 9.1Loc. R. 8.5 (Revised 6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 16.1

Loc. R. 2.7 (Revised 6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 9.1Loc. R. 8.5 (Revised 6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 16.1

D. Guam IA IA It was the finding of the 

that differentiated case munnecessary in the Distrtime.

D. Haw. CR IA The court’s present proc

intent of a DCM system formal system is planne

D. Idaho IA IA The Advisory Group dis

DCM system with formthat it would be unneces

C.D. Ill. CR IA The Advisory Group rep

court agrees, that the disformal system of differe

N.D. Ill. IA IAS.D. Ill. Three tracks:

1. Track A consists of prisoner habeas corpuspetitions, prisoner civil rights cases, pro seprisoner cases, government collection cases, landcondemnation cases, government cases forcondemnation or forfeiture of property, appeals ofadministrative decisions, IRS enforcement cases,Freedom of Information Act cases, civil penaltiescollection cases, bankruptcy appeals, suits toquash subpoenas, civil actions for admission orrevocation of citizenship, labor cases arising out ofcollective bargaining agreements, ERISA cases,and copyright cases. The presumptive trial date isset for 8 to 10 months after the filing of thecomplaint.2. Track B consists of standard cases such assimple torts or contract cases. The presumptivetrial date is set for 11 to 14 months after the filingof the complaint.3. Track C consists of complex and multipartycases. The presumptive trial date is set for 15 to 18months after the filing of the complaint.(Presumptive trial dates were revised for all trackson 3/94.)Loc. R. 6(a) (5/92; Revised 3/94)

The assigned judicial officer will assign apresumptive trial date after the initial review of thecase.Loc. R. 6(a) (5/92; Revised 3/94)
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherN.D. Ind. CR IA The court declined to ad

agreeing with the Advissystem would be inapprcourt also declined to adfor different types of cacomplex).

S.D. Ind. IA IAN.D. Iowa IA IAS.D. Iowa IA IAD. Kan. IA IAE.D. Ky. CR IA The Advisory Group op

tracking of cases. Becauuniqueness of this distridiscretion to maintain htracking system.

W.D. Ky. CR IA The court agrees with th

assessment that a formanot significantly aid effiThe court will continue individualized tracking 

E.D. La. IA IA The court has appointed 

examine whether a formidentifying cases by theimposing predetermined limits according to the dinstituted in this district

M.D. La. Two tracks:

1. exempted cases; and2. all others.

Assignment is made on the basis of case type.Exempted cases are student loan cases, bankruptcyappeals, motions to vacate sentence, habeas corpusapplications, prisoner cases, and Social Securityclaims.

The Advisory Group winot a formal tracking syin this district.

W.D. La. Seven tracks:

1. In Forma Pauperis Applications: all originalcivil matters in which there is an application toproceed in forma pauperis. These cases arereferred to the magistrate judge for action on theapplication; afterward, the case is transferred tothe appropriate track.2. Uncontested: all civil cases filed by the U.S.A.or any agency thereof for collection of obligations

Cases are examined at filing for assignment to theappropriate track. The case may be reassigned atany later time if the nature of the case changes. Ajudge may opt out of a track assignment and itsspecific procedures for the handling of a specificcase.
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

88 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

such as student loans and foreclosures ofmortgages. These cases are referred to themagistrate judge who will handle all proceedings.If there are responsive pleadings, the case will betransferred to the general track.3. Prisoner: all habeas corpus and civil rightsactions filed by prisoners involving conditions ofconfinement. These cases are referred to themagistrate judge for report and recommendation.4. Social Security: all appeals from decisions ofadministrative law judges. These cases are referredto the magistrate judge for report andrecommendation.5. Accelerated: all civil nonjury cases requiring atmost a minimal amount of live testimony (i.e., onehalf-day or less). The attorneys must certify thisfact and notify the magistrate judge of eligibility atthe scheduling conference.6. Stand-by: all civil cases that are ready for trialand in which all attorneys have certified that theycan be ready for trial on short notice, not to exceed4 weeks.7. General: all civil cases not assigned to one ofthe six tracks defined above. The standardprocedures by the court will be applied to thesecases.

D. Me. Six tracks:

1. Administrative track: habeas corpus cases,Social Security disability cases, governmentcollection of student loans and V.A. benefits,government foreclosures, special educationappeals, and bankruptcy appeals. Discovery isprohibited unless approved by a judicial officer.2. Standard Track: statutory forfeiture cases,foreclosure of first preferred ship mortgages,vehicle collision cases involving only negligenceclaims, slip and fall cases, foreclosure cases not inthe administrative track, simple contract cases,declaratory judgments other than governmentforeclosures, FELA cases, Jones Act cases, andcomplaints for copyright violations forunauthorized musical performances. Cases in thistrack are limited to 30 interrogatories per party, 30requests for admission per party, 2 sets ofproduction per party, and 5 depositions per party.3. Complex track: cases that require specialattention because of the number of parties,complexity of the issues, scope of discovery, and

Tracks are assigned by the clerk of court based onthe initial pleading. The court may later change thetrack assignment.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

other comparable factors.4. Toxic tort track, all asbestos-related tort actionsand any other cases the court decides presentsimilar problems.5. Prisoner civil rights track: civil rights cases filedby prisoners pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983.Discovery must be completed within 4 months ofthe issuance of the scheduling order.6. State of Maine/Pine Tree Legal Protocol Track:cases whose plaintiffs are represented by PineTree Legal Assistance, Inc. and the defendant isthe Maine Department of Human Servicesrepresented by the Maine Attorney General’sOffice.Loc. R. 15(b)

D. Md. CR IA The court will continue 

differentiation. (PD)

D. Mass. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(E)

IALoc. R. 16.1(E)

The exercise of case-spethe basis for case manag

E.D. Mich. PD PDW.D. Mich. Six DCM tracks and 1 control track:

1. Voluntary expedited: Parties who agree to thisassignment waive their right to have their casetried by an Article III judge. Disposition will occurwithin 9 months of filing, discovery must becompleted within 90 days after the casemanagement conference, interrogatories will belimited to 15 single-part questions, and there canbe no more than 2 fact witness depositions perparty without prior approval.2. Expedited: Cases in this track will be disposedof within 9 to 12 months after the complaint isfiled. Discovery must be completed within 120days after the case management conference.Interrogatories will be limited to 20 single-partquestions and there can be no more than 4 factwitness depositions per party without prior courtapproval.3. Standard: Cases in this track will be disposed ofwithin 12 to 15 months after the complaint is filed.Discovery must be completed within 180 daysafter the case management conference.Interrogatories will be limited to 30 single-partquestions and there can be no more than 8 factwitness depositions per party without prior court

Initial track assignment is made by a judicialofficer at the case management conference. Theassignment may be changed later at the discretionof the court.

All parties in all civil sutrack information statemfirst responsive pleadingfound that this form was requirement was repealeon 3/94.)
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

90 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

approval.4. Complex: Cases in this track will be disposed ofwithin 15 to 24 months after the complaint is filed.Discovery must be completed within 270 daysafter the case management conference.Interrogatories will be limited to 50 single-partquestions and there can be no more than 15 factwitness depositions per party without prior courtapproval.5. Highly complex: Cases in this track will bedisposed of at some time after 24 months from thefiling of the complaint. Discovery guidelines andlimitations are at the discretion of the court.6. Administrative: Assignment to this track ismade by the clerk’s office after a review of theinitial pleadings. Social Security, habeas corpus,bankruptcy and administrative appeals, andprisoner civil rights cases generally will beassigned to this track. After the litigation is readyfor resolution, a case in this track will be decidedwithin 180 days.7. Non-DCM: Ten percent of all civil cases will berandomly assigned to this control track, designedto gather data for comparative analysis. Judicialinvolvement will be minimal. The case may beplaced on a DCM track upon motion and approvalby the court.(The DCM portion of the plan was revised byadministrative order on 11/16/93. The amendmentstated that civil rights actions in the administrativetrack would be subject to these discoverylimitations: 15 interrogatories per party andrequests for documents are limited to 5 categoriesof documents.)

Loc. R. 24(i)

D. Minn. There is one specialized track for simple civil

cases.

Cases are assigned by local rule to the specializedtrack for simple cases.

N.D. Miss. Five tracks:

1. The expedited track has a goal of casecompletion within 9 months and a discovery cutoff date within 100 days of the filing of the casemanagement plan.2. The standard track has a goal of casecompletion within 12 months and a discovery cutoff date within 200 days of the filing of the casemanagement plan.3. The complex track has a goal of casecompletion within 24 months.

The court, in assigning cases to tracks, willconsider legal issues, the amount of requireddiscovery, and the number of fact/expertwitnesses.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

4. The administrative track has a goal of casecompletion within 9 months and no discovery.These cases are normally referred directly to amagistrate judge.5. The mass tort track uses a special managementplan by the court.

S.D. Miss. Five tracks:

1. The expedited track has a goal of casecompletion within 9 months and a discovery cutoff date within 100 days of the filing of the casemanagement plan.2. The standard track has a goal of casecompletion within 12 months and a discovery cutoff date within 200 days of the filing of the casemanagement plan.3. The complex track has a goal of casecompletion within 24 months.4. The administrative track has a goal of casecompletion within 9 months and no discovery.These cases are normally referred directly to amagistrate judge.5. The mass tort track uses a special managementplan by the court.

The court, in assigning cases to tracks, willconsider legal issues, the amount of requireddiscovery, and the number of fact/expertwitnesses.

E.D. Mo. Five tracks:

1. Expedited: Case disposition is expected to occurwithin 12 months of the date of filing and withlimited judicial intervention. These cases typicallyinvolve few parties, limited disputed facts, simplediscovery/disclosure, and damages with relativelylow monetary claims.2. Standard: Case disposition is expected to occurwithin 18 months of filing with more judicialinvolvement than in expedited cases. These casesmay involve multiple parties, substantive factualand legal disputes requiring moderatediscovery/disclosure, and significant monetaryvalue in the damage claims.3. Complex: Case disposition is expected to occurwithin 24 months of filing, requiring early andintensive judicial intervention through anindividualized case management plan. Thisrelatively small class of cases will be characterizedby numerous parties with diverse interests,complicated factual and legal issues, and thepotential for extensive discovery/disclosure.4. Administrative: Case disposition will occur inaccordance with the court’s ability to issue written

All parties in civil actions will complete a trackinformation statement that will be used by theDCM coordinator in the clerk’s office to makeinitial track assignments. The court may later altertrack assignment. Pro se prisoner cases areassigned to expedited, standard, or nonstandardtracks by the judge.
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

92 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

orders and opinions. Discovery is nonexistent orlimited. Most cases require only the resolution oflegal issues, such as administrative appeals, SocialSecurity cases, nondeath penalty habeas corpuspetitions, and bankruptcy appeals.5. Pro se prisoner civil rights: Special casemanagement guidelines will be used to processcases in this track. Track assignment will occurwithin these DCM tracks: a. expedited prisoner action b. standard prisoner action c. nonstandard prisoner actionDisposition will occur within 12 months forexpedited prisoner actions, 18 months for standardprisoner actions, and 24 months for nonstandardprisoner actions.

W.D. Mo. IA IAD. Mont. Two tracks:

1. Expedited cases are placed on the calendar fortrial within 6 months.2. General cases have a status conference at whichthe judicial officer will establish a trial date.Loc. R. 235-4

Track assignment is determined in consultationwith counsel/parties at the preliminary pretrialconference.Loc. R. 235-1(c)Loc. R. 235-4(a)(2)

Civil cases will be assigthe district based on the the location of property the transaction.Loc. R. 105-2(b)

D. Neb. IA IAD. Nev. IA

Loc. R. 190

IA The court does not have 

formal tracks.

D.N.H. Four tracks:

1. Administrative: Such cases include those filedunder 28 U.S.C. § 2241 (habeas corpus cases);Social Security disability cases; governmentcollections of student loans and V.A. benefits;government foreclosures; special educationappeals; bankruptcy appeals; and other cases that,based on the court’s experience, are likely to resultin default or consent judgments or can be resolvedon the pleadings or by motion.2. Expedited: These cases are those in which theparties have voluntarily agreed to go to trial within6 months of the preliminary pretrial conference.3. Complex: These cases require special or intensemanagement by the court due to one or more ofthe following factors: complex factual and/or legalissues, large number of parties, large volume ofevidence, extensive discovery, length of time

At the preliminary pretrial conference, a judicialofficer will assign the case to 1 of the 4 tracks. Ifthe nature of the case subsequently changes, thejudicial officer may reassign it to anotherappropriate track.

For the first 2 years afteCJRA Plan, cases assignwill be scheduled for tripreliminary pretrial conallows the court to reevaof the 12-month schedufactors as its docket, demfederal-state relations, aselect their counsel of cdisputes swiftly.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

needed to prepare for trial or other disposition,number of preliminary issues that must be decidedbefore trial or disposition, and the anticipatedlength of trial or other comparable factors.4. Standard: These cases do not fall into any of theother 3 tracks.

D.N.J. Civil cases are designated as either:

1. subject to compulsory arbitration;2. Track I; or3. Track II.Track II cases are complex in nature and arepresumed to require frequent conferences orjudicial intervention. Track I cases are presumedto require infrequent conferences or interventionand are also presumed to be pretried within 1 yearof filing of initial answer.Gen. R. 15B.4 (12/91)Gen. R. 15D (12/91)

Cases are assigned to tracks I and II by themagistrate judge at the initial scheduling hearing.At the initiation of civil actions, the clerkdesignates certain actions for court-annexedarbitration when the relief sought is monetary andnot in excess of $100,000, exclusive of interests,costs and punitive damages. Judicial officers mayat any time designate complex civil actions forcourt-annexed mediation.Gen. R. 15B.4 (12/91)Gen. R. 47C.1 (3/85)Gen. R. 49D (1/93)

D.N.M. Four tracks:

1. Expedited cases have a disposition goal of 9months from joinder of issue.2. Standard cases have a disposition goal of 12months from joinder of issue.3. Complex cases have a disposition goal of 18months from joinder of issue.4. Administrative cases are likely to be resolved ordismissed on pleadings or by motion.

IA

E.D.N.Y. IA IA The court will continue 

Social Security cases, harbitration cases of $100cases. The court will costatus and periodically eimplementation of a forFor complex cases, statuconvened at 6-month inand discovery. The courimplementing staged, tiediscovery. The court maplaintiffs and defendanteffort and expedite reso

N.D.N.Y. IA IA If the presiding judicial 

case is of such a complereasonably be trial ready the date the complaint is will exempt the case fro
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

94 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

particularized case manexplore the possibility obifurcate principal issueexpensive and unnecesspossible deadlines, and cases.

S.D.N.Y. Three tracks:

1. complex;2. standard; and3. expedited.

The court will designate a track based on caseinformation statements filed by the parties or by adetermination made at the case managementconference.

W.D.N.Y. IA IA In an appropriate, uncom

may grant an advanced discovery. Although thedifferentiated case manaprovides procedures to bparticular groups of caserights, habeas corpus, clcases except Social Secu

E.D.N.C. CR IA The court rejected form

informal case tracking iclerk’s assessment of coprisoner civil rights, habbankruptcy, and Social separately, with differendiscovery limits.Loc. R. 24.00 (2/94)

M.D.N.C. Three tracks:

1. Standard: Cases on this track have a 4-monthdiscovery period and are limited to 4 depositions,15 interrogatories, and 15 requests for admissionper side.2. Complex: Cases on this track have a 6-monthdiscovery period and are limited to 7 depositions,25 interrogatories, and 25 requests for admissionper side.3. Exceptional: Cases on this track have a 9-monthdiscovery period and are limited to 10 depositions,30 interrogatories, and 30 requests for admissionper side.Loc. R. 204

IALoc. R. 204(a)

W.D.N.C. Five tracks:

1. Expedited cases will be completed within 6months after filing,2. Standard cases will be completed within 12

Cases are assigned to a track at the initial pretrialconference by the assigned judges and counselafter review of the case management plan.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

months after filing,3. Complex cases will have a presumptivecompletion date of no more than 24 months afterfiling,4. Administrative cases will be completed within 3months after filing,5. Mass torts will be completed on a date set afterconsultation with the attorneys of record.

D.N.D. Two tracks:

1. Class 1: This is the express track for cases thatneed minimal judicial involvement.2. Class 2: This is the standard management trackfor cases that need individual judicialinvolvement.

Class 1 cases include bankruptcy appeals, SocialSecurity appeals, consent cases, collection cases,V.A. overpayments, student loans, andforeclosures. Class 2 cases include all other cases.

Case classification is an the court and will not afresponsibilities of couns

D. N. Mar. I. Three tracks:

1. Expedited cases will be completed within 6months after filing and will have a discovery cutoff no later than 60 days prior to trial. Discoveryguidelines include 15 single-part interrogatories,15 requests for admission, depositions of theparties, depositions on written questions ofcustodians of business records for nonparties, nomore than 1 fact witness deposition per partywithout prior approval of the court, and otherdiscovery outlined in the case management plan.2. Standard cases will be completed within 12months after filing and will have discovery cut-offno later then 60 days prior to trial. Discoveryguidelines include interrogatories limited to 30single-part questions, 30 requests for admission,depositions of the parties, depositions on writtenquestions of custodians of business records fornonparties, no more than 3 fact witnessdepositions per party without prior approval of thecourt, and other discovery outlined in the casemanagement plan.3. Complex cases will be completed within 18months after filing and will have a discovery cutoff specified in the case management plan.Discovery guidelines include interrogatorieslimited to 50 single-part questions, 50 requests foradmission, depositions of the parties, depositionson written questions of custodians of businessrecords for nonparties, and other discoverydiscussed at the case management conference.

The court will use these criteria to assign cases toa particular track.1. Expedited cases: a. legal issues are few and clear; b. limited discovery required; c. few real parties in interest; d. 5 or fewer fact witnesses; e. no expert witnesses; f. less than 5 likely trial days; g. highly suitable for ADR; and h. usually a fixed amount of damage claims.2. Standard cases: a. more than a few legal issues, some of which areunsettled; b. routine discovery required; c. 5 or fewer real parties in interest; d. 10 or fewer fact witnesses; e. 3 or fewer expert witnesses; f. 10 or fewer likely trial days; g. moderately to highly suitable for ADR; and h. damage claims are routine.3. Complex cases: a. numerous, complicated, and possibly uniquelegal issues; b. extensive discovery required; c. more than 5 real parties in interest; d. more than 10 fact witnesses; e. more than 3 expert witnesses; f. less than 10 likely trial days; g. moderately suitable for ADR; and h. damage claims usually require experttestimony.
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

96 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherN.D. Ohio Five tracks:

1. Expedited: Cases on this track will becompleted within 9 months after filing and have adiscovery cut-off no later than 100 days after filingof the case management plan. Discoveryguidelines include interrogatories limited to 15single-party questions, no more than 1 fact witnessdeposition per party without prior approval by thecourt, and whatever other discovery is providedfor in the case management plan.2. Standard: Cases on this track will be completedwithin 15 months after filing and have a discoverycut-off no later than 200 days after filing of thecase management plan. Discovery guidelinesinclude interrogatories limited to 35 single-partquestions, no more than 3 fact witness depositionsper party without prior approval by the court, andwhatever other discovery is provided for in thecase management plan.3. Complex: Cases on this track will have thediscovery cut-off specified in the casemanagement plan and will have a case completiongoal of no more than 24 months.4. Administrative: Cases on this track will bereferred directly to a magistrate judge for a reportand recommendation. Discovery guidelinesinclude no discovery without prior approval of thecourt. These cases will normally be determined onthe pleadings or by motion.5. Mass torts: Cases on this track will be treated inaccordance with the special management plan bythe court.Loc. R. 8:2.1(b) (1/1/92; Revised 12/15/92)

The court will evaluate and screen each civil casein accordance with this section, and then assigneach case to one of the case management tracksdescribed in Loc. R. 8:2.1(b). The court willconsider and apply these factors in making theassignment decision:1. Expedited: legal issues are few and clear,limited required discovery, few real parties ininterest, up to 5 fact witnesses, no expertwitnesses, less than 5 trial days likely, highsuitability for ADR, and usually a fixed amount ofdamage claims.2. Standard: legal issues are more than a few andsome may be unsettled, routine required discovery,up to 5 real parties in interest, up to 10 factwitnesses, 2 or 3 expert witnesses, 5 to 10 trialdays likely, moderate to high suitability for ADR,and routine damage claims.3. Complex: legal issues are numerous,complicated, and possibly unique, extensiverequired discovery, more than 5 real parties ininterest, more than 10 fact witnesses, more than 3expert witnesses, more than 10 trial days likely,moderate suitability for ADR, and damage claimsare likely to require expert testimony.4. Administrative: cases that are likely to result indefault or consent judgments or can be resolved onthe pleadings or by motion.5. Mass tort: factors to be considered forassignment to this track will be identified inaccordance with the special management plan bythe court.Loc. R. 8:2.2 (1/1/92)

S.D. Ohio CR IA The court will continue 

attention by a judicial omanagement of each trinot adopt a predeterminwill provide some mechcan advise the court at tthat a case is likely to repretrial attention or othecomplex case.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherE.D. Okla. Five tracks:

1. Prisoner litigation: prisoner petitions for writs ofhabeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241 and2254, motions/complaints pursuant to 28 U.S.C.§§ 1331 and 2255, motions pursuant to Fed. R.Civ. P. 35, and civil rights complaints pursuant to42 U.S.C. § 1983;2. Social Security appeals: cases seeking review ofa denial of Social Security benefits by theSecretary of Health and Human Services;3. Bankruptcy appeals: appeals to the Districtcourt from the U.S. Bankruptcy court;4. Standard management: all cases not designatedat the status/scheduling conference as requiringspecialized and more intense management; and5. Special management: cases designated at thestatus/scheduling management conference asrequiring specialized and more intensemanagement.

Cases falling within the prisoner litigation, SocialSecurity appeals, and bankruptcy appeals trackswill be assigned by the court based on the initialpleading. Cases falling in the standard and specialmanagement tracks will be assigned by the court atthe status/scheduling conference. Counsel mayrequest assignment or reassignment of a case to aparticular track; the court may reassign any case toa different track at any time.

At the court’s discretionmay be referred to a mareport and recommendafor the court’s signatureare routinely assigned to filing. Bankruptcy appeArticle III judge for finamanagement cases will with standard practice apursuant to Fed. R. Civ. of this court. Special mamanaged in accordance procedures of this court 16 and the local rules of counsel will be required days prior to the status/smemorandum outlining require special case man

N.D. Okla. Six tracks:

1. Prisoner cases;2. Social Security appeals;3. Bankruptcy appeals;4. Standard management cases, which are all casesnot assigned to another track and in which trial isordinarily held within 18 months;5. Special management cases, which requirespecialized and more intense management becauseof their complexity; and6. Foreclosure/student loans.(The sixth track was added after the adoption ofthe CJRA Plan.)

Prisoner cases and Social Security and bankruptcyappeals will be assigned at the initial pleading. Allother cases will be assigned at the casemanagement conference. Counsel may secureassignment to a particular track. The request forassignment must be made in a joint managementplan delivered to the court 4 working days beforethe case management conference.

W.D. Okla. Five tracks:

1. Prisoner litigation;2. Social Security cases;3. Asbestos cases;4. Special management; and5. Standard management.

Prisoner and Social Security cases will be assignedto a track based on the initial pleading. All othercases will be assigned by the court at thestatus/scheduling conference. Counsel can requestassignment to a particular track. This request mustbe in writing and delivered to the court 10 daysprior to the scheduling conference.Loc. R. 17, Civil Status and SchedulingConferences; Management (9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 5/20/83, 8/11/86, 12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

98 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherD. Or. IA IA The court found that a n

cases are appropriate fodifferential treatment. Suse a specialized, uniqucorpus cases will be preapproved by the court. C§§ 2241 and 2254 will horder. After the form pedirectly assigned to the for scheduling and dispoappeals and withdrawalassignment plan to handand administration. A sihandle all asbestos persdistrict judge will handlcases. IRS summons enhave a special plan for ano scheduling order wiljudge will sign all documjudge’s signature (transmcourt). When a notice of bankruptcy court is filedfor establishing the briethe record on appeal, ancomplete record to the dassignment. The civil dudismissal motions for lefor withdrawal of referecourt, upon receipt of thfrom the clerk.

E.D. Pa. Six tracks:

1. Habeas corpus petitions;2. Social Security cases;3. Arbitration, for cases designated eligible underLoc. R. 8;4. Asbestos cases;5. Special management cases that do not fall intotracks 1–4 and that need special or intensemanagement by the court due to 1 or more factors(including a large number of parties, claims, orissues); and6. Standard management cases that do not fall intotracks 1–5.

The clerk will assign cases to tracks 1–4 based onthe initial pleading. For cases not suitable for thosetracks, the plaintiff will submit to the clerk, andserve with the complaint, a case management trackdesignation form (CMTDF) specifying that thecase is a special or standard management case. Ifthe defendant disagrees, the defendant will submitto the clerk (upon first appearance) and serve onthe plaintiff and all other parties, a separateCMTDF. The court may, on its own initiative orupon request of any party, change the trackassignment of any case at any time.

Nothing in the plan is ina judicial officer’s authoor to supersede local rulrandom assignment of hSecurity cases referred t
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherM.D. Pa. Four tracks:

1. Fast: The court issues a standard order referringthe case to a magistrate judge forrecommendations. Trial is held within 180 days ofthe filing of the complaint.2. Expedited: Trial is held within 240 days of thefiling of the complaint.3. Standard: Trial is held within 455 days of thefiling of the complaint.4. Complex: Trial is held within 730 days of thefiling of the complaint.[These time frames are based on the revised CJRAPlan. (Revised 7/94)]

Track assignment occurs at the initialscheduling/case management conference.

W.D. Pa. There are two tracks for civil cases not in

arbitration:1. Track I: Cases in this track are presumed torequire infrequent judicial involvement after theinitial case management conference. There will bea pretrial conference within 12 months of filingand trial within 18 months of filing.2. Track II: Cases in this track appear to requirefrequent judicial intervention. Status conferencesare scheduled regularly and trial is set for a datecertain.Loc. R. 16.1.3 (10/93)Loc. R. 16.1.2C (10/93)

The judicial officer makes the assignment, afterconsultation with counsel, at the initial casemanagement conference.Loc. R. 16.1.2C (10/93)

Judges will routinely ustrack I cases.Loc. R. 16.1.3 (10/93)

D.P.R. Three tracks:

1. Expedited track: This track involves relativelysimple cases such as student loans, foreclosures,and Social Security appeals. These cases wouldnormally be completed within 9 months of filingand the discovery cut-off would be no later than100 days after filing of the case managementorder.2. Standard track: Most civil cases would be onthis track, would be completed within 18 monthsof filing, and would have a discovery cut-off nolater than 200 days after filing of the casemanagement order.3. Complex track: The goal for these cases iscompletion within 36 months of filing. Thediscovery cut-off would be established in the casemanagement order.

The court clerk will use these criteria to assigncases to a particular track.1. Expedited cases: a. legal issues are few and clear; b. limited discovery required; c. few real parties in interest; d. 5 or fewer fact witnesses; e. no expert witnesses; f. less than 5 likely trial days; g. character and nature of damage claims; and h. simple tort.2. Standard cases: a. more than a few legal issues, some of which are unsettled; b. routine discovery required; c. 5 or fewer real parties in interest; d. 10 or fewer fact witnesses; e. 2 or 3 expert witnesses; f. 5 to 10 likely trial days; and g. damage claims are routine.

A track information statparty with the initial ple
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

100 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

3. Complex cases: a. numerous, complicated, and possibly unique legal issues; b. extensive discovery required; c. more than five real parties in interest; d. more than ten fact witnesses; e. more than three expert witnesses; f. more than ten likely trial days; and g. damage claims usually require expert testimony.The court may, at its discretion, reassign cases todifferent tracks. The court may also considermotions to change track assignment.

D.R.I. CR IA Each judicial officer alr

DCM. The Advisory Grthat a formal DCM systtime.

D.S.C. CR IA The court will establish 

docket. This docket will recommended by the AdWestern District of Tex

D.S.D. IA IA Local rules and procedu

treatment of cases. The identify cases deserving special treatment.

E.D. Tenn. PD PDM.D. Tenn. IA IA The court’s customized 

substitutes for a formal Loc. R. 11(a) (3/94)

W.D. Tenn. Seven tracks:

1. Pro se;2. Prisoner litigation;3. Habeas corpus petitions;4. Bankruptcy appeals;5. United States debt cases;6. Social Security cases; and7. General civil litigation.

There will be no set or predetermined casemanagement tracks within the general civillitigation track. Rather, each case will be assessedindividually and given the appropriate degree ofsupervision.

The court will use the MLitigation as a reference cases.

E.D. Tex. Six tracks:

1. Track 1: no discovery;2. Track 2: disclosure only;3. Track 3: disclosure plus 25 interrogatories, 25

The court makes the assignment of cases to tracks.
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks Other

requests for admission, depositions of parties, anddepositions on written questions of custodians ofbusiness records for third parties;4. Track 4: disclosure plus 25 interrogatories, 25requests for admission, depositions of parties, anddepositions on written questions of custodians ofbusiness records for third parties, and 3 otherdepositions per side;5. Track 5: disclosure plus a discovery plantailored by the judicial officer to fit the specialmanagement needs of the case; and6. Track 6: disclosure plus a discovery plan asdetermined by the judicial officer to fit the specialmanagement needs of mass tort and other largegroups of similar cases.(This is a revision of the original DCM plan, bygeneral order on 10/94.)

N.D. Tex. IA IAS.D. Tex. Six tracks:

1. Bankruptcy appeals;2. Social Security appeals;3. FDIC, RTC, and FSLIC cases;4. Pro se plaintiff cases;5. Removed cases; and6. All other cases.

The court will coordinate a team of 3 additionalstaff attorneys for district-wide court service toscreen and review new case filings for placementin appropriate case management tracks and toperform an evaluation of individual cases eligiblefor expedited handling.

Asbestos cases are automEastern District of PennMulti-District Litigation assigned to a single distthis court. All V.A. and assigned to the chief judand habeas corpus cases processed by staff attorn

W.D. Tex. Two tracks: an expedited docket and all other

cases. For cases on the expedited docket, no ADRis required, no scheduling order will be entered, nopretrial order will be required, and parties mustconsent to trial by a magistrate judge. Cases on theexpedited track will be guaranteed a trial within 6months of consent.Loc. R. CV-16(f) (Revised 1/94)

Participation in the expedited docket will be byconsent of the parties.Loc. R. CV-16(f) (Revised 1/94)

No consent for placemeonce given, may be withshowing of good cause.Loc. R. CV-16(f) (Revi

D. Utah CR IA The court is of the opini

superior to any effort to system.

D. Vt. IA IAD.V.I. IA IA It is currently the practic

and the district judges to conformity with the levecases.
Table 4: Differentiated Case Management

102 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherE.D. Va. PD IAW.D. Va. IA IA All Social Security appe

by a magistrate judge. If magistrate judge may mBankruptcy appeals wildispositive motions in margument will be permitStudent loan and V.A. ousually resolved by defasupervision.

E.D. Wash. CR IA Neither a DCM plan no

is appropriate for this di

W.D. Wash. The court considered but rejected a DCM system. The court considered but rejected a DCM system.N.D. W. Va. Three tracks:

1. Type I: student loan collection, Social Security,habeas corpus, bankruptcy, and condemnation,asbestos, V.A. overpayment recovery, andcondition of confinement in state prison cases. Theclerk will continue current case managementpractices.2. Type II: Standard—All remaining civil casesnot classified as complex. The clerk’s office willassume case management, notifying the parties ofthe filing of a complaint or answer. Discovery willbe pursuant to a local rule patterned after a draftrevision of Fed. R. Civ. P. 26.3. Type II: Complex—The court will schedule acase management conference to schedule orsequence discovery or use other forms of casemanagement.

The clerk will notify parties upon the filing of acomplaint that, unless the case is classified by thecourt as complex, the case will be managed as astandard civil case.

S.D. W. Va. Three tracks:

1. Class A cases are set for trial 6 months fromfiling;2. Class B cases are set for trial 9 months fromfiling; and3. Class C cases are open as to the trial date—thetrial date is set after conference with counsel.

All cases are reviewed by a judicial officer andplaced into 1 of the 3 classes.

E.D. Wis. IA IA
Table 4: Differe

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District DCM Tracks Assignment to DCM Tracks OtherW.D. Wis. CR IA The court rejected a form

instead a less formal sysoffice may prepare and cases that, by their naturpreliminary pretrial conSecurity appeals).

D. Wyo. Two tracks:

1. complex; and2. noncomplex.Loc. R. 16.1 (11/92)

The magistrate judge will evaluate statementsrequired of counsel for each party identifying theappropriate classification, as well as the pleadingsat the initial pretrial order. If a case is complex, thecourt and counsel should consider the need foradditional scheduling conferences and earlyjudicial involvement. They should also consideruse of the Manual for Complex Litigation andother procedures.Social Security, debtor examination, forfeiture,and miscellaneous docket cases will automaticallybe included in the noncomplex classification. Thecourt will not hold an initial pretrial conference inthese cases, unless the parties request it or thecourt decides it is best.All other noncomplex cases will have an initialpretrial conference, and discovery will generallybe limited to 90 days after conference.Loc. R. 16 (Revised 11/93)

In noncomplex cases, thcurrent procedures for cconferences and nondispThe court provided a nustanding committee to cclassify cases based on early identification of coappropriate managemenAt anytime, the parties morder reclassification of A local rule will be adopcase has been identified judge will issue a schedroutine, joint, or phased settlement, limitation of bifurcation, use of the MLitigation, as well as eajudge. The court may readvance of any schedulijoint plan.

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 5: Disclosure

Voluntary Exchange Encouraged?—Does the court encourage voluntary exchange of discoverable informatioRequired Disclosure—What information must be disclosed, in what types of cases, and when? (“Core informthe table to denote disclosure of: the name, address, and telephone number of each individual likely to have dformation relevant to disputed facts; a copy of, or a description by category and location of, all documents, dand tangible things in the possession, custody, or control of the party that are relevant to disputed facts; a comcategory of damages claimed by the disclosing party; and any relevant insurance agreements.)Disclosure of Expert Witnesses—What information about expert witnesses must be disclosed, in what types owhen?Pretrial Disclosure—What is the nature of pretrial disclosure, in what types of cases, and when?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

M.D. Ala. Yes IA IA IAN.D. Ala. IA Types of cases: All civil

cases except certain casecategories exempted in thelocal rulesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Unless otherwiseordered or stipulated, thesedisclosures will be made ator within 20 days after themeeting of the parties underparagraph (d) of Loc. R.26.1.

Unless otherwise ordered bythe court in a particular case,the requirements of Fed. R.Civ. P. 26(a)(2), relating todisclosure of experttestimony do not apply incases initially filed in,removed to, or transferred tothis court before 12/1/93, andby written stipulation theparties may agree to othertimes for providinginformation about experttestimony, to exempt one ormore experts from therequirement of a writtenreport, or to modify the

Except as otherwise orderedby the court in a particularcase, disclosures under Fed.R. Civ. P. 26(a)(3) will befiled with the court promptlyafter being served.
Table 5: Disclosure

106 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 26.1

information to be containedin the written reports. Unlessotherwise ordered by thecourt in a particular case, theplaintiff will make itsdisclosures under Fed. R.Civ. P. 26(a)(2) at least 90days before the date the caseis set for trial or to be readyfor trial and the defendantwill make its disclosuresunder Fed. R. Civ. P.26(a)(2) within 30 days afterplaintiff’s disclosures.

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IAD. Alaska IA

Loc. R. 26.1 (1/3/95)Loc. R. 26.2(a) (1/3/95)

IALoc. R. 26.2 (1/3/95)

IALoc. R. 26.2(2) (1/3/95)

IALoc. R. 26.2(1)(A)

Thdiof diwiauwimthreprR. 

D. Ariz. Cases will be evaluated for

voluntary exchange ofinformation on a case by casebasis pursuant to the Fed. R.Civ. P.

IA IA IA

E.D. Ark. IA IA

Loc. R. D-4 (5/1/80)

IALoc. R. D-4 (5/1/80)

IALoc. R. D-4 (5/1/80)

W.D. Ark. IA IA

Loc. R. D-4 (5/80)

IALoc. R. D-4 (5/80)

IALoc. R. D-4 (5/80)

C.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 1.1–6.14Loc. R. 9.4

IALoc. R. 6.1Loc. R. 9.5Loc. R. 7.15

IALoc. R. 9.4Loc. R. 9.4.6

IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

E.D. Cal. IA IA

Loc. R. 253 (12/93)

IASummary of Court Practices,at 56–57 (12/91)Loc. R. 281(b)(10) (10/84;Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 281(b)

N.D. Cal. IA The court requires early,

mandatory exchange ofcertain kinds of coreinformation, independent offormal discovery, as part ofthe Case Management PilotProgram.General Order 34 § VII B(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IAGeneral Order 34 § VII G(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IALoc. R. 235-7

S.D. Cal. Voluntary exchange is

encouraged.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Disclosure will takeplace at a reasonable timebefore the case managementconference.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Plaintiff’s counsel willidentify principal witnesses.Plaintiff’s counsel willidentify claims asserted anddefendant’s counsel willidentify the defenses to theseclaims.Timing: Disclosure will takeplace at a reasonable timebefore the case managementconference.

IA

D. Colo. Voluntary disclosure is

encouraged.Loc. R. 26.1(A) (Revised4/15/94)

IA IA IA

D. Conn. The court encourages

voluntary exchange and othercooperative discoveryservices.

IA IA IA
Table 5: Disclosure

108 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

D. Del. IA

Loc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/95)

Types of cases: Personalinjury, medical malpractice,employment discrimination,or a civil action under theRacketeer Influenced andCorrupt Organizations ActThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: This informationmust be included with theinitial pleading.Loc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/95)

Types of cases: Personalinjury, medical malpractice,employment discrimination,or a civil action under theRacketeer Influenced andCorrupt Organizations ActThings to be disclosed: Theidentification of all expertwitnesses presently retainedby the party or whom theparty expects to retain,together with the dates of anywritten opinions proposed bythe expertsTiming: This informationmust be included with theinitial pleading.Loc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/95)

IALoc. R. 16.4(e) (Revised1/95)

D.D.C. IA IA

Loc. R. 207(a) (Revised3/1/94)

Types of cases: IAThings to be disclosed: IATiming: Dates for theexchange of expert witnessinformation are discussed atthe meet and conferconference and are requiredin the scheduling statementsubmitted to the court 10days after the conference.Loc. R. 207(a) (Revised3/1/94)

IALoc. R. 207(a) (Revised3/1/94)

ThspvodofomThsebeto juLo

M.D. Fla. Yes (PD) IA IA IA Th

prdide26mstiotcore26 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

careotcorecaor

N.D. Fla. IA Types of cases: All cases

except those exempted in theuniform scheduling orderThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: 30 days after entryof the uniform schedulingorderLoc. R. 26.1 (Proposed)Loc. R. 26.2 (Proposed)

Types of cases: All casesexcept those exempted in theuniform scheduling orderThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: The plaintiff has 60days after entry of theuniform scheduling order; allother parties have 30 daysthereafter.

Types of cases: All casesexcept those exempted in theuniform scheduling orderThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: 30 days after entryof the uniform schedulingorder

S.D. Fla. Local rule requires parties to

meet within 20 days after thefiling of the answer (orwithin 60 days after the filingof the complaint) toexchange documents, witnesslists, and other information.(This requirement wasmodified on 2/15/93.)Loc. R. 16.1(B) (2/15/93)

Types of cases: Exchange ofcertain information isrequired in all civil casesexcept those types of casesexempted from schedulingrequirements in Table 2.Things to be disclosed:Information to be exchangedincludes documents andwitness lists as required bylocal rule.Timing: Local rule requiresparties to exchangedocuments within 20 daysafter the filing of the answer(or within 60 days after thefiling of the complaint).(This requirement wasmodified on 2/15/93.)Loc. R. 16.1(B)

IALoc. R. 16.1(B) (2/15/93)

IALoc. R. 16.1(B) (2/15/93)

M.D. Ga. IA IA IA IA Th

adeainth
Table 5: Disclosure

110 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93) Loc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93) Loc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93) Loc. R. 4.1a (6/2/93)

to pramrejcoadin

N.D. Ga. IA IA

Loc. R. 201-2

IALoc. R. 201-2

IALoc. R. 235-4 (1/1/82;Revised 7/1/92)

ThplaninthwithpaLo

S.D. Ga. Voluntary exchange of

information is requiredthrough the use of standardinterrogatories.Loc. R. 8.5 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered Loc. R.26.3

Types of cases: All butexempted casesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation through standardinterrogatoriesLoc. R. 8.6 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.3Loc. R. 8.7 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.4

Types of cases: All butexempted casesThings to be disclosed:Written report of expectedtestimonyTiming: With answers tostandard interrogatories andthe initial pleadingsLoc. R. 8.6 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.3Loc. R. 8.7 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.4

Types of cases: All butexempted casesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation through standardinterrogatoriesLoc. R. 8.6 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.3Loc. R. 8.7 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered 26.4

D. Guam Exchange of documents and

witness lists is required at themeeting of counsel afterreceipt of the clerk’sscheduling notice.

Types of cases: All casesexcept those noted in Table 2Things to be disclosed: Alldocuments then reasonablyavailable to a party that arecontemplated to be used insupport of the allegations ofthe pleading, any otherevidence then reasonablyavailable to a party to obviatethe filing of unnecessarydiscovery motions, and a listof witnesses then known tohave knowledge of the factssupporting the material

IA Types of cases: All cases

except those noted in Table 2Things to be disclosed: Anyevidence then reasonablyavailable to a partyTiming: Within 15 days ofreceipt of the clerk’sscheduling notice

Bepainpareth
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 235-5 (1983; Revised5/31/94; 9/12/94) Loc. R.230-1 (1983; Revised9/12/94)

allegations of the pleading.Timing: Within 15 days ofreceipt of the clerk’sscheduling notice

D. Haw. Yes (PD) IA IA IA Fe

imwirum

D. Idaho IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: At least 14 daysprior to schedulingconference. (This is arevision of the CJRA Plan.)Loc. R. 26.2(a) (Revised7/94)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: At least 120 daysbefore scheduled trial date.(This is a revision of theCJRA Plan.)Loc. R. 26.2(a) (Revised7/94)

IA

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised1/94)

IALoc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised1/94)Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

IALoc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised1/94)Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)

IA

N.D. Ill. Yes IA

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00B (6/26/85)

IALoc. Gen. R. 5.00B (6/26/85)

IA Th

Geunthpr26Lo

S.D. Ill. Cooperative discovery

arrangements are mandated.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Disclosure must bemade by each plaintiff within20 days after a defendantenters an appearance, byeach defendant within 20

The court rejected theAdvisory Group’srecommendation regardingdisclosure of expertwitnesses.

IA Ex

a pdithEvthunseconesu
Table 5: Disclosure

112 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 12(a)(b) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

days after entering anappearance, and by any partythat has appeared in the casewithin 20 days afterreceiving a written demandfrom another partydemanding early disclosureaccompanied by thedemanding party’sdisclosures.Loc. R. 12(a)(1)(2) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

at or noattstiscLoRe

N.D. Ind. The court encourages

voluntary exchanges beyondthat required by Fed. R. Civ.P. 26(a).

The court follows and appliesFed. R. Civ. P. 26(a). (This isa revision of the CJRA Plan.)

The court follows and appliesFed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2).(This is a revision of theCJRA Plan.)

The court follows and appliesFed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(3).(This is a revision of theCJRA Plan.)

S.D. Ind. IA

Loc. R. 26.3

IA IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA IA

Loc. R. 16(a)

IA IA Th

reenexthdenodereacch26opdiFe

S.D. Iowa The Advisory Group

recommends voluntaryexchange, but the court isawaiting taking any actionuntil after a determination ofwhether Fed. R. Civ. P.26(a)(1) becomes law on12/1/93.

IA IA IA

D. Kan. IA IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

E.D. Ky. There should be an early

meeting of representatives inall civil cases (exceptprisoner civil rights, habeascorpus, extraordinary writs,and U.S. cases such asstudent loan and forfeiturecases) to exchangeinformation such as thenames of witnesses anddocuments then available tothe parties.

IA IA IA

W.D. Ky. The court will await

Congress’s action on theproposed changes to the Fed.R. Civ. P. so as not toduplicate congressionalaction with a local rule.General Order (EOD 2/1/94)

IAGeneral Order (EOD 2/1/94)

IA IA

E.D. La. Voluntary disclosure will be

completed as ordered by thecourt.Loc. R. 6.06E(a) (12/93)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: A listof all witnesses who may orwill be called to testify attrial and all exhibits that mayor will be used at trialTiming: No later than 60days prior to the final pretrialconferenceLoc. R. 6.06E(a) (12/93)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Written reports of expertswho may be witnesses settingforth all matters about whichthey will testify and the basisthereforeTiming: The reports will bedelivered by plaintiffs tocounsel for defendants nolater than 90 days prior tofinal pretrial conference date,and by defendants toplaintiffs no later than 60days prior to final pretrialconference date.Loc. R. 6.06E(a) (12/93)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Thepretrial order submitted bythe parties prior to the finalpretrial conference mustinclude a list of all witnesseswho will or may testify, a listof all exhibits intended to beintroduced at trial, and a listof all deposition testimony tobe used at trialTiming: 1 week prior to thefinal pretrial conferenceLoc. R. 6.06E(b) (12/93)

M.D. La. Voluntary disclosure will be

completed as ordered by thecourt.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Medical reports and thenames and written reports of

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Medical reports and thenames and written reports of

IA
Table 5: Disclosure

114 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

experts the plaintiff anddefendant intend to call attrialTiming: Within the timelimits established by thecourtLoc. R. 6.06ELoc. R. 6.06M

experts the plaintiff anddefendant intend to call attrialTiming: Within the timelimits established by thecourtLoc. R. 6.06ELoc. R. 6.06M

W.D. La. IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 6.04W (5/89;Revised 4/92, 11/93)

ThrudiR. to LoRe

D. Me. Voluntary exchange is

encouraged.

IA IA IA Th

thpr26reFe

D. Md. IA

Loc. R. 104.4Loc. R. 104.10

IALoc. R. 104.4Loc. R. 104.10

IALoc. R. 104.4Loc. R. 104.10

IALoc. R. 104.4Loc. R. 104.10

D. Mass. The court encourages

voluntary disclosure throughthe use of informal,cooperative discoverypractices and stipulations.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation as required byFed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)Timing: Before a party caninitiate any discovery

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Information required by Fed.R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2)Timing: Unless otherwiseordered, at least 90 daysbefore the final pretrialconference

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Thedescription and location ofall documents that arereasonably likely to bear onany of the claims or defensesTiming: Throughout the case.After the initial, requireddisclosure, discoveryrequests will be made bydiscovery motion

Thpascanstainpam1. dais 2. peclaeitpagiwhin3. 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 26.1(A) (10/92)

Loc. R. 26.2(A) (10/92;Revised 12/94)

Loc. R. 26.4 (10/92; Revised12/94) Loc. R. 26.2(B)

opstaobth4. goofclaingiLo

E.D. Mich. As a matter of policy, the

court will encourage thevoluntary exchange of alldiscovery material amonglitigants.

IA IA IA

W.D. Mich. IA

Administrative Order 93-125

IALoc. R. 31 (Revised 8/92)

IALoc. R. 31 (Revised 8/92)Administrative Order 93-125

IALoc. R. 31 (Revised 8/92)

Thpr26FecowibrexredienAd

D. Minn. The local rules committee is

reviewing the possibility ofincluding in the local rulesdisclosure of coreinformation.

IA IA IA Th

rere

N.D. Miss. The need for voluntary

disclosure is discussed bycounsel during thepreparation of the joint casemanagement plan.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation, exceptinsurance agreementsTiming: Core information isserved with the complaint,counter claim, cross-claim,or third party claim. Forresponding parties,

IA IA In 

mwi(nretratemcadiprtolim
Table 5: Disclosure

116 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

disclosure occurs within 45days of an asserted claim(with disclosure) or whenany responsive pleading isdue (whichever is later), orwithin 15 days of service ofresponding party’sdisclosures.

gididefilanCi

S.D. Miss. The need for voluntary

disclosure is discussed bycounsel during thepreparation of the joint casemanagement plan.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation, exceptinsurance agreementsTiming: Core information isserved with the complaint,counter claim, cross-claim,or third party claim. Forresponding parties,disclosure occurs within 45days of an asserted claim(with disclosure) or whenany responsive pleading isdue (whichever is later), orwithin 15 days of service ofresponding party’sdisclosures.

IA IA In 

mwi(nretratemcadiprtolimgididefilanCi

E.D. Mo. IA IA IA IAW.D. Mo. IA IA

Loc. R. 15D (1/83; Revised1/84; 9/92, 7/94)Loc. R. 15N (1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 17 (1/83; Revised7/94)

Thineaexby all coLo1/

D. Mont. Voluntary exchange of

information is encouraged bythe court.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Thefactual basis of every claim,the legal theory of everyclaim, and core information

IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: Thefactual basis of every claim,the legal theory of everyclaim, and core information
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Timing: Prior to initiation ofdiscovery, but not later than15 days in advance ofpreliminary pretrialconferenceLoc. R. 200-5(a) Loc. R. 235-1(c)(8)

Timing: Prior to initiation ofdiscovery, but not later than15 days in advance ofpreliminary pretrialconferenceLoc. R. 200-5(a)

D. Neb. IA IA

Loc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/93)

IALoc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/93)

IALoc. R. 16.2(a) (Revised1/93)

D. Nev. CR CR CR CR A 

wiiss

D.N.H. Yes IA IA

Loc. R. 10(a)(1) (5/69;Revised 1/85)

IA Th

ch26costathcodiLo

D.N.J. IA IA

Gen. R. 40A.4(c)

IAGen. R. 15B.3(b) (12/91)

IAGen. R. 40A.4(c)

D.N.M. IA IA IA IA Th

R. 

E.D.N.Y. IA For 42 months starting

2/1/92:Types of cases: All civilcases except Social Security,habeas corpus, pro se, andcivil rights casesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation, without acomputation of damages butincluding authorization toobtain medical, hospital, nofault, and worker’scompensation recordsTiming: Disclosure will

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Anyevidence under Fed. R. Evid.702, 703, or 705. Thisincludes statements of allopinions expressed,information relied on,exhibits of expert’squalifications, and a listingof any other cases in whichthe expert has testified assuch (at trial or deposition)within the last 4 years.Timing: Disclosure will

IA Ni

PlAdstudiremexas 
Table 5: Disclosure

118 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

occur within 30 days ofservice of answer ofcomplaint, and in any event,within 30 days afterreceiving a written demand(from another party)accompanied by thedemanding party’sdisclosures. The court mayimpose sanctions for failureto disclose. Within 14 daysof disclosures (unless thecourt specifies a differenttime) other parties will serveand file objections onadmissibility or Fed. R. Civ.P. 32(a) grounds (except forFed. R. Evid. 402 or 403objections). Objections notso made will be deemedwaived unless good cause isshown.

occur at least 30 days beforethe date the court hasdirected the case to be readyfor trial (unless the courtdesignates otherwise). If thedisclosure occurs only forcontradiction or rebuttal, thedisclosure must be madewithin 30 days of the otherparty’s disclosure. Alldisclosures are subject to aduty of supplementation.

N.D.N.Y. Parties must voluntarily

exchange discoverableinformation and must avoidunnecessary discovery.Loc. R. 7.1(e)

IAGeneral Order 40

IALoc. R. 26.3

IALoc. R. 7.1(e)

S.D.N.Y. IA Types of cases: Cases on the

expedited trackThings to be disclosed:Defined categories ofrelevant documentsTiming: Automatic

IA IA Th

guprredi

W.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA If 

prfoprincofalawqulisde
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

spsuju

E.D.N.C. IA IA Types of cases: All cases

using expert testimonyThings to be disclosed:1. Name and address of eachexpert witness expected to becalled at trial;2. Substance of facts towhich the witness willtestify;3. Meaningful statement ofeach opinion to which theexpert is expected to testifyand its basis;4. Any exhibits to be used insummary support of experttestimony;5. The qualifications of eachwitness;6. The compensation for thetestimony; and7. A listing of any othercases in which the witnesshas testified as an expert attrial or by deposition duringthe preceding 4 years.Timing: Prior to trial

IALoc. R. 24.00

M.D.N.C. No IA IA

Loc. R. 203(e)

IALoc. R. 203(b)

ThCi

W.D.N.C. Identification of all discovery

will be provided no later thanthe date of the initial pretrialconference.

Types of cases: All civilcases except Social Securityand pro se prisoner casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: No later than thedate of the initial pretrialconference

Types of cases: All civilcases except Social Securityand pro se prisoner casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: No later than thedate of the initial pretrialconference

Types of cases: All civilcases except Social Securityand pro se prisoner casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: No later than thedate of the initial pretrialconference
Table 5: Disclosure

120 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

D.N.D. The scheduling order will

include a statement that theparties have voluntarilyagreed to exchangeinformation.

IA IA IA Th

mdi

D. N. Mar. I. IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: The disclosures willbe made at or within 10 daysbefore the case managementconference.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Eachparty will disclose to otherparties the identity of anyperson who may be called attrial to present evidenceunder Fed. R. Evid. 702, 703,or 705.Timing: These disclosureswill be made at the times andin the sequence directed bythe court. In the absence ofother directions, thedisclosures will be made atleast 90 days before the datethe case is to be ready fortrial or, if the evidence isintended solely to contradictor rebut evidence on thesame subject matteridentified by another party,within 30 days afterdisclosure by the other party.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: The disclosures willbe made at or within 10 daysof the case managementconference.

Evsedithof co

N.D. Ohio Parties are encouraged to

exchange relevantinformation on a voluntaryand informal basis.Loc. R. 8:4.2(a)(4) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92, 12/1/93)

IA IA IA Th

semfo

S.D. Ohio IA IA IA IA If 

(f)coadarthpr26
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 37.1 (10/91)

thththbucodioradoragditim

E.D. Okla. Each party will, without

awaiting a discovery request,disclose in writing to everyopposing party, to the fullextent known to thedisclosing party, thisinformation: the factual basisof every claim or defenseadvanced by the disclosingparty, and the legal theoryupon which each claim ordefense is based.

IA IA IA

N.D. Okla. Voluntary disclosure is

encouraged.Loc. R. 16.1(C)(6)Loc. R. 26.1(E)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Insurance agreementsTiming: With the disclosingparty’s first responsivepleadingLoc. R. 26.2

IALoc. R. 16.1(H)(10)

IALoc. R. 16.2(A)

Besudiimdiof pr26codiLoLo

W.D. Okla. Voluntary disclosure is

encouraged and there mustbe a good faith effort made toresolve discovery disputes.

Types of cases: All casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Prior to thestatus/scheduling conference

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:expected testimony,qualifications, and theiropinionsTiming: The date toexchange this information is

IA If 

padoadmasa csuaddi
Table 5: Disclosure

122 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 17(C) (12/31/91;Revised 6/15/93, 4/20/94)Loc. R. 14(E) (9/1/82;Revised 3/27/86, 4/6/92)

Loc. R. 17(C) (12/31/91;Revised 6/15/93, 4/20/94)

set at the status/schedulingconference and included inthe scheduling order.Loc. R. 17, Civil Status andScheduling Conferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83, 5/20/83,8/11/86, 12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

by LoRe

D. Or. IA IA

Loc. R. 230-1(a)

IA IA

E.D. Pa. The court encourages

cooperative discoveryarrangements to reduceexpense and delay. Theparties may stipulate toextend the scope ofdiscovery.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Without awaiting adiscovery request, disclosurewill occur within 30 daysafter service of an answer tothe complaint, by eachdefendant within 30 daysafter serving the answer, andin any event, by any partythat has appeared within 30days after receiving fromanother party a writtendemand for early disclosure.Parties are required tosupplement their disclosure,if appropriate.

IA IA Ex

or padibediEvsurewiattnoattdiceR. rethinfoin

M.D. Pa. Yes Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: Thename and title/position ofeach person whose identityhas been disclosed,categories of documentsalready disclosed orproduced, categories ofdocuments that will bedisclosed, and both theplaintiff’s and thedefendant’s computation of

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Reports from retainedexpertsTiming: The timing isdetermined in thediscovery/case managementplan.

IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

damages.Timing: At least 14 daysprior to the initialscheduling/case managementconference.Loc. R. 26.2(D) (Revised 94)

W.D. Pa. IA IA IA IAD.P.R. IA Types of cases: All cases

Things to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Unless the courtotherwise directs, thesedisclosures will be madewithin 30 days after serviceof an answer to thecomplaint.

Types of cases: All casesThings to be disclosed:Names, curriculum vitae, anddocumentary evidenceTiming: On or before a dateset forth in the casemanagement order

IA Th

stiof ex

D.R.I. Yes IA

District Court General Orderof 5/9/94

IADistrict Court General Orderof 5/9/94

IADistrict Court General Orderof 5/9/94

D.S.C. PD Types of cases: All cases

unless exempted by localrule.Things to be disclosed:Automatic disclosure of coreinformation is alreadyadequately covered by localrule. Local rule will bemodified such that cases inwhich a claim is based on acontract theory will have aspecific period in which toinspect and copy thedocuments used to establishthe contract.Timing: 30 days from serviceof summons and complaintLoc. R. 7.01 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.02 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.03 (12/1/93)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Automatic disclosure of acurriculum vitae for allnamed experts who maytestifyTiming: Timing of disclosurewill be set in the schedulingorder

IA Th

renu
Table 5: Disclosure

124 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 7.00 (12/1/93)

Loc. R. 7.04 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.05 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.06 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.07 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.08 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.09 (12/1/93)

Loc. R. 7.10 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.11 (12/1/93)

Loc. R. 7.00 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 7.01 (12/1/93) Lo

D.S.D. The court encourages

voluntary exchange.

IA IA IA Th

coin 

E.D. Tenn. IA

Loc. R. 26.1

IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: Thename of every expert witnessthe party expects to call attrialTiming: Experts will beidentified at least 90 daysbefore the date the case hasbeen directed to be ready fortrial; expert witnessesintended to rebut an expertidentified by another partywill be identified 30 daysafter the identification madeby that party.

IA

M.D. Tenn. Voluntary exchange is

ordered on a case-by-casebasis.Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(3) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(b)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(c)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(d)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2) (3/94)

IALoc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(b)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(c)(3/94)

IALoc. R. 11(d)(1) (3/94)

IALoc. R. 11(d)(1) (3/94)

ThreP. 

W.D. Tenn. The court encourages

voluntary exchange ofinformation through informaljudicial persuasion.Loc. R. 1(e) (Revised 1/93)

IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

E.D. Tex. IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: CoreinformationTiming: Disclosure byplaintiffs occurs within 30days after service of ananswer to its complaint orremoval of the action fromstate court, whichever occurslater. Disclosure bydefendants occurs within 30days after serving the answerto the complaint or removalfrom state court. Disclosureby any party that hasappeared in the case occurswithin 30 days afterreceiving from another partya written demand foraccelerated disclosureaccompanied by thedemanding party’sdisclosures.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Eachparty will disclosed to everyother party evidence that willbe presented at trial underFed. R. Evid. 700, 703, and705. The disclosure willinclude a complete statementof all opinions to beexpressed and the basis andreasons therefor, exhibits insupport of such opinions,witness qualifications, alisting of all cases in whichthe witness has testified as anexpert at trial or in depositionduring the preceding 4 years,a list of publications by thewitness within the past 10years, and compensationpaid. (This is a revision ofthe disclosure requirementsin the original CJRA Plan, bygeneral order on 10/94.)Timing: Unless the judicialofficer designates a differenttime, disclosure occurs atleast 90 days before the datethe case is to be ready fortrial. If the evidence is forcontradiction or rebuttalonly, disclosure occurswithin 30 days of thedisclosure of the evidence tobe contradicted or rebutted.By order, the judicial officermay alter the type or form ofdisclosure to certain expertsor categories of experts.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed:Witnesses’ name, address,and telephone, designation ofwitnesses’ testimony to bepresented by deposition andappropriate identification ofdocuments and exhibits,including summaries of otherevidenceTiming: Unless otherwiseordered, disclosure occurs atleast 30 days before trial.

A diinnothsudianits diwrpaacP. exdiunfilcodiAfis sudi

N.D. Tex. The parties will be

encouraged (and directed ifnecessary) to produce andexchange documents uponinformal requests.

Types of cases: Complexcases and other cases at thejudge’s discretionThings to be disclosed: The

IA IA W

shfofom
Table 5: Disclosure

126 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

parties must be prepared toidentify and exchange coreinformation relevant to thecase including names andaddresses of persons withinformation relevant toclaims and defenses as wellas the location andcustodians of relevantdocuments.Timing: At the discoveryscheduling conference

Loc. R. 8.1(c) (3/78; Revised12/87 by Special Order 2-2)

Loc. R. 7.1(a) (3/78)Loc. R. 8.1(a) (3/78)Loc. R. 8.1(b) (3/78)Loc. R. 8.1(c) (3/78)Loc. R. 8.2(c) (3/78)Loc. R. 8.3 (3/78)

di

S.D. Tex. Each judge will order

discovery to proceed underthe proposed Fed. R. Civ. P.26 in a minimum of 20 casesper year in the HoustonDivision, and 10 cases peryear in the remainingdivisions. The practice willbe annually evaluated toassess its effectiveness and toconsider expansion ordiscontinuation.

IA IA IA

W.D. Tex. IA Types of cases: All civil

casesThings to be disclosed: A listof proposed witnesses and alist of proposed trial exhibitsTiming: The plaintiff will filethis information within 40days after the firstdefendant’s appearance. Thedefendant will file thisinformation within 30 daysafter the plaintiff’sdisclosure.Loc. R. CV-16(c) (Revised1/94)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: A listof proposed expert witnessesand a written summary oftheir testimonyTiming: The plaintiff will filethis information within 40days after the firstdefendant’s appearance. Thedefendant will file thisinformation within 30 daysafter the plaintiff’sdisclosure.Loc. R. CV-16(e) (Revised1/94)

IALoc. R. CV-16(e) (Revised1/94)

Thwithwisu

D. Utah The court embraces the

concept of voluntaryexchange. To accelerate thatprocess, the court will

IA IA IA (S

CJadan 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

require counsel tocommunicate prior to theinitial conference to developa schedule for casepreparation and discovery.(Since the adoption of theCJRA Plan, the courtadopted has Fed. R. Civ. P.26 on an interim basis.)

wiefP. th

D. Vt. IA IA

General Order 33

IAGeneral Order 33

IAGeneral Order 33

D.V.I. Cooperative discovery is

encouraged. Parties mayextend the scope of selfexecuting discovery bystipulation.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation, withoutcomputation of damagesTiming: For plaintiffs,disclosure occurs within 30days of service of answer tothe complaint; fordefendants, within 30 daysafter serving its answer to thecomplaint. Disclosure occursby any party that hasappeared within 30 days afterreceiving (from anotherparty) a written demand forearly disclosure accompaniedby the demanding party’sdisclosures. All parties havea duty to supplement. Everydisclosure or supplement willbe signed by at least 1attorney of record, and theparty as a certification underthe Fed. R. Civ. P. Parties arenot required to makeduplicative disclosures.

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Awritten report encompassingall of the criteria detailed inFed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(4)Timing: At least 30 daysprior to any party’s expertdispositionLoc. R. 26.3(a) (7/21/92)

IALoc. R. 26.2(c) (7/21/92)

E.D. Va. IA IA IA IAW.D. Va. IA IA IA IA
Table 5: Disclosure

128 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

E.D. Wash. IA IA IA IA In 

toor arprCoprexSuPl(1of civlisafacif juacof R. apapjupeacaghereenhapaapanreof P. 

W.D. Wash. The court encourages

voluntary exchange.

IA IA IA Th

suba

N.D. W. Va. IA Types of cases: All civil

cases, unless exempted orotherwise orderedThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation

Types of cases: All civilcases, unless exempted orotherwise orderedThings to be disclosed:Signed, written reports,

Types of cases: All civilcases, unless exempted orotherwise ordered.Things to be disclosed:Other than for impeachment

Thor m(oAlwr
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 2.13

Timing: Disclosure occurswithin 30 days of service ofan answer to the complaint.Except for expert witnesses,all discovery will becompleted 180 days afterservice of an answer.

including a completestatement of all opinionsexpressed (with reasons andbasis), the data orinformation relied upon, anysupporting exhibits to beused, qualifications, and alisting of other cases wherethe witnesses have appeared.Alternatively, a party maydisclose the requiredinformation through adeposition within the coreinformation disclosure timeframe.Timing: Disclosure occurswithin 150 days after serviceof an answer to plaintiff’scomplaint, or within 45 daysof plaintiff’s disclosure.Discovery of expertwitnesses will be completedwithin 45 days following thedefendant’s disclosure.

purposes,the names, addresses, andtelephone numbers ofwitnesses, designation ofwitnesses whose testimonywill be presented bydeposition, with a transcriptof pertinent portions (if nottaken by stenographicmeans), and appropriateidentification of documentsand exhibits (includingsummaries of other evidence)Timing: Disclosure occurs atleast 30 days before the closeof the 180-day discoveryperiod. Admissibility orobjections under Fed. R. Civ.P. 32(a) must be made within14 days of the disclosures.

paAlseorth

S.D. W. Va. The court encourages costeffective discovery through

voluntary exchange ofinformation and the use ofcooperative discoverydevices.Loc. R. 3.01Loc. R. 2.06

IALoc. R. 3.01Loc. R. 3.03Loc. R. 3.04Loc. R. 3.05Loc. R. 3.06

IALoc. R. 3.01

IALoc. R. 3.01Loc. R. 3.03Loc. R. 3.04Loc. R. 3.05Loc. R. 3.06

E.D. Wis. Voluntary exchange of

information is encouraged.

Types of cases: All civilcases except administrativereview, habeas corpus,collection, and pro seprisoner casesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation throughmandatory interrogatoriesTiming: Plaintiff’s answersto mandatory interrogatorieswill be served on allopposing parties within 30

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Eachparty will disclose to everyother party the substance ofall expert witness evidence tobe presented at trial.Timing: Disclosure isrequired at least 90 daysbefore the date of the trial.Rebuttal evidence is duewithin 30 days of the date of

IA
Table 5: Disclosure

130 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Voluntary ExchangeEncouraged? Required Disclosure

Disclosure ofExpert Witnesses Pretrial Disclosure O

Loc. R. 7.07 (1/1/92)

days after an answer isserved. Defendant’s answersto mandatory interrogatoriesmust be served no later than30 days after date of serviceof plaintiff’s mandatoryinterrogatories.Loc. R. 7.07

the trial.Loc. R. 7.07(d)(1)Loc. R. 7.07(d)(2) Loc. R. 7.07 (1/1/92)

W.D. Wis. The court encourages

voluntary exchange throughlocal rule, but leaves the taskof cooperating to the parties.

IA IA IA Al

26 exGefroFe26ancaapto 

D. Wyo. IA

Loc. R. 26 (Revised 6/94)Loc. R. 16 (Revised 11/93)

Types of cases: All civilcasesThings to be disclosed: Coreinformation as well as a listof fact witnesses with asummary of their expectedtestimony, copies of disputedcontracts, medical reports,and laboratory tests.Timing: The court refers torequired disclosure as selfexecuting routine discoveryexchange, and will impose acontinuing obligation toimmediately submit routinediscovery to the opposingparty when obtained.Loc. R. 26(g) (Revised 6/94)

IALoc. R. 16 (Revised 11/93)

IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 6: Discovery Requirements

Discovery Deadlines—What are the discovery deadlines and when are they set?Limits on Interrogatories—What are the limits on interrogatories?Limits on Depositions—What are the limits on the number and length of depositions?Parties Sign Deadline Extension Requests—Are parties (as well as attorneys) required to sign requests to extedeadlines?Meet and Confer Before Filing Motions—Are counsel required to meet and confer before filing discovery modiscovery motion have to be accompanied by a certification that counsel met?Judge’s Permission to File Motions—Is the judge’s permission required before filing discovery motions?Staged or Phased Discovery—Is discovery staged? When is it staged and what are the stages or phases?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

M.D. Ala. Yes The court will

consider limitson interrogatoriesin appropriatecases.

The court willconsider limitson depositions inappropriatecases.

No Yes (PD) IA The court 

consider sdiscovery appropriatcases.

N.D. Ala. IA Unless a different

number is fixedby court order orby the parties’stipulation, themaximumnumber of

The maximumnumber ofdepositions(whether on oralexamination orwrittenquestions) that

No Except as

otherwisestipulated inwriting by theparties or orderedby the court in aparticular case,

No IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

132 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

interrogatories(including alldiscrete subparts)that a party mayserve on anotherparty is 25.Absent a courtorder, however,there is nolimitation on thenumber ofinterrogatoriesin:1. cases broughtas class actionsunder Fed. R.Civ. P. 23;2. cases filed in,removed to, ortransferred to thiscourt before12/1/93; or3. casestransferred to thiscourt under 28U.S.C. § 1407, orjoined with casesso transferred.

may be taken bythe plaintiff(s),by thedefendant(s), orby the third-partydefendant(s), is10.Absent a courtorder, however,there is nolimitation on thenumber ofdepositions in:1. cases broughtas class actionsunder Fed. R.Civ. P. 23;2. cases filed in,removed to, ortransferred to thiscourt before12/1/93; or3. casestransferred to thiscourt under 28U.S.C. §1407, orjoined with casesso transferred.

formal discoveryunder Fed. R.Civ. P. 30, 31,33, and 36 maynot becommencedbefore themeeting of theparties underFed. R. Civ. P.26(f) except inthe followingcases:1. casesexempted underFed. R. Civ. P.26(d) from therequirement of ameeting of theparties;2. cases in whicha temporaryrestraining orderor preliminaryinjunction issought; and3. casestransferred to thiscourt under 28U.S.C. § 1407, orjoined with casesso transferred.
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA IA IA D. Alaska Discovery should

be completedwithin 12 monthsof the filing ofthe complaint.

IALoc. R. 26.3(c)(1/3/95)

IALoc. R.30.1(2)(A)

A party’ssignature shouldbe required forany second ortertiary requestsfor continuancesof a discoverydeadline.

When partieshave been unableor unknown towork togetherand/or wheredelays indiscoverythreaten to push acase past the goalof dispositionwithin 18months, the courtshould considerrequiring adiscoveryconference and adefinitivediscovery plan.

IALoc. R. 7.1(G)(1/3/95)Loc. R.37.1(a)(1)(1/3/95)

The court more activconsider thbifurcation issues and discovery. are includethe procedfor differecase manaand complmanageme

D. Ariz. Discovery

deadlines are set

Limits oninterrogatories

Limits ondepositions are

IA Yes (PD) IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

134 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

according toDCM trackassignment.

are set by DCMtrack assignment.Cases on theexpedited trackare limited to 15interrogatories;cases on thestandard track arelimited to 40interrogatories.Loc. R. 2.12

set by DCMtrack assignment.Cases on theexpedited trackare limited to 1fact witnessdeposition perparty; cases onthe standard trackare limited to 8fact witnessdepositions perparty.Loc. R. 2.12

E.D. Ark. Yes IA IA IA IA IA IA W.D. Ark. IA IA IA CR IA IA IAC.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 6.4

IALoc. R. 8.2.1

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 7.15

IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 240(10/84; Revised5/91)

IALoc. R. 253(d)(12/93)

IALoc. R. 253(d)(12/93)

IA IA

Loc. R. 251(b)(10/84; Revised5/91, 12/93)

IA The court 

explore staor staying discovery appropriatcases.Loc. R. 24(10/84; Re5/91)

N.D. Cal. All deadlines will

be considered atthe casemanagementconference.General Order 34§ X F–G (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

All limits ondiscovery toolswill beconsidered at thecase managementconference.General Order 34§ X F (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

All limits ondiscovery toolswill beconsidered at thecase managementconference.General Order 34§ X F (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 230-4 A

IA The possib

phased disis discussethe casemanagemeconferenceGeneral O§ VIII F1;General O§ IX F1; GOrder 34 § (1/1/92; R1/1/93, 121/18/94)

S.D. Cal. The judicial

officer willprepare a casemanagementorder that willinclude adiscoveryschedule.

IA IA IA Counsel must

meet and conferbefore filingdiscoverymotions. Ifcounsel are in thesame county,they are to meetin person;otherwise, they

IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

136 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

can confer bytelephone. Themeet and conferobligation cannotbe met by writtencorrespondence.

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 29.1(6)

The court maylimit the numberof interrogatoriesand requests foradmissions andproduction.

The court maylimit the numberof depositions.

Requests forextensions ofdiscovery will besigned by anattorney andserved upon allattorneys ofrecord, movingattorney’s client,and all pro selitigants.

Attorneys willconfer ondisputed mattersprior to filingmotions. Whenfiling anymotions, exceptto dismiss or forsummaryjudgment,attorneys willcertify that theyhave madeefforts to resolvethe disputewithout courtintervention.Loc. R. 7.1

IA IA 

D. Conn. IA

Standing Orderon Scheduling inCivil Cases(1986)

The limit is 30writteninterrogatories,including allparts and subparts. The limitmay be waivedby agreement ofcounsel.

IA IA No discovery

motions pursuantto Fed. R. Civ. P.26–37 will befiled unlessaccompanied bya certificationthat counsel metand made a goodfaith effort toeliminate orreduce the areaof controversyand arrive at amutuallysatisfactoryresolution.

IA IA
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

D. Del. In mandatory

discovery cases,parties mustsubmit with theinitial complaintthe namesaddresses, andtelephonenumbers ofindividuals withknowledge offacts and personsinterviewed inconnection withthe litigation, ageneraldescription ofdocuments,expert witnesses,written opinions,and anyinsurancecoverage.Loc. R. 16.2(a)(Revised 1/95)

IALoc. R. 26.1(b)

IALoc. R. 26.1(b)

IALoc. R. 16.5(Revised 1/95)

IALoc. R. 7.1.1(Revised 1/95)

IA IA

D.D.C. Discovery

deadlines arediscussed bycounsel at themeet and conferconference andincluded in theschedulingstatementsubmitted to thejudge 10 daysafter theconference.Loc. R. 206(c)(3/1/94)Loc. R. 206(d)(3/1/94)Loc. R. 207(a)(Revised 3/1/94)

The courtbelieves that thenumber ofinterrogatoriesshould belimited. Thejudge will set alimit based onthe results of themeet and conferconference.Loc. R. 207(b)(Revised 3/1/94)

The courtbelieves that thenumber ofdepositionsshould belimited. Thejudge will set alimit based onthe results of themeet and conferconference.Loc. R. 207(b)(Revised 3/1/94)

CR IA IA The need f

phased diswill be disat the meeconferconference included in schedulingstatementsubmitted judge 10 dafter theconferencejudge will the finaldeterminaLoc. R. 20(3/1/94)
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

138 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

M.D. Fla. The revised Loc.

R. 3.05 requiresestablishment ofa discovery planin the casemanagement andscheduling orderin track 2 and 3cases.

IALoc. R. 3.03(7/1/84; Revised2/1/94)

IALoc. R. 3.02(7/1/84; Revised2/1/94)

No Yes (PD)

Loc. R. 3.01(7/1/84; Revised12/1/92, 2/1/94)

No IA

N.D. Fla. Discovery

deadlines areestablished in thescheduling order.(PD)Loc. R. 16.1(Proposed)

Interrogatoriesand requests foradmissions arelimited to 50.(PD)Loc. R. 7(Revised 84)Loc. R. 26.2(C)(Proposed)

The courtrejected theAdvisoryGroup’srecommendationthat the court notimplement thedeposition limitof proposed Fed.R. Civ. P.30(a)(2)(4). Thecourt willreconsider thisrecommendationafter it has hadsome experiencewith the change.Loc. R.26.2(E)(2)(Proposed)

NoLoc. R. 7(Revised 84)

Yes (PD)Loc. R. 6(B)(Revised 84)Loc. R. 26.1(Proposed)

IALoc. R. 7(D)(Revised 84)Loc. R. 6.1(Proposed)Standing Order(7/94)

IA 

S.D. Fla. Each civil case is

assigned adiscoverydeadline basedon thecomplexity of thecase and otherfactors, using amodified form ofdifferentiatedcasemanagement.The categories ofcases and relateduniformdiscovery

IA IA IA A local rule will

be enactedrequiring eachdiscovery motionto include:1. a statementfrom movant’scounsel that agood faith effortwas made toresolve byagreement withopposing counselthe issues raisedand2. a statement of

IA IA
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

schedules are:1. expeditedcases (90–179days);2. standard cases(180–269 days);and3. complex cases(270–365 days).The planprovides generalguidelines fordetermining themost appropriateand fairdiscovery periodfor a case.Loc. R. 16.1(A)2(2/15/93)

Loc. R. 26.1(G)(12/1/94)

Loc. R. 26.1(F)(12/1/94)Loc. R. 26.1(J)(12/1/94)

whether therewas anyobjection to themotion. Thiswould go furtherthan the currentlocal rule, whichapplies only tomotions tocompel andmotions forprotective order.Loc. R. 26.1(I)(12/1/94)

M.D. Ga. IA

Loc. R. 4.1

IALoc. R. 4.3(6/2/93)

IA Neither the

Advisory Groupnor the courtfavor arequirement thatparties signextensionrequests;extensionpractice has beenrecentlyaddressed andlimited by localrule changes.Loc. R. 6(6/2/93)

Local rulealready requiresprecertificationthat discoverydisputants haveconsulted beforeany motions tocompeldiscovery.Loc. R. 3.6(6/2/93)

IA IA

N.D. Ga. Discovery

deadlines are setby track in thecourts discoverytracking system:1. 0 months forstudent loan,overpayment ofveterans benefits,enforcement and

IA IA The court agrees

with theAdvisory Groupthat arequirement thatextensionrequests besigned is not thebest procedurefor curbing

PD IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

140 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

overpayment ofjudgments,prisoner petitionsother than deathpenalty and civilrights,bankruptcy, andSocial Securitycases;2. 8 months forantitrust,securities/commodities, and patentcases; and3. 4 months forall other cases. Loc. R. 225-2(a)

(1/1/85)

Loc. R. 225-2(b)(1/1/85)

delays in civillitigation.

Loc. R. 225-4(a)(1/1/85)

Loc. R. 20Loc. R. 22(Revised 7

S.D. Ga. PD

Loc. R. 7.1 (1/82;Revised 6/94);RenumberedLoc. R. 26

Each party islimited to 25interrogatories,including subparts. (PD)Loc. R. 7.4(Eliminated 6/94;Fed. R. Civ. P.33 now controlsinterrogatories)

IA IA

Loc. R. 8 (added6/94);RenumberedLoc. R. 3.3

Yes (PD)Loc. R. 6.5(1/82);RenumberedLoc. R. 26.7

IA IA

Loc. R. 8.(6/94);RenumberLoc. R. 16

D. Guam Discovery

deadlines are setby the parties inthe schedulingorder.

IA IA

Loc. R. 230-2(1983; Revised

IA Prior to the filing

of any discoverymotion relatingto a discoverydispute, theparties will meetin person in agood faith effortto eliminate theneed for hearingthe motion or toeliminate asmany disputes aspossible.

A discoverymotion may befiled without theleave of thecourt.

The schedorder willconsider thpossibility phaseddiscovery, the first phlimited todevelopinginformationeeded for realisticassessmencase. If the does notterminate, second phwould bedirected at
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 230-3(1983; Revised9/12/94)

9/12/94)Loc. R. 230-4(1983; Revised9/12/94)Loc. R. 230-5(1983; Revised9/12/94) Loc. R. 235-9

Loc. R. 230-8(9/12/94)

Loc. R. 230-8(1983; Revised5/31/94; Revised9/12/94)

informationeeded to the case foLoc. R. 23(5/31/94;Revised 9/

D. Haw. Discovery

deadlines are setat the schedulingconference whenthe trial date isset. All discoverymust becompleted 30days prior to thescheduled trialdate. (PD)Loc. R. 235-4(11/91)

IALoc. R. 230-16(11/91)

The court willexercise greatercontrol to avoidabuse by counsel.

The court has therules committeedesignation of arule requiringcertification ofclientconcurrence, butthere is norequirement ofthe client’ssignature.

Discoverymotions must beaccompanied bycertification thatcounsel met in agood faith effortto resolve thediscoverydispute. (PD)Loc. R. 230-4(11/91)

IALoc. R. 230-4(11/91)

IALoc. R. 23(11/91)

D. Idaho The discovery

deadline is set inthe schedulingorder.

No party willserve upon anyother single partyto an action morethen 40interrogatories,includingsubparts, withoutfirst obtaining astipulation ofsuch party toadditionalinterrogatoriesand an order ofthe court grantingleave to serve aspecific numberof additionalinterrogatories.Loc. R. 33.1(Revised 7/94)

In conformancewith Fed. R. Civ.P. 30, there is apresumption thatno more than 10depositions perparty will betaken. Theparties should,however, beprepared at theschedulingconference todiscuss whetherthe presumptionshould bedecreased orincreased due tothe nature of thelitigation. (Thisis a revision ofthe CJRA Plan.)Loc. R. 30.1(Revised 7/94)

IA PD

Loc. R. 37.1

IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

142 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.10(1/92)

The local rulesalready set limitson the number ofinterrogatories.Loc. R. 2.7(1/92)

IALoc. R. 2.11(1/92; Revised1/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.8(1/92)Loc. R. 2.11(1/92; Revised1/94)

IA IA 

N.D. Ill. IA IA IA The Advisory

Group and thecourt rejectedthis requirement.

PD IA The court

proposes tamend thestanding oallow phasdiscovery complex cThe choice be made adiscretion judge.
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. Gen. R. 9G(6/26/85) Loc. Gen. R. 12K

S.D. Ill. The discovery

cut-off date is setat the initialpretrial andschedulingconference.Loc. R. 11(b)(5/92; Revised3/94)

IALoc. R. 13(a)(5/92; Revised3/94)

IA IA The court will

refuse to rule onany and allmotions unlessthe movingcounsel advisesthe court that agood faith efforthas been made toresolve theirdifferences andreach anagreement.Loc. R. 12(c)(5/92; Revised3/94)

IA IA

N.D. Ind. On a case-bycase basis, the

judicial officerwill set deadlinesfor thecompletion ofdiscovery at thefirst pretrialconference.These deadlinescan only bechanged for goodcause shown.

Attorneys shouldcomply withlocal rule limitson interrogatoriesand requests foradmissions.Loc. R. 26.1

Counsel shouldendeavor to keepdepositions at aminimum.

The courtdeclined to adoptsuch arequirement, butsigned requestsmay be requiredin some cases.

Local rulerequires thatparties meet andconfer beforefiling discoverymotions.Loc. R. 37.1

IA If the initi

pretrialconferencedisclosespotentiallydispositive that can beaddressed the judiciaofficer shoconsider adeadline fresolutionCounsel anjudicial ofshould constaged discfor compleother apprcases.
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

144 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

S.D. Ind. IA

Loc. R. 6.1

IALoc. R. 26.1

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 37.1

IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA

Loc. R. 16(b)(1)

IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 14(e)

IA IA

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA CR The court rejects

the AdvisoryGroupsrecommendationbecause localrule alreadyrequires thatparties certify agood faithmeeting before adiscovery motionis made.

IA IA 

D. Kan. IA

Loc. R. 210(a)(Revised 5/92)

IALoc. R. 210(d)(Revised 5/92)

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 210(J)(Revised 5/92)

IA IA

E.D. Ky. Discovery

deadlines arediscussed at themandatory statusconference.

At the mandatorystatusconference, thecourt will addressthe issue oflimitinginterrogatories to25.Loc. R. 8(c)

At the mandatorystatusconference, thecourt will addressthe issue oflimitingdepositions to 10.

IA IA

Loc. R. 6(a)(2)

IALoc. R. 6(a)(2)

IA

W.D. Ky. The court

currently setsdeadlines for thefiling of motions.(PD)

IALoc. R. 8(c)

IA The court will

refer this issue tothe AdvisoryGroup for itsconsideration.

PDLoc. R. 6(a)(2)General Order(EOD 2/1/94)

IA IA

E.D. La. Discovery

deadlines are setat the preliminaryconference andstated in thecourt’s

The number ofinterrogatorieswill be limited inaccordance withlocal rule.

Depositions willbe conducted andlimited asordered by thecourt.

IA IA IA IA
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

scheduling andmanagementorder and will beno later than 30days prior to thefinal pretrialconference.

Loc. R. 6.01(5/89)

Loc. R. 2.11E(5/89)

M.D. La. Discovery

deadlines are setat the preliminarycase managementconference.

PDLoc. R. 6.01

Depositions areconducted andlimited asordered by thecourt.

Yes (PD) IA

Loc. R. 2.11ELoc. R. 2.11M

IA IA

W.D. La. Discovery

deadlines are setin the schedulingorder issued afterthe schedulingconference. Inestablishing thedeadlines, thecourt will adhereto theseguidelines:1. 120 daysbefore pretrialconference:joinder of partiesand amendmentof pleadings.2. 90 days beforepretrialconference:plaintiff’s expertinformation andreports.3. Immediatelyupon receipt:furnishing copiesof reports oftreatingphysicians orother relevantinformation.4. 60 days beforepretrialconference:

IA IA IA IA IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

146 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

discovery cutoff; defendant’sexpertinformation andreports; filing ofdispositivemotions.5. 46 days beforepretrialconference:expertdepositions.6. 30 days beforepretrialconference:plaintiff’scounsel to hostconference toprepare pretrialstipulations.7. 15 days beforepretrialconference:motions inlimine.8. 7 days beforepretrialconference:pretrialstipulations.9. 20 days beforetrial: discovery ofrequestedsurveillanceevidence/finaldeposition ofparty in question;discovery of rule613 and 801impeachmentevidence.10. 21 daysbefore trial: trialdepositions(expert and laywitnesses).11. 10 days
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

before trial: trialbrief andproposedfindings of factand conclusionsof law (nonjurytrials); joint juryinstructions andinterrogatories(jury trials);editing of trialdepositions,filing objections;affidavit ofsettlementefforts; exchangeof exhibits anddemonstrativeaids andobjections toexhibits; filingobjections toimpeachment/surveillanceevidence.12. 7 days beforetrial: bench bookto court. Loc. R. 6.01

(5/89; 4/92)

D. Me. Deadlines are

established inscheduling order.

Thirtyinterrogatoriesper party arepermitted instandard trackcases (subpartsare notpermitted).

Five depositionsper party arepermitted instandard trackcases.

No (PD) A party with a

discovery disputemust first meetwith theopposing party ina good faitheffort to resolvethe issues indispute. If thateffort isunsuccessful, therequest for ahearing with ajudicial officercarries with it theprofessionalrepresentation bythe lawyer that

No writtendiscovery motionmay be filedwithout the priorapproval of ajudicial officer.

IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

148 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 16(c) Loc. R. 15(b)(2) Loc. R. 15(b)(2)

the good faitheffort has beenmade.Loc. R. 18(e) Loc. R. 18(e)

D. Md. In routine cases,

discovery mustbe completed 120days after thedate of thescheduling order.

IA IA IA Yes IA

Loc. R. 104.5Loc. R. 104.7Loc. R. 104.8

IA 

D. Mass. Discovery

deadlines arediscussed at theschedulingconference andare incorporatedinto thescheduling order.

Each side islimited to 25interrogatories.(This is arevision of thelimit in the CJRAPlan.)

Each side islimited to 10depositions.(This is arevision of thelimit in the CJRAPlan.)

IA The judicial

officer will notconsider anydiscovery motionunless it isaccompanied bycertification thatthe moving partymade a goodfaith effort toreach agreement

IA The judici

officer has discretionthe initialdisclosure of discovephase the interrogatoand demandocuments
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 16.1(F)(10/92; Revised12/94)

Loc. R. 26.1(C)(10/92; Revised12/94)

Loc. R. 26.1(C)(10/92; Revised12/94)

Loc. R.26.2(B)(2)(10/92; Revised12/94)

with theopposing partyon matters setforth in themotion.Loc. R. 26.2(C)(10/92; Revised12/94)

Loc. R. 26(10/92; Re12/94)

E.D. Mich. IA IA IA IA PD

Loc. R. 7.1(a)Loc. R. 37.1

IA IA 

W.D. Mich. Discovery

deadlines are setby track in theDCM systemunless orderedotherwise by thecourt at the casemanagementconference.Discovery mustbe completedwithin 90 daysafter the casemanagementconference forthe voluntaryexpedited track,120 days for theexpedited track,180 days for thestandard track,and 270 days forthe complextrack. Deadlinesin the highly

Limits oninterrogatoriesare set by track inthe DCM systemunless orderedotherwise by thecourt at the casemanagementconference: 15single-partquestions perparty in thevoluntaryexpedited track;20 single-partquestions in theexpedited track,30 single-partquestions in thestandard track,50 single-partquestions in thecomplex track,and 15 singlepart questions per

Limits ondepositions areset by track in theDCM systemunless orderedotherwise by thecourt at the casemanagementconference: 2fact witnessdepositions perparty in thevoluntaryexpedited track;4 fact witnessdepositions in theexpedited track,8 fact witnessdepositions in thestandard track,and 15 factwitnessdepositions in thecomplex track.Any limits in the

IA IA IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

150 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

complex andadministrativetracks are to bedetermined bythe judicialofficer at the casemanagementconference.

party for civilrights cases intheadministrativetrack. Any limitsin the highlycomplex andnon-DCM tracksare determinedby the judicialofficer.

administrative,highly complex,and non-DCMtracks aredetermined bythe judicialofficer.

D. Minn. Discovery

deadlines are setin the schedulingorder issued afterthe initialschedulingconference.Loc. R. 26.1(2/91)

Each side islimited to 25interrogatories.

Each side islimited to 10depositions.

Yes Yes

Loc. R. 37.1(2/91)

IA IA 

N.D. Miss. Deadlines are set

by the judicialofficer presidingat the casemanagementconference,according totrack assignment.

The court setslimits by track:1. Expeditedtrack cases arelimited to 15succinctquestions forinterrogatories.2. Standard trackcases are limitedto 30 succinctquestions forinterrogatories.3. Discovery incomplex trackand mass torttrack cases willproceed asneeded.4. There is nodiscovery inadministrativetrack cases.

The court setslimits by track:1. In expeditedtrack cases,requests forproductiondepositions arelimited to theparties and 3 factwitnesses.2. In standardtrack cases,requests forproductiondepositions arelimited to theparties and 5 factwitnesses.3. Discovery incomplex trackand mass torttrack cases willproceed asneeded.4. There is no

Parties may berequired to sign,at the court’sdiscretion.

IA IA After the i

phase ofdiscovery, discovery permitted entry of a managemeplan.
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

discovery inadministrativetrack cases.

Loc. R. 6(c)(1)

S.D. Miss. Deadlines are set

by the judicialofficer presidingat the casemanagementconference,according totrack assignment.

The court setslimits by track:1. Expeditedtrack cases arelimited to 15succinctquestions forinterrogatories.2. Standard trackcases are limitedto 30 succinctquestions forinterrogatories.3. Discovery incomplex trackand mass torttrack cases willproceed asneeded.4. There is nodiscovery inadministrativetrack cases.

The court setslimits by track:1. In expeditedtrack cases,requests forproductiondepositions arelimited to theparties and 3 factwitnesses.2. In standardtrack cases,requests forproductiondepositions arelimited to theparties and 5 factwitnesses.3. Discovery incomplex trackand mass torttrack cases willproceed asneeded.4. There is nodiscovery inadministrativetrack cases.

Parties may berequired to sign,at the court’sdiscretion.

IA IA After the i

phase ofdiscovery, discovery permitted entry of a managemeplan.

E.D. Mo. IA IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Mo. Discovery

deadlines are setin the schedulingorder.

IA IA IA The local rule

requiring partiesto confer inperson beforefiling discoverymotions isrevised to requirecounsel to conferin person or bytelephone. If thedispute is notsettled at this

Unlessauthorized bycourt order,discoverymotions may notbe filed until aconferencebetween counseland the judge hasbeen held.

IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

152 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 15F, 15I(1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

Loc. R. 15L(1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

Loc. R. 15L(1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

conference,counsel mustschedule atelephoneconference withthe court beforefiling a motion.Loc. R. 15N(1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

Loc. R. 15N(1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

D. Mont. Discovery

deadlines are setin the discoverymanagement planimplemented atthe preliminaryconference.Loc. R. 235-1(a)

Limits oninterrogatoriesare set in thediscoverymanagement planimplemented atthe preliminaryconference.Parties may seekrelief fromexcessiveinterrogatories(usually morethan 50).Loc. R. 200-5(c)

Limits ondepositions areset in thediscoverymanagement planimplemented atthe preliminaryconference.

IA IA

Loc. R. 200-5(c)

IA IA

Loc. R. 23Loc. R. 22

D. Neb. IA IA IA IA IA IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 33.1(Revised 1/93)

Loc. R. 29.1(Revised 1/93)

D. Nev. Discovery

deadlines are setin the schedulingorder. (PD)

CR CR Yes (PD) Yes (PD) IA

Loc. R. 190-1(g)

IALoc. R. 19

D.N.H. IA Discovery

limitations underFed. R. Civ. P.26 will bediscussed at thepreliminarypretrialconference.

Discoverylimitations underFed. R. Civ. P.26 will bediscussed at thepreliminarypretrialconference.

Parties are notrequired to signrequests, butcounsel willcertify that theirclients have beennotified of therequests.

The court rejectsthe AdvisoryGroup’srecommendationthat the courtretain the currentlocal rule thatrequires themoving party tocertify that agood faith efforthas been made toresolve thedispute. Instead,the court willamend that ruleto require themoving party to

IA Phased dis

is considerthe prelimpretrialconference
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

154 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

serve a copy ofits motion on theopposing party.The opposingparty will berequired to servean original and acopy of aresponse on themoving partywithin the timeperiod to beprovided by thelocal rules andthe Fed. R. Civ.P. The movingparty will then beresponsible forfiling both theoriginal motionand responsewith the court.Loc. R. 11(b)(5/69; Revised1/85)

D.N.J. The deadline for

completion ofdiscovery is setin the schedulingorder.

IA IA IA Counsel will

confer to attemptto resolve anydiscovery or casemanagementdispute. If thedispute is notresolved, it willbe presented byconference callor letter to themagistrate judgeprior to anyformal motion.Pro se cases areexempt from thisrequirementunless themagistrate judgeso directs.Discovery or

IA Counsel fo

I and II cadiscuss thepossibility phased disprior to thschedulingconferencescheduling may specidate for thof dispositmotions bethe complefact discovsubmissioexperts’ re
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Gen. R. 15B.3(c)(12/91)

case managementmotions must beaccompanied byan affidavitcertifying a goodfaith effort toresolve thedispute byagreement. Thedate and methodofcommunicationwill also be setforth in theaffidavit.Gen. R. 15E.2(12/91)Gen. R. 15E.3(12/91)Gen. R. 15F.1(10/84 as Gen. R.15C.1)

Gen. R. 15E.2(12/91)

Gen. R. 15(12/91)

D.N.M. Discovery

deadlines are setby DCM track:1. Expedited: 100days after filingof the schedulingorder;2. Standard: 200days after filingof the schedulingorder;3. Complex:deadlines are seton a case-by-casebasis.

Limits are set bya local rule thatpredates theCJRA Plan.

IA No Certification that

the attorneys metis required by alocal rule thatpredates theCJRA Plan.

No The need f

phased-indiscovery determinethe judiciaofficer at tpretrialconference

E.D.N.Y. IA In every civil

case filed on orafter 2/1/92,there will be alimitation on thenumber ofinterrogatories byagreement of the

In every civilcase filed on orafter 2/1/92,there will be alimitation on thenumber ofdepositions byagreement of the

No IA IA In comple

cases, the should conimplemenstaged, tiemilestonediscovery.
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

156 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

parties or courtorder; in theabsence of such,the presumptivelimit will be 15interrogatories(excludingactions broughtby the U.S. under28 U.S.C.§ 3101, 18U.S.C. § 981 and21 U.S.C. § 881).

parties or courtorder; in theabsence of such,the presumptivelimit will be 10depositions.Requests fornonstenographicrecording ordepositions willbe presumptivelygranted.

Civ. R. 49.6(StandingOrder 6)

Civ. R. 49.6(StandingOrder 6)

N.D.N.Y. Discovery

deadlines and theparameters ofdiscovery will bediscussed at thepretrialconference. Thedeadlines will beset in the uniformpretrialscheduling order.

IAGeneral Order 40

IAGeneral Order 40

IA Counsel must

make a goodfaith effort toresolve or reduceall differencesrelating todiscovery.Requests for adiscoveryconference ondisputed mattersand formalmotions must beaccompanied byan affidavitcertifying thatcounsel haveconferred in agood faith effortto resolve thediscoverydifferences.Loc. R. 7.1(e)

Discoverymotions will notbe consideredunless counselrequests adiscoveryconference andfiles a letter briefand counselsubmits anaffidavit statingthat a good faitheffort was madebetween theparties to reduceor resolve thediscoverydifferences.Loc. R. 7.1(e)

In complecases, the officer maprovide fostaged resor bifurcatissues for consistent Fed. R. Ci42(b).

S.D.N.Y. In standard and

complex cases, adiscovery planwill be developedat the casemanagementconference.Subsequent

The court shouldadopt rulescontainingguidelines fordepositionpractice,interrogatories,requests for

The court shouldadopt rulescontainingguidelines fordepositionpractice,interrogatories,requests for

IA In standard and

complex cases,discovery issuesshould beresolved byexpedited lettersubmission (nomore than 2

IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

discovery issuesshould beresolved byexpedited lettersubmission (nomore than 2double-spacedpages), or bytelephone orpersonalconference aftera good faitheffort atresolution by allparties.

documents, anddiscovery ofexperts.

documents, anddiscovery ofexperts.

double-spacedpages), or bytelephone orpersonalconference aftera good faitheffort atresolution by allparties.

W.D.N.Y. Except for good

cause, shown inwriting,discovery will becut-off not morethan 6 monthsfrom the date ofthe schedulingorder. In pro seprisoner civilrights cases,absent goodcause shown inwriting, thediscoverydeadline will beno longer than 8months from thedate of thescheduling order.

IA IA Attorney and

party may berequired to signrequests at thediscretion of thecourt.

IALoc. R. 16

IA IA

E.D.N.C. Discovery

deadlines are setin the schedulingorder.

IA IA CR Counsel will

certify that theyhave conferredand had a fulland frankdiscussion priorto filing adiscoverymotion.

IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

158 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

M.D.N.C. Discovery

deadlines are setaccording to theDCM track: 4months forstandard cases, 6months forcomplex cases,and 9 months forexceptionalcases.Loc. R. 204

Limits oninterrogatoriesare set accordingto the DCMtrack: 15 per sidein standard cases,25 per side incomplex cases,and 30 per side inexceptionalcases.Loc. R. 204

Limits ondepositions areset according tothe DCM track: 4per side instandard cases, 7per side incomplex cases,and 10 per side inexceptionalcases.Loc. R. 204

IA IA

Loc. R. 204(c)

IA IA 

W.D.N.C. Discovery

deadlines are setby track in theDCM system:1. Expeditedcases: discoverywill becompleted within3 months afterthe filing of thecase managementplan;2. Standardcases: discoverywill becompleted within9 months afterthe filing of thecase managementplan;3. Complexcases: discoverywill have a cutoff established inthe casemanagementplan;4. Administrativecases: nodiscoverywithout priorleave of the

Interrogatoriesare limited bytrack in the DCMsystem:1. Expeditedcases are limitedto 15 single-partquestions perparty;2. Standard casesare limited to 20single-partquestions perparty;3. Complex caseshave limitstailored to thecase;4. Administrativecases are notpermittedinterrogatorieswithout priorleave of thecourt; and5. Mass tort caseshave limitstailored to thecase.

Depositions arelimited by trackin the DCMsystem:1. Expeditedcases are limitedto 1 fact witnessdeposition perparty with priorapproval of thecourt;2. Standard casesare limited to 6fact witnessdeposition perparty with priorapproval of thecourt;3. Complex caseshave limitstailored to thecase;4. Administrativecases are notpermitteddepositionswithout priorleave of thecourt; and5. Mass tort caseshave limitstailored to the

Signatures ofparties are notrequired forrequests toextend discoverydeadlines.

Yes No IA
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

court; and5. Mass tortsdiscovery will betreated inaccordance witha special casemanagement planby the court.Loc. R. 10

case.

D.N.D. Discovery

deadlines are setin thescheduling/discovery order.

IA IA No Counsel must

confer ondisputeddiscoveryrequests beforeseeking judicialinvolvement.

IA IA

D. N. Mar. I. Deadlines are

determined bytrack assignmentin the DCMsystem:1. Expeditedcases will have adiscovery cut-offno later than 60days prior totrial.2. Standard caseswill havediscovery cut-offno later then 60days prior totrial.3. Complex caseswill have adiscovery cut-offspecified in thecase managementplan.

Limits aredetermined bytrack assignment:1. Expeditedcases: discoveryguidelinesincludeinterrogatorieslimited to 15single-partquestions;2. Standardcases: discoveryguidelinesincludeinterrogatorieslimited to 30single-partquestions; and3. Complexcases: discoveryguidelinesincludeinterrogatorieslimited to 50single-partquestions.

Limits aredetermined bytrack assignment:1. Expeditedcases: discoveryguidelinesincludedepositionslimited to 15depositions of theparties,depositions onwritten questionsof custodians ofbusiness recordsfor nonparties,and no more than1 fact witnessdeposition perparty withoutprior approval ofthe court;2. Standardcases: discoveryguidelinesincludedepositionslimited to 30depositions of the

IA Local rule

requires counselto meet andconfer before adiscovery motionis filed.

IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

160 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

parties,depositions onwritten questionsof custodians ofbusiness recordsfor nonparties, nomore than 3 factwitnessdepositions perparty withoutprior approval ofthe court; and3. Complexcases: discoveryguidelinesincludedepositionslimited to 50depositions of theparties,depositions onwritten questionsof custodians ofbusiness recordsfor nonparties.

Loc. R. 230-6

N.D. Ohio Discovery

deadlines aredetermined bytrack assignment:1. Expedited:cases on thistrack will have adiscovery cut-offno later than 100days after filingof the casemanagementplan;2. Standard:cases on thistrack will have adiscovery cut-offno later than 200days after filingof the casemanagement

Limits oninterrogatoriesare determinedby trackassignment:1. Expedited:discoveryguidelinesincludeinterrogatorieslimited to 15single-partquestions; and2. Standard:discoveryguidelinesincludeinterrogatorieslimited to 35single-partquestions.

Limits oninterrogatoriesare determinedby trackassignment:1. Expedited:discoveryguidelinesinclude no morethan 1 factwitnessdeposition perparty withoutprior approval bythe court; and2. Standard:discoveryguidelinesinclude no morethan 3 factwitness

IA Discovery

disputes may bereferred to ajudicial officeronly aftercounsel for theparty seeking thedisputeddiscovery hascertified to thecourt thatsincere, goodfaith efforts toresolve thedispute havebeen made.

IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

plan;3. Complex:cases on thistrack will havethe discoverycut-off specifiedin the casemanagementplan;4. Administrative: nodiscovery ispermittedwithout priorleave of court;and5. Mass torts:cases on thistrack will betreated inaccordance withthe specialmanagement planby the court.Loc. R. 8:2.1(b)(1/1/92; Revised12/15/92)

Loc. R. 8:2.1(b)(1/1/92; Revised12/15/92)

depositions perparty withoutprior approval bythe court.Loc. R. 8:2.1(b)(1/1/92; Revised12/15/92)

Loc. R. 8:7.4(1/1/92; Revised6/9/92, 12/1/93)

S.D. Ohio IA The court will

retain Loc. R.33.1 and 36.1,limiting thenumber ofinterrogatoriesand requests foradmission, absentagreement to ahigher number bythe parties orleave of court.Loc. R. 33.1(10/91)Loc. R. 36.1(10/91)

IA CR The court will

retain Loc. R.37.1 and 37.2,requiringconsultationbefore adiscovery motionis filed andcertification ofextrajudicialefforts to resolvethe dispute toaccompany themotion.Loc. R. 37.1(10/91)Loc. R. 37.2(10/91)

IALoc. R. 37.2(10/91)

IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

162 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

E.D. Okla. IA IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(H)

Interrogatoriesarepresumptivelylimited to 25 foreach side.

Local rules set apresumptive timelimit of 6 hoursper deposition.Depositions arepresumptivelylimited to 10 foreach side.Loc. R. 30.1(G)Loc. R. 30.1(A)

Counsel ratherthan the clientmay request anextension oftime. However,the court shouldbe advised if theclientdisapproves ofthe extensionrequest.

IALoc. R. 37.1

IA IA 

W.D. Okla. Discovery

deadlines are setat thestatus/schedulingconference andincluded in thescheduling order.Loc. R. 17, CivilStatus andSchedulingConferences;Management(9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 5/20/83,8/11/86,12/31/91,6/15/93, 4/20/94)

IALoc. R. 10(9/1/82; Revised5/20/83, 4/20/94)

IALoc. R. 15(9/1/82; Revised12/2/87)

IA Every motion or

other applicationrelating todiscovery mustincludecertification bycounsel that theparties made agood faith effortto resolve thediscoverydispute. Thisrequirementincludes a faceto-face meetingbetween counsel.Loc. R. 14(E)(9/1/82; Revised3/27/86, 4/6/92)

IA IA

Loc. R. 17Status andSchedulinConferencManagem(9/1/82; R2/7/83, 5/28/11/86,12/31/91,6/15/93, 4
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

D. Or. Firm pretrial and

discoverydeadlines for allcases are setimmediately atthe time of filing.

IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 230-2(a)

IA IA

E.D. Pa. IA IA IA IA No motion or

other applicationwill be madeunless it includesa certification ofcounsel that theparties, afterreasonable effort,are unable toresolve thedispute.

No IA 

M.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 26.10(Revised 11/88)

Limits oninterrogatoriesare determined inthediscovery/casemanagementplan, subject tolatermodification bystipulation orcourt order on anappropriateshowing.Loc. R. 26.6(Revised 11/88)

Limits ondepositions aredetermined in thediscovery/casemanagementplan, subject tolatermodification bystipulation orcourt order on anappropriateshowing.Loc. R. 30.1(Revised 11/88)

IALoc. R. 26.10(Revised 11/88)

IALoc. R. 26.7(Revised 11/88)

IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

164 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.1.2A(10/93)

CR CR IA IA

Loc. R. 16.1.2F(10/93)

IA IA 

D.P.R. Discovery

deadlines are setforth in the casemanagementorder.

The court will setlimits oninterrogatories inthe casemanagementorder.

The court will setlimits ondepositions in thecase managementorder.

IA IA

Loc. R. 311.11

IA IA

D.R.I. Discovery

deadlines may beset during apretrialconference.

IA IA This provision is

under review bythe court as partof its review ofproposedchanges to localrules.

Yes IA IA

D.S.C. PD

Loc. R. 7.01(12/1/94)Loc. R. 7.02(12/1/94)Loc. R. 7.04(12/1/94)Loc. R. 7.10(12/1/94)

PDLoc. R. 9.00(12/1/93)

CRLoc. R. 10.01(12/1/93)

CRLoc. R. 12.11(12/1/93)

PDLoc. R. 12.02(12/1/93)Loc. R. 12.11(12/1/93)

IA IA 

D.S.D. A discovery

schedule issubmitted jointlyby counsel forinclusion in thescheduling letter.

IA IA No. However,

attorneycertification isrequired fordiscoverymotions.

Yes (PD)Loc. R. 37.1(1992)

IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

E.D. Tenn. IA

Loc. R. 16.1

No party will beentitled to morethan 30interrogatorieswithout priorleave of thecourt.Loc. R. 33.1

No party will beentitled to takemore than 10depositionswithout priorleave of thecourt, or take asingle depositionof more than 8hours withoutprior leave of thecourt oragreement of theparties.

IA All

nondispositivemotions will beaccompanied bya certificatesigned bycounsel affirmingthat, afterconsultation, theyare unable toreach an accord.

IA IA

M.D. Tenn. Discovery

deadlines are setin the casemanagementorder.Loc. R.11(d)(2)(f) (3/94)

Any limitationson interrogatorieswill be based onthe particularneeds of eachcase.Loc. R. 9(a)(2)(3/84)Loc. R.11(d)(1)(c)(3)(3/94)

Any limitationson depositionswill be based onthe particularneeds of eachcase.Loc. R.11(d)(2)(f) (3/94)

IALoc. R. 9(e)(3)(3/84)

IA IA Discovery 

staged accto the needeach stage case (e.g.,settlementdispositivemotions, tthe case mdeterminestaging isappropriatLoc. R.11(d)(1)(c(3/94)Loc. R.11(d)(2)(f

W.D. Tenn. IA IA IA CR PD IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

166 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R.13(b)(1)(C)(Revised 1/93)

Loc. R. 13(c)(Revised 1/93)

Loc.R.13(b)(1)(A)–(C) (Revised1/93)

E.D. Tex. IA Limits on

interrogatoriesare set by DCMtrack: nointerrogatories intracks 1 and 2, 25interrogatories intracks 3 and 4,and a number tobe determined bythe court intracks 5 and 6.(This is arevision of theoriginal DCMplan, by generalorder on 10/94.)

Limits on thenumber ofdepositions areset by DCMtrack. Track 3allowsdepositions of theparties anddepositions onwritten questionsof custodians ofbusiness recordsfor third parties.Track 4 has thesame limits astrack 3 plus 3other depositionsper side. Tracks 5and 6 will havediscovery plansdetermined bythe judicialofficer. (This is arevision of theoriginal DCMplan, by generalorder on 10/94.)In addition,witnesses orparties’depositions will

IA IA IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

be taken onweekdays, andwill not last morethan 6 hours(unless the courtordersotherwise). The6-hour limit willbe evenly dividedamong plaintiffsand defendantsfor nonpartywitnesses.Depositions maybe taken after5:00 PM onweekdays, or onholidays, withthe approval ofthe judicialofficer or byagreement ofcounsel.Attorneys areprohibited frominstructing thedeponent not toanswer aquestion, exceptto assert arecognizedprivilege. Otherobjections will bemade at trial.

N.D. Tex. Unless the

presiding judgeotherwise directs,a firm date forcompletion ofdiscovery will befixed at an earlystage of thelitigation. Thecontinuance of atrial will notextend the date

IA IA Motions for

continuance mustbe signed by theparty as well asby the attorney ofrecord. Thegranting of amotion forcontinuance willnot extend orrevive anydeadlines that

IA IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

168 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

for completion ofdiscovery unlessordered by thepresiding judge.In every casedetermined bythe presidingjudge to becomplex, anearly conferencewill be held inorder to developa discoveryscheduling order.

have alreadypassed in a caseunless ordered bythe presidingjudge.

S.D. Tex. Discovery cut-off

dates are set inthe schedulingorder entered atthe initial pretrialconference.Loc. R. 8 (5/88;Revised 1/92,2/94)

IALoc. R. 5.D(5/88; Revised1/92, 2/94)

IA All requests for

extensions ofdiscoverydeadlines orpostponement oftrial must besigned by therequesting partyand counsel.

IALoc. R. 6.A.4(5/88)

IA In comple

cases, the will considstaged discas identifiethe ManuaComplexLitigation
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

W.D. Tex. Except for cases

assigned to theexpedited docket,the schedulingorder in eachcivil case willrequire discoveryto be completedwithin 6 monthsof the filing ofdefendant’sinitial pleadings.Loc. R. CV-16(d)(Revised 1/94)

Each party thatchooses tosubmit writteninterrogatorieswill be limited to20 questions.Each separateparagraph withina question andeach sub-partcontained withina question thatcalls for aresponse will becounted as aseparatequestion.Loc. R. CV-33(Revised 1/94)

Standardagreements fortakingdepositionsshould be used.Videotaped andtelephonedepositions arepermitted withtimely notice.Loc. R. CV-30and Loc. R.Appendix I(Revised 1/94)

The court rejectsthis requirementas inappropriate.

Any party filinga written motionrelating todiscovery mustexpressly statetherein thatreasonable andgood faith effortshave been madeto reachagreement as toall disputes andwhy no furtheragreement couldbe reached.Loc. R. CV-37(Revised 1/94)

IA IA

D. Utah IA IA IA IA PD IA IAD. Vt. Within 30 days

from the date offiling answer,counsel forparties willjointly prepareand file a singleschedule for thecompletion ofdiscovery nolater than 8months from thedate on which theanswer has beenfiled. Theschedule willprovide specificdates by whichspecificdiscovery itemsare to becompleted. Thediscoveryschedule filed bythe parties will

IA IA IA IA IA IA
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

170 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

become thescheduling orderprovided by Fed.R. Civ. P. 16(b)with respect tothe time limitsfor thecompletion ofdiscovery and forfiling and hearingmotions.

General Order 33 General Order 33

D.V.I. IA IA Depositions are

limited to 1 houreach for directand crossexamination perparty fornonpartywitnesses, 3hours direct forparty and expertwitnesses, and anequal amount oftime for eachparty for cross.Except by partiesstipulation ororder of thecourt, no morethan 1 attorneyfor each partymay question thedeponent.

The AdvisoryGrouprecommendedagainst thisrequirement andthe court did notadopt it.

IA IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 16.1(b)(7/21/92)

Loc. R. 33.1(7/21/92)

Loc. R. 26.2(a)(7/21/92)

Loc. R. 37.1(7/21/92)

E.D. Va. PD

Loc. R. 12(C)(8/62; Revised2/89)

IALoc. R. 11.1(A.1)(1/80; Revised2/89)

IALoc. R. 11.1(B)(1/80; Revised2/89)

CRLoc. R. 11.1(K)Loc. R. 12(E)

PDLoc. R. 11.1(J)(8/62; Revised1/80, 2/89)

IA IA 

W.D. Va. As a general rule,

the discoverycut-off should be45 days beforethe trial date.

IA IA IA IA IA IA 

E.D. Wash. IA

Loc. R. 32

IALoc. R. 33(b)

IALoc. R. 32

IA IA

Loc. R. 37(b)

IA IA 

W.D. Wash. The court will

continue to limitthe time periodfor discovery inall cases.

The court willissue an order atthe start of everycase governingthe conduct ofdepositions anddiscovery.

The court willissue an order atthe start of everycase governingthe conduct ofdepositions anddiscovery.

IA The court will

continue thepractice ofadvising counselat the start ofeach civil casethat all discovery

IA Yes 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

172 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

matters are to beresolved byagreement ifpossible.

Loc. R. CR 37(g)

N.D. W. Va. IA The court may

alter the limits inthe local rules forparticular typesor classificationsof cases.

IA IA IA IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

174 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 2.08Loc. R. 2.12 Loc. R. 2.08 Loc. R. 2.09 Loc. R. 1.04 Loc. R. 2.08 Loc. R. 2.

S.D. W. Va. Once issues have

been joined, thecourt willestablish abindingdiscoveryschedule underwhich alldiscovery will becompleted.Counsel willhave 21 daysfrom the entrydate of the timeframe order tomove formodifications ofthe discovery

IA IA IA IA IA IA 
Table 6: Discovery Requirements

176 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

schedule.Loc. R. 2.01Loc. R. 3.01

Loc. R. 3.04Loc. R. 3.01 Loc. R. 3.01 Loc. R. 3.01

Loc. R. 3.01Loc. R. 3.07 Loc. R. 3.07

Loc. R. 3.0Loc. R. 3.0Loc. R. 3.0Loc. R. 3.0

E.D. Wis. Unless the court

orders otherwise,all discoverymust becompleted 30days prior to thedate of the trial.Loc. R. 7.01(1)Loc. R. 7.07Loc. R. 7.08(1/1/92)

Any party mayserve upon anyother party amaximum of 15writteninterrogatories.Mandatoryinterrogatoriesand thoseinquiring aboutthe names andlocations ofpersons withdiscoverableknowledge arenot included inthis limit. If moreinterrogatoriesare needed,parties shouldattempt to reacha writtenstipulation. If thiscannot bereached, therequesting partymay move tohave the courtallow additionalinterrogatories.Loc. R. 7.03(Revised 1/1/92)

IALoc. R. 7.10(1/1/92)

IA IA

Loc. R. 6.02

IA IA

W.D. Wis. Discovery

deadlines will beset at thepreliminarypretrialconference.

IA IA IA IA IA IA 
Table 6

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

DiscoveryDeadlines

Limits onInterrogatories

Limits onDepositions

Parties SignDeadlineExtensionRequests

Meet andConferBefore FilingMotions

Judge’sPermissionto File Motions

Staged orPhasedDiscovery 

Loc. R. 3

D. Wyo. IA IA

Loc. R. 33(11/92)

IALoc. R. 30(Revised 11/93)Loc. R. 31(Revised 11/93)

IA The court will

continue its strictenforcement of alocal rulerequirement thatparties makeevery reasonableand good faitheffort to resolvediscoverydisputes beforeseekingassistance fromthe court. Partiesare required tocertify in writingthe effortsundertaken toresolve thedispute.Loc. R. 37(11/92)

IA A local ru

requires cowho will tcase to attfinal pretriconferencecourt said this wasadequate.Loc. R. 16(Revised 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 7: Motions

Deadlines for Filing Motions—What are the deadlines for filing motions and when are they set?Deadlines for Judicial Rulings—Are there deadlines for judicial rulings on motions? Do they differ for dispopositive motions?Tentative Rulings—Does the court issue tentative rulings? What is their nature?Motions Day—Does the court have a motions day?Limits on Motions—Are there limits on the number and length of motions?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

M.D. Ala. Yes IA IA IA IAN.D. Ala. IA Judges will continue to

use practices enablingprompt resolution ofdiscovery disputes. Anyjudge not currentlyholding monthly motiondockets will, if needarises, considerinstituting that practicein order to monitorpending motions.District judges willrefer discovery disputesto a magistrate judge ifthat reference mayfacilitate an early andfull consideration of themerits of the dispute.

IA IA IA
Table 7: Motions

180 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA D. Alaska Dispositive motions

should be filed, if notdisposed of, within 12months of filing.

IALoc. R. 7.1(K)

The court will seriouslyconsider issuingsummary dispositionorders.

IA IA 

D. Ariz. Yes IA IA IA There is a presumption

of no oral argument fornondispositive motionsunless the court grants arequest by a party fororal argument.
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

E.D. Ark. IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Ark. IA IA IA IA IAC.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 6.4.2

IALoc. R. 32

IA IA

Loc. R. 7.2

IALoc. R. 7.5

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 240 (10/84;Revised 5/91)

IA The court is

experimenting withtentative rulings.

IALoc. R. 230(a) (10/84);Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 230(b) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 230(c) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 230(d) (10/84;Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 230(h) (10/84;Revised 5/91)

N.D. Cal. The court includes

deadlines in its standardchecklist for the casemanagement proposal(see Table 2).General Order 34 § VIIIG; General Order 34§ IX H; General Order34 § X H (1/1/92;Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IA The court will explore

the feasibility ofimplementing a systemfor issuing tentativerulings as part of theCase Management PilotProgram.General Order 34 § XIV(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IA IA

S.D. Cal. Deadlines are set in the

case management order.

IA IA IA IA

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 29.1(11)

IA IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

182 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

D. Conn. IA

Standing Order onScheduling in CivilCases (1986)

IA IA IA IA

D. Del. Deadlines for filing

motions are set by thescheduling order.Loc. R. 16.2 (Revised1/95)

IA IA IA IA 

D.D.C. Each judge will

establish as his or herpolicy that all motionswill be heard anddecided promptly.

Each judge willestablish as his or herpolicy that all findingsof fact or conclusions oflaw will be promptlyrendered in noninjurycases. The court willendeavor to issue benchopinions whereappropriate.

IA IA IA 

M.D. Fla. Yes—in the scheduling

order (PD)

The revised Loc. R.3.01 establishes adeadline of 180 days fordispositive motions.The movant will file a“Notice to the Court”after the expiration ofthe deadline and afterevery additional 30days in which themotions remainsundecided. A copy ofthe notice is also sent tothe chief judge.Loc. R. 3.01 (7/1/84;Revised 12/1/92,2/1/94)

IA CR Yes (PD)

N.D. Fla. Deadlines for filing

motions are establishedin the scheduling order.(PD)

Judges should rule onnondispositive motionswithin 60 days after theopposing party’sresponse has been filed.

IA IA IA 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 7.1(C)(Proposed)Loc. R. 54.2 (Proposed)Loc. R. 56.1 (Proposed)

This deadline isincreased to 120 daysfor dispositive motions.If oral argument hasbeen granted, a rulingshould be made eitherwithin the abovementioned deadlines orwithin 30 days after oralargument, whichever islonger.Loc. R. 54.2 (Proposed)

Loc. R. 6(D)(Revised 84)Loc. R. 7.1(D)(Proposed)

Loc. R. 6 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 7.1 (Proposed)

S.D. Fla. The scheduling order

will set a date certainfor filing all pretrialmotions and a timeframework for theirdisposition.Loc. R. 16.1(B)(2/15/93)

Under the district’s preCJRA informal casemanagement system,judges must rulepromptly on allmotions.

IA IA IA 

M.D. Ga. The court will not at

this time adoptdeadlines for filingmotions.

The court establishes anaspirational goal of 90days after the close ofbriefing for the issuanceof rulings.

IALoc. R. 3.5 (6/2/93)

IA IA

N.D. Ga. PD

Loc. R. 235-3 (1/1/85;Revised 7/1/92)

IA IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

184 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

S.D. Ga. PD

Loc. R. 6.8 (1/82;Revised 6/94);Renumbered Loc. R.7.4Loc. R. 7.1 (Revised6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 16

IA IA IA IA

D. Guam For motions for which

oral argument isrequested, the notice ofmotion and motionpapers will be served oneach of the parties andfiled with the clerk notlater than 21 daysbefore the scheduledoral argument.Loc. R. 220Loc. R. 235-3(d)

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 125-3 (1983)

Briefs or memoranda insupport of or inopposition to anypending motion arelimited to a total of 20pages without the leaveof the court. Themoving party may file areply memorandum notin excess of 5 pages. Albriefs or memoranda inexcess of 15 pages willcontain a table ofauthorities.Loc. R. 220-7 (5/31/94;Revised 9/12/94)

D. Haw. Deadlines for filing

motions are in thescheduling order issuedat the schedulingconference. (PD)Loc. R. 220-1 (11/91)

IALoc. R. 220-3 (11/91)

IA None IA

D. Idaho The deadline for the

filing of motions is setin the scheduling order.

The court adopts thegeneral goal thatmotions should bedisposed of within 60days after completion ofbriefing for motionsdecided upon the briefsor within 60 days afterthe hearing date formotions on which thereis oral argument.

IA CR IA 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.10 (1/92)Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92;Revised 1/94)

The court sets a goal ofruling on all pendingmotions within 60 daysof being at issue. Alldiscovery motions ornondispositive motionswill be ruled on as soonas possible. All judgeswill entertainemergency oraldiscovery motions bytelephone.

IA IA IA 

N.D. Ill. The court proposes to

amend the StandingOrder to allow judges toestablish a motionstimetable.

IA IA IA

Loc. Gen. R. 12

IA 

S.D. Ill. The filing of potential

motions and a schedulefor their disposition arediscussed at the initialpretrial and schedulingconference.

Rulings on all motionsshould be issued 45days after submission ofthe response or, if ahearing is held, 45 daysafter the hearing.Loc. R. 5(e) (5/92;Revised 3/94)

IA IA IA 

N.D. Ind. On a case-by-case basis,

the judicial officer willset deadlines at thepretrial conference forthe filing of dispositivemotions after invitingthe attorneys’ views.Deadlines can only bechanged for good causeshown.

The court declined toadopt such arequirement. However,each judge will attemptto resolve any motionwithin 30 days after thecompletion of the laterof briefing or hearing.

IA IA

Loc. R. 40.4(c)

IA 
Table 7: Motions

186 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

S.D. Ind. Summary judgment

motions should be filedand completely briefedno less than 90 daysprior to the scheduledtrial date in complexcases and 60 days priorto the scheduled trialdate in other cases.

In ruling on motions,the court should givehigh priority tosummary judgmentmotions in casesscheduled for trialwithin 60 days. If asummary judgmentmotion has not beenresolved within 30 daysof a scheduled trialdate, the motion will bedecided by that date andthe trial rescheduled forat least 30 and no morethan 90 days after thepreviously scheduledtrial date. The courtshould also give highpriority to motionsaddressed to the issue ofwhether the court is theproper forum (e.g.,venue, personal andsubject matterjurisdiction).

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 7.1

N.D. Iowa IA The court will make

every effort to rule onall motions within 120days of filing.

IA IA IA 

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

D. Kan. The court has initiated

procedures to modifyLoc. R. 206, to give amoving party more timeto file a replymemorandum.

The court adopts thesegoals for judicialrulings:1. nondispositivemotions in prisonercases should be ruledupon within 90 days offiling;2. most othernondispositive motionsshould be ruled uponwithin 60 days of filing;and3. most dispositivemotions should be ruledupon within 120 days offiling a reply brief.

IA IA

Loc. R. 206(d)(Revised 5/92)

IA

E.D. Ky. Deadlines for filing

dispositive motions arediscussed at themandatory statusconference.

Certain civil motionsreferred to magistratejudges for report andrecommendation willautomatically revertback to the court if notruled on within 90 daysof submission.

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 6(b)(1)Loc. R. 6(c)

W.D. Ky. IA Dispositive motions

should be decided wellin advance of trial whenpossible.

IA IA IA

E.D. La. All pretrial motions will

be filed and served insufficient time to permithearing thereon no laterthan 30 days prior totrial date.

Motions will be decidedby the presiding judicialofficer as soon aspracticable.

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.01E (5/89)

IALoc. R. 2.14 (5/89)
Table 7: Motions

188 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

M.D. La. PD Motions will be decided

by the presiding judicialofficer as soon aspracticable.

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.01M

IA

W.D. La. The guideline for the

filing of dispositivemotions is 60 daysbefore the pretrialconference. Theguideline for motions inlimine is 15 days beforethe pretrial conference.

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 2.01W (5/89,4/92)

IA

D. Me. Deadlines are

established in thescheduling order.

IA IA IA Memoranda in support

and opposition will notexceed 10 pages fornondispositive motionsor 20 pages fordispositive motions. Noreply memoranda areallowed unlessrequested by the court.
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 16(c)

Loc. R. 19(e)Loc. R. 19(d)

D. Md. IA The deadlines are 7

days for rulings indiscovery disputes and60 days for motions todismiss or for summaryjudgment.

Tentative rulings areencouraged at the outsetof hearings.

IA IA

Loc. R. 105.3

D. Mass. At the earliest

practicable time, thejudicial officer willestablish a frameworkfor the disposition ofmotions. Thisframework may includedeadlines or timeframes for filingmotions.Loc. R. 7.1(A)(1)(10/92)

The court will rule onmotions as soon aspracticable. Motionsmay be decided withoutoral hearing.Loc. R. 7.1(A)(3)(10/92)Loc. R. 7.1(F) (9/90)

IA IA A memorandum in

support of a motionmay not exceed 20pages unless otherwiseordered.Loc. R. 7.1(B)(4) (9/90)

E.D. Mich. IA IA IA IA IA W.D. Mich. IA A stay on judicial

proceedings should beentered, if a motion ismade by one or moreparties, after a motionhas remained in courtwithout decision formore than 60 days

IA IA IA
Table 7: Motions

190 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

unless an exception ismade for good cause.

Loc. R. 28

D. Minn. Deadlines for filing

motions are set in thescheduling order issuedafter the initialscheduling conference.Loc. R. 7.1 (2/91)

The judicial officer willdevelop a casemanagement plan thatprovides for the timelydisposition of pretrialmotions.

IA IA IA

N.D. Miss. Discovery motions must

be filed so as not toaffect the discoverydeadline.

The court will strive fora deadline of 60 daysand will periodicallyreview motion practiceand explore innovativeapproaches.

IA IA PD 

S.D. Miss. Discovery motions must

be filed so as not toaffect the discoverydeadline.

The court will strive fora deadline of 60 daysand will periodicallyreview motion practiceand explore innovativeapproaches.

IA IA PD 

E.D. Mo. IA To avoid delays, the

moving party willnotify the clerk of anymotion that is notdecided within 60 daysafter the last response isfiled or due.

IA IA IA

W.D. Mo. Parties are required to

include in the proposedscheduling order a datelimiting the filing ofmotions to amend thepleadings and a datelimiting the filing ofany other motion.Loc. R. 15H (1/83;Revised 1/84, 9/92,7/94)

If summary judgmentmotions are not decidedwithin 60 days after thefinal reply suggestionsare filed, oral argumenton the motion will bescheduled for theearliest possible date. Ifthe motion is notdecided during oralargument, the court willadvise counsel when aruling can beanticipated.

IA IA All suggestions in

support of or inopposition to motionswill be limited to 15pages without priorapproval of the court.Reply suggestions willbe limited to 10 pages.
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

D. Mont. Deadlines for filing of

all pretrial motions areset in the casemanagement plan.Loc. R. 235-1(a)

If a civil motion hasbeen pending for morethan 60 days, the clerkwill advise the judicialofficer of the pendencyof the motion. If adecision is not renderedafter 30 more days, thejudicial officer willissue a report on thestatus of the motion.Loc. R. 220-7

IA IA

Loc. R. 220-1

No motionmemorandum willexceed 20 pages,exclusive of exhibits,except with the priorapproval of the court.Loc. R. 220-7

D. Neb. The court will require

parties to file motions inlimine on or before thedate of the pretrialconference. The courtwill rule on thosemotions in limine that,if granted, wouldeliminate substantialissues or substantialevidentiary showings attrial prior to the trial.

The court intends thatdispositive motions bedecided within 60 daysof their submission.Generally, motions willbe decided in this order:1. post-trial motions;2. preanswer,dispositive proceduralmotions;3. preanswer motions todismiss on substantivelegal grounds;4. motions for judgmenton the pleadings;5. motions for summaryjudgment; and6. other motions.

IA IA

Loc. R. 7.1(e) (Revised1/93)Loc. R. 78.1

IA 

D. Nev. Motions without a

responsivememorandum filed bythe deadline will beforwarded to thejudicial officer withoutit.

Yes (PD) CR CR IA

Loc. R. 140

D.N.H. Motions in limine

should be filed, to theextent they can beanticipated, with finalpretrial statements. Thetiming and filing ofdispositive motions will

CR IA IA There is a 25-page limit

for legal memoranda onall motions. Exceptionsto the 25-pagelimitation will beconsidered upon motionby counsel.
Table 7: Motions

192 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

be discussed andresolved at thepreliminary pretrialconference.

D.N.J. The date for filing

dispositive motions isset in the schedulingorder.Gen. R. 15B.3(d)(12/91)

IA IA IA

Gen. R. 12C (10/84)

No reply papers ondiscovery motions willbe allowed withoutpermission of themagistrate judge.Gen. R. 15F.3 (10/84 asGen. R. 15C.2)Gen. R. 27B (Revised9/91)

D.N.M. For cases in the

complex track, theearliest possible motionschedule is set at thescheduling conference.

Each judge shouldconsider adopting apolicy of ruling ondispositive motionswithin 60 daysfollowing oral argumentor after the replydeadline.

IA IA IA

E.D.N.Y. IA

Arb. R., § 4(a) (Revised1/21/93)Civ. R. 3Motion Rules ofIndividual Judges

Motions will be decidedwithin a reasonabletime. If pending formore than 6 months, theclerk’s office willcontact the judgeregarding the status ofthe motion (and reportits findings to theparties). The clerk willcontinue to do so at 3-month intervals.

IAMotion Rules ofIndividual Judges

IA IA 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

N.D.N.Y. Motion deadlines are

set in the uniform order,which is issued by thecourt after the initialpretrial hearing. Motiondeadlines can only beextended upon showingof good cause by aparty.

When possible, allmotions will be decidedwithin 60 days and amonitoring system willbe implemented toinquire about motionspending for longer thanthis period. The courtmay also put a stay onall proceedings inwhich motions havebeen pending for 60days or more.

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 7.1(c)

S.D.N.Y. IA All motions will be

decided within 60 daysof final submission.Those not decided in 60days should be reportedby the judicial officer ina quarterly report to becirculated to allmembers of the courtand Advisory Group.

IA IA In standard and

complex cases,discovery issues shouldbe resolved byexpedited lettersubmission (no morethan 2 double-spacedpages), or by telephoneor personal conferenceafter a good faith effortat resolution by allparties.

W.D.N.Y. Cut-off dates for filing

motions will bediscussed at the firstdiscovery conferenceand included in thecourt’s schedulingorder.

Each motion will betargeted for decisionwithin 60 days.

IA IA IA

E.D.N.C. The deadline for filing

dispositive motions is90 days prior to trial.

IA IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

194 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 5.05(Revised 2/94)Loc. R. 4.06(Revised 2/94)Loc. R. 23.06(Revised 2/94)

M.D.N.C. A notice of intent to file

a summary judgmentmotion must be filedwithin 20 days of theend of discovery.Loc. R. 206

If the court has notruled on a pretrialmotion by the time oftrial, it will do so at theoutset of the trial.Loc. R. 206(e)

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 206

W.D.N.C. All motions except

motions in limine andmotions to continue willbe filed no later than 30days after the date setfor completion ofdiscovery.Loc. R. 8

Motions that are filedprior to the lastresponsive pleading andhave the effect oftolling the progress ofthe case pendingdisposition of suchmotions will be ruled onby the court within 30days.

IA IA IA 

D.N.D. IA There is a 60-day

benchmark for thedisposition of allmotions, to be measuredfrom the date of filingof the last brief orsupporting material.The court can waivethis rule in exceptionalcircumstances.

IA IA IA

D. N. Mar. I. The case management

plan will provide timelimits for filingmotions.

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 220-1Loc. R. 220-3

IALoc. R. 220-4

N.D. Ohio A deadline for filing

motions may be set inthe case managementplan following the case

The judicial officer willrender a ruling within30 days of the time anondispositive motion

The judicial officer mayannounce at the outsetof any oral hearing hisor her intended ruling

Part or all of a day willbe set on a monthly ormore frequent basis tohear and determine the

Without prior approvalof the judicial officer,memoranda relating todispositive motions will
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

managementconference. All motionsnot made during ahearing or a trial mustbe made sufficiently inadvance of the trial toavoid delay in the trial.Each party opposing amotion will serve andfile a memorandum inopposition within 10days after service of themotion. The movingparty may serve and filea reply memorandumwithin 5 days afterservice of thememorandum inopposition.Loc. R. 8:4.2(a)(8)(1/1/92; Revised 6/9/92,12/1/93)Loc. R. 8:4.2(c) (1/1/92;Revised 6/9/92,12/1/93)Loc. R. 8:8.1(b)(1/1/92; Revised 6/9/92)Loc. R. 8:8.1(d)(1/1/92; Revised 6/9/92)Loc. R. 8:8.1(e) (1/1/92;Revised 6/9/92)

comes at issue andwithin 60 days fordispositive motions. Alist of motions that havebeen heard but not ruledupon beyond these timelimits will be publishedby the court once amonth. Discovery willbe suspended until thesemotions are decided andtrack deadlines will beadjusted at the requestof a party where theinterests of justice sorequire.Loc. R. 8:8.3(b)(1/1/92)

and limit oral argumentby parties to reasonswhy the preliminaryruling is correct orincorrect.Loc. R. 8:8.3(a)(1/1/92)

disposition of civilmotions that, in thejudgment of the judicialofficer, can thereby beexpedited.Loc. R. 8:8.1(a)(1/1/92)

not exceed 10 pages forexpedited andadministrative cases, 20pages for standardcases, 30 pages forcomplex cases, and 40pages for mass tortcases. Memorandarelating to all othermotions will not exceed15 pages.Loc. R. 8:8.1(f) (1/1/92Revised 2/8/94)

S.D. Ohio IA

Loc. R. 7.2(a)(2)(10/91)Loc. R. 12.1 (10/91)

Each judicial officerwill set the goal ofdeciding motions within90 days after they aresubmitted and the goalof issuing rulings ondispositive motions notlater than 1 week beforethe final pretrial order isdue to be filed bycounsel (provided thatthe judge has had areasonable opportunityto rule on the motionsprior to that time).

IA IA

Loc. R. 7.1 (10/91)

IALoc. R. 7.2(a)(3)(10/91)
Table 7: Motions

196 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

E.D. Okla. IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. IA

Loc. R. 16.1(H)

The court will endeavorto rule more quickly ondispositive motions.

IA IA The court will continue

its firm stance againstdilatory motions.Loc. R. 7.2(C)Loc. R. 7.2(F)

W.D. Okla. Deadlines are set at the

status/schedulingconference.Loc. R. 17, Civil Statusand SchedulingConferences;Management (9/1/82;Revised 2/7/83,5/20/83, 8/11/86,12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 13 (9/1/82)Loc. R. 14

D. Or. IA IA

Loc. R. 205-2

IA IA IA 

E.D. Pa. The initial scheduling

order should include adeadline for filingdispositive motions, setsufficiently in advanceof trial so as not tointerfere with trialpreparation.

It is expected thatdispositive motions willbe decided promptly soas to reduceunnecessary costs to thelitigants.

IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

M.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 7.3 (Revised11/88)Loc. R. 14.1 (Revised11/88)Loc. R. 14.2 (Revised11/88)

IA IA IA IA

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.1.2A (10/93)

The court revised thelocal rules to set anordinary deadline of 30days for ruling onnondispositive motionswithout oral argumentand without briefs, and90 days for ruling ondispositive motionswith briefs and oralargument. Any motionnot resolved within 90days will be set for oralargument by the clerk.Loc. R. 7.1.E–F (10/93)

IA IA IA

D.P.R. The court will issue a

case management orderthat establishesdeadlines for filingpleadings, motions toamend pleadings,and/or to add parties.

IA IA IA IA

D.R.I. Deadlines for filing

discovery motions maybe set during a pretrialconference.

IA IA IA IA

D.S.C. PD The court adopts a goal

of resolving all motionsas expeditiously aspossible. No specifictime frames are set bythe CJRA Plan.

IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

198 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 7.10 (12/1/93)Loc. R. 12.10 (12/1/93)

D.S.D. Deadlines depend on

the court’s pretrialorders in each particularcase.

IA IA IA Oral argument requires

a court order.Loc. R. 7.1 (1992)

E.D. Tenn. IA IA IA IA IA 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 16.1

M.D. Tenn. Yes

Loc. R.11(d)(1)(c)(6)(g) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2)(d)(3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2)(e)(3/94)

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 8(b)(1) (3/84)

No 

W.D. Tenn. The court will enforce

all time limits morestrictly than has beenthe past practice. Theagreement of all partiesis not a sufficient basisfor an extension or acontinuance, except aspermitted by local rule.

IA IA IA IA

E.D. Tex. Deadlines for filing

motions are set at themanagementconference.

Motions will be decidedas soon as practicable,and in any event within30 days after filing of

IA IA Motions cannot exceed

15 pages, includingauthorities.
Table 7: Motions

200 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

the response (fornondispositivemotions). The court willemploy its best effortsto dispose of dispositivemotions within 60 days.

N.D. Tex. Local rule governs

motion practice. Interalia, local rule requirescertificates ofconference on mostmotions, sets deadlinesfor responses tomotions and for repliesto responses, limits thelength of briefs, andprovides for the formand content of certainmotions (e.g., motionsfor summary judgment).Loc. R. 5 (3/78;Revised 1/84, 12/88,2/92)

IA IA IA IA 

S.D. Tex. The scheduling order

entered at initial pretrialconference will includea time framework forresolution of motions.Loc. R. 8 (5/88;Revised 1/92, 2/94)

IA IA IA IA 

W.D. Tex. All motions to amend or

supplement pleadingsand all dispositivemotions must be filedby the deadlinesestablished in thescheduling order.

IA IA IA All motions must be

concise and may notexceed 10 pages inlength without the leaveof the court. Thespecific legal authoritiesrelied upon by the partymust be identified in themotion. The use of
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. CV-16 and Loc.R. Appendix B-1(Revised 1/94)

short, letter briefs forresponses andsupplemental briefs isencouraged.Loc. R. CV-7 (Revised1/94)

D. Utah Target dates for filing

motions may be set atthe initial status andscheduling conference.

IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 202(c)Loc. R. 202(d)

D. Vt. The discovery schedule

filed by the parties willbecome the schedulingorder provided by Fed.R. Civ. P. 16(b) withrespect to the timelimits for thecompletion of discoveryand for filing andhearing motions. Within30 days from the date offiling of the defendant’scertified copy of thetranscript of the recordin Social Securityappeals, the plaintiffwill file its motions andsupporting memorandafor summary judgment.

IA IA IA IA 

D.V.I. IA

Loc. R. 16.2(b)(7/21/92)

IA IA IA IA 

E.D. Va. PD

Loc. R. 12(C) (8/62;Revised 2/89)

IALoc. R. 12 (G) (8/62;Revised 1/80, 2/89)

IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

202 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

W.D. Va. All dispositive motions

must be fully briefedand brought on for ahearing or submitted fordecision no later than30 days before the trialdate.

If the court is unable toissue a timely ruling soas to avoid undueexpense on the part ofthe litigants in trialpreparation,consideration should begiven to continuing thetrial.

IA IA IA 

E.D. Wash. IA

Loc. R. 7

IA IA

Loc. R. 7(a)

IA IA

W.D. Wash. IA

Loc. R. CR 16(g)

The court will monitorthe effectiveness of itsrecently adopted localrule requiring thatmotions be decided assoon as practicable andnormally within 30 daysof the “noting date.”

IA IA IA 

N.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 2.13

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 2.10

IA 

S.D. W. Va. Deadlines for filing

motions are establishedin the time frame order.

IA IA IA All motions in civil

actions will be conciseand will state preciselythe relief requested.Briefs or memorandasupporting any motionwill be limited to nomore than 20 pageswithout prior approvalof the district or
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

Loc. R. 2.01 Loc. R. 4.01 Loc. R. 4.01

magistrate judge.Loc. R. 4.01

E.D. Wis. After a motion is filed,

the opposing party has21 days to answer. Withsummary judgmentmotions, the opposingparty has 30 days toanswer. On a showingof good cause, the courtmay extend the timelimit for filing anybrief.Loc. R. 6.01(a)(Revised 1/1/92)

The court will makeevery effort to resolveall dispositive motionswithin 6 months of thedate on which the lastbrief is filed.

IA IA

Loc. R. 6.07

Except by permission ofthe court, principalbriefs will not exceed30 pages. Reply briefswill not exceed 15pages.Loc. R. 6.01(c)Loc. R. 6.05

W.D. Wis. Deadlines for the filing

of dispositive motionswill be set in thepreliminary pretrialconference order.

IA IA IA IA 

D. Wyo. IA The court will

implement operatingprocedures to providefor prompt ruling ondispositive motions.When possible, this willbe at the close of oralargument, with theprevailing partyimmediately preparingan order.Dispositive motionswill only be taken underadvisement whencomplex issues exist.The chief judge willmonitor the progress ofdispositive motions toensure they arepromptly resolved.When appropriate, thecourt will consider

IA IA IA 
Table 7: Motions

204 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Deadlines forFiling Motions

Deadlines forJudicial Rulings

TentativeRulings Motions Day Limits on Motions 

staying all pretrialdiscovery proceedingsduring the pendency ofmotions filed underFed. R. Civ. P. 12(b).Loc. R. 78(Revised 11/93)
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 8: Trial

Method for Setting Trial Dates—How and when does the court set trial dates?Parties Sign Trial Continuance Requests—Are parties (as well as attorneys) required to sign requests to postpBackup System for Trial Dates—What methods does the court use to ensure the availability of a judge on the date?Methods for Trial Management—What methods does the court use to manage the conduct of trials?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

M.D. Ala. The trial date is set at the

initial case managementconference.

CR IA IA

N.D. Ala. The judges of the court

expect to continue theirpractice of establishing at anearly stage of litigation thedate when a case is to beready for trial and being in aposition to conduct that trialwithin a short time after thedate, if not on the actual day,when the case is set for trial.Rarely have trials not beenheld within 18 months afterthe case was filed, and thecourt expects to be able tocontinue to set most cases fortrial within 12 months afterfiling.

No Judges of the court will

continue their currentpractice of making an earlydetermination regarding trial,which, however, may takethe form of a firm trial date,of a specified period duringwhich the trial will bescheduled, or of a date afterwhich the parties are to beready for trial upon issuanceof a trial docket or otherappropriate notice.

The following proceduresshould reduce trial time:facilitating the introductionof documentary evidenceunder Fed. R. Civ. P.26(a)(3): using jurorquestionnaires during voirdire and selection and bettermanaging the presentation ofexpert testimony, both byusing the court’s powersunder Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 tolimit the number of expertsand by requiring detailedpretrial written reports fromretained experts. Use of ADRshould produce earlier, morecost-effective settlement ofsome cases, and thesettlement of some other
Table 8: Trial

206 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

cases that, without suchspecial efforts, would requiretrial. Even if unsuccessful infully settling a case, ADRmay help to narrow thetriable issues and in turnreduce the time needed fortrial.

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IAD. Alaska The court will pursue a goal

of trial within 18 months ofthe filing of the civilcomplaint.

Stipulations to continue atrial date should have theexpress concurrence of allparties and counsel.Motions to continue trialdates are subject to thenormal adversary process, sothe signature of partiesappears to be unnecessary.

IA IA Se

caefvieacaea

D. Ariz. Trial dates are set at the final

pretrial conference instandard and complex cases.

IA IA

Loc. R. 212(4)B(ii)

IA

E.D. Ark. The court will set a firm trial

date and pretrial schedule.Stacking of cases ispermitted.

IA IA IA Th

caef

W.D. Ark. IA IA IA IAC.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 6.4.2

IA At the request of the

presiding judge, the chiefjudge and the courtcommittee will assist infinding a senior or visitingjudge to take over a trialwhen the presiding judgecannot make the scheduledtrial date for a complex civilcase because of a complexcriminal case.

IA IA

Lo
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 240 (10/84; Revised5/91)Loc. R. 280 (10/84; Revised5/91)

IA IA

Loc. R. 284 (10/84; Revised5/91)

IALoc. R. 240 (10/84; Revised5/91)Summary of Court Practices,at 50–51 (12/91)Summary of Court Practices,at 64–65 (12/91)

ThseLoRe

N.D. Cal. The court is searching for

new procedures ormanagement strategies todeliver firm trial dates earlierin civil actions.General Order 34 § VIII G(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)General Order 34 § IX H(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)General Order 34 § X H(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

YesGeneral Order 34 § XVII(1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

The Advisory Group willexplore the potential ofsetting up pools of judges to“pinch hit” for the assignedjudge when he or she isunable to honor the originaltrial date. The AdvisoryGroup will also explore thepotential for assigning cases(at the time of filing) to 2judges (2 district judges or 1district and 1 magistratejudge) so that the secondmay be able to try a case ifthe first judge is unable tokeep the original trial date.

IA Th

exseantri

S.D. Cal. Social Security, enforcement

of judgments, prisonerconfinement, forfeiture, andpenalty cases should be setfor trial within 12 months.Tort claims should bescheduled for trial within 15months. Twenty-five percentof noncomplex civil casesshould have a trial datewithin 18 months.

IA Continuances may be granted

only for good cause shown.No trial date extensions aregranted except by writtenorder of the judge.

The clerk will make monthlyreports to the chief judge oncivil cases more than 18months old and criminalcases more than 6 monthsold.

Eafroaseaunm

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 40.3

IA IA IA

D. Conn. IA

Loc. R. 10(a) (5/85)

IA IA

Loc. R. 10(a) (5/85)Loc. R. 10(b) (5/85)Loc. R. 10(d)(1) (5/85)

IA
Table 8: Trial

208 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

D. Del. The trial date should be set

by the scheduling order.Loc. R. 16.2(c) (Revised1/95)

IALoc. R. 16.5 (Revised 1/95)

IA IA

D.D.C. IA

Loc. R. 111(a)

CR IA Each judge will try to hold

trial during normal businesshours and will try to schedulethe trial so that the evidencewill not be interrupted byother proceedings.

M.D. Fla. Trial dates are established in

the scheduling order. (PD)

NoLoc. R. 3.09 (7/1/84; Revised2/1/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 3.07 (7/1/84; Revised4/1/91)

N.D. Fla. Trial dates are set by the

court after consideration ofthe joint discovery/casemanagement plan.

The Advisory Group and thecourt rejected a requirementfor signed requests topostpone trial.Loc. R. 6.1 (Proposed)

IA IA

Loc. R. 8 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 5.2 (Proposed)Loc. R. 16.2 (Proposed)

S.D. Fla. The scheduling order will set

a date certain for trial. Thegoal is to set a trial date nolater than 18 months after thefiling of the complaintunless:1. the complexity anddemands of the case require alater trial date; or2. the trial cannot reasonablybe held within such time dueto the pending criminalcaseload of the court; or3. the trial cannot reasonablybe held within such time dueto the number of vacantauthorized judgeships.

IA IA IA In 

scno du12tricadu

M.D. Ga. The court establishes the goal

that a trial date normally beset within 12 to 18 months ofa cases’s filing.

IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

N.D. Ga. The standard scheduling

order will be revised toinclude two alternateprovisions: the judge can seta trial month to occur within18 months after thecomplaint was filed; or thatthe demands of the criminalcalendar make it impossibleto set a trial date. In theformer case, the judge willadopt his or her ownprocedures for setting thespecific trial date.

IA IA IA

S.D. Ga. The trial date may be set in

the scheduling order or at astatus or pretrial conference.(PD)Loc. R. 7.1 (1/82; Revised6/94); Renumbered Loc. R.16.Loc. R. 8.1 (1/82);Renumbered Loc. R. 16.1Loc. R. 8.2 (1/82);Renumbered Loc. R. 16.2Loc. R. 8.5 (1/82);Renumbered Loc. R. 16.4

IA IA IA

D. Guam IA

Loc. R. 235-3(d)

IALoc. R. 235-9

IALoc. R. 235-9

IALoc. R. 237

D. Haw. Absent extraordinary

circumstances, trial will beheld within 12 months of thefiling of the complaint. Thetrial date will be set at theinitial scheduling conference.(PD)Loc. R. 235-3 (11/91)

No The court will continue to

develop procedures for backup judges and encourageconsent to trial by amagistrate judge. (PD)Loc. R. 403-2(a) (11/91)

IALoc. R. 235-4 (11/91)

D. Idaho A trial date is set at the first

scheduling conference. Thecourt may not grant motionsfor continuance without firstsetting a definite date for thetrial, hearing, or next action

IA When a continuance is

requested by reason of theunavailability of a witness,the court may consider thefeasibility of using severalmethods of recording

IA Cl

aptrifilco
Table 8: Trial

210 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

deadline.

Loc. R. 7.3(b) (Revised 3/92)

testimony permitted by Fed.R. Civ. P. 30 and authorizedby Fed. R. Civ. P. 32(A)(3).

Lo

C.D. Ill. IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 1.11 (1/92)Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92;Revised 1/94)

ThAdsealwdiprtrith

N.D. Ill. The court and the Advisory

Group agree that trials shouldstart within 18 months offiling, but both feel that thecertification processsuggested in 28 U.S.C.§§ 473(a)(B)(i) and473(a)(B)(ii) is unlikely toreduce expense and delay.

The court agrees with theAdvisory Group’srecommendation that thisrequirement not be adopted.

IA IA

Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)Loc. Gen. R. 21

S.D. Ill. Presumptive trial dates are

set at the time of initialscreening by the assignedJudicial Officer.Loc. R. 6 (5/92;Revised 3/94)

IA IA IA

N.D. Ind. In all possible cases, the

judicial officer will set thetrial date at the initial pretrialconference. The date will beset so as to occur within 16months of the conference.For more complex cases, thejudicial officer will considersetting the date at asubsequent pretrialconference.

No The court declined to abolish

the use of trailing calendarsgiven the current heavycriminal caseload.

Judicial officers andattorneys should consider allreasonable techniques toshorten trials, including timelimits, summaries ofdepositions, and so on.Attorneys should endeavor toestimate the length of trial asaccurately as possible.

Thungojuwiexwhby coof idm

S.D. Ind. All trials will commence

within 6 to 18 months afterthe filing of the complaintunless the court determinesthat, because of casecomplexity, trial cannot be

IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

reasonably held within suchtime.Loc. R. 16.1 Loc. R. 16.3 Lo

N.D. Iowa The clerk of court will have

responsibility for setting trialdates. Trial dates should beset within 60 days after thefinal pretrial conference and90 days after the completionof discovery.

IA IA IA

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA IAD. Kan. IA IA IA IAE.D. Ky. Firm trial dates are

established at a mandatorystatus conference convenedearly in the litigation.

IA IA IA

W.D. Ky. The court will make every

effort to set early and firmtrial dates. The court rejectedthe Advisory Grouprecommendation for a newlocal rule that trials must becommenced within 18months after the filing of thecomplaint.

IA IA IA

E.D. La. The trial date is established

at the preliminaryconference, with the trialdate to be no later than 9months after the conference,unless required by thecomplexity of the case.

Motions for postponement oftrial will be accompanied bythe certificate of an attorneyof record that his or her clienthas been notified that theattorney has initiated orconsented to a motion tocontinue trial and that theclient has been provided witha copy of the motion orconsent.

If the court cannot adhere toa trial date, and is unable toprovide another judicialofficer to try the case asscheduled, the judge willadvise counsel as soon aspracticable and continue thetrial. Such a continued caseshould be given calendarpreference thereafter.

The uniform pretrial ordergoverns management of thetrial, including extensiverequirements concerning themanner of presentation ofexhibits, testimony, factwitnesses, and experts. Otherlimits may also be imposedby the presiding judge in aparticular case.
Table 8: Trial

212 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

M.D. La. IA Motions for postponement of

trial must be accompanied bycertification that counsel hasdiscussed the motion with theparty.

If the court cannot adhere toa trial date, an attempt ismade to find another judicialofficer to try the case.If postponed, the case isgiven calendared preferencethereafter.

It is court policy to set asingle trial on a specific date(as opposed to setting severaltrials for a given date).

Deshas 

W.D. La. Trial dates are set in the

scheduling order issued afterthe scheduling conference.

IA IA IA

D. Me. The scheduling order will

identify the month in whichthe case will be ready fortrial.Loc. R. 16(c)(3)

No (PD) IA The presiding judge will

establish the limits of thetrial day, the amount of timeeach side will have for itscase, including crossexamination of witnesses.Loc. R. 24(e)

D. Md. Trial dates are set in the

scheduling order: within 8–10 months of the date of theorder for routine cases, andwithin 12–18 months of thescheduling conference forcomplex cases.

IALoc. R. 107.2

IA IA

Loc. R. 106.7Loc. R. 107.4Loc. R. 107.5Loc. R. 107.6Loc. R. 107.7Loc. R. 107.8Loc. R. 107.11

D. Mass. Firm trial dates are set at the

final pretrial conference.

IA IA A final pretrial conference

will be held. Counsel willconfer no later than 14 daysprior to the conference andfile no later than 5 days priorto the conference a pretrialmemorandum that sets forth:1. a concise summary of theevidence;2. facts established bypleadings, stipulations, oradmissions by counsel;3. contested issues of fact;4. jurisdictional questions;5. questions raised bypending motions;6. issues of law, withsupporting authority;

Abopmev
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

Loc. R. 26.2(B)(2) (10/92;Revised 12/94)

7. requested amendments topleadings;8. any additional matters thatmay aid in the disposition ofthe trial;9. the probable length of thetrial;10. names, addresses, andtelephone numbers ofwitnesses to be called andwhether the testimony of anysuch witness is intended tobe presented by deposition;11. the proposed exhibits;and12. the parties’ positions onexpert testimony.The agenda for theconference will include adiscussion of issues coveredby the memorandum as wellas issues concerning juryselection and jurycomprehension.Loc. R. 16.1(F). (10/92;Revised 12/94)Loc. R. 16.5 (10/92;Revised 12/94) Lo

E.D. Mich. The court will establish a

policy urging the schedulingof a firm trial date at theinitial pretrial conference.The court rejected anAdvisory Grouprecommendation that thelocal rules be revised tomandate docketing of casesfor trial by dates certain.

IALoc. R. 39.1

IALoc. R. 38.3

IALoc. R. 39.2Loc. R. 39.3Loc. R. 39.4Loc. R. 40.1

W.D. Mich. A trial date is set at the case

management conferenceaccording to the assignedDCM track.

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 35Loc. R. 36Loc. R. 37

Fiadpo
Table 8: Trial

214 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

D. Minn. The court accepts as a

guideline that trial shouldoccur within 18 months offiling unless a judicial officercertifies that more time isneeded.

IA Continuances will be granted

only for compelling reasons;all judicial resources will beused to adhere to anestablished trial date.Loc. R. 6.1 (2/91)

A final pretrial conferencewill be held at least 7 daysprior to trial, for finalscheduling of all remainingmatters and discussions ofvarious issues related to theconduct of the trial.

N.D. Miss. IA IA IA IAS.D. Miss. IA IA IA IAE.D. Mo. The trial date will be set

through the joint schedulingorder.

IA IA IA

W.D. Mo. To assist judges in setting

early trial dates, parties arerequired to provide judgeswith an estimate of thenumber of days the trial isexpected to last and reasonssupporting the estimate.Loc. R. 15H (1/83; Revised1/84, 9/92, 7/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 18 (1/93)

IA

D. Mont. The method for setting trial

dates differs by DCM track.Expedited cases are placedon the calendar for trialwithin 6 months. Generalcases have a statusconference at which thejudicial officer will establisha trial date.Loc. R. 235-4(b)

IA If the judicial officer is

unable to convene a trial asscheduled, that judicialofficer will convene a statusconference in order to reachagreement between theparties to either reassign thecase or establish a new trialdate.Loc. R. 235-4(b)

IA If 

mthofcecaLo

D. Neb. In Omaha, the court will

consider setting aside 2 or 3weeks periodically duringwhich certain civil cases thathave pretrial orders on fileand which the lawyersestimate will take 5 days orless to try will be placed onone trailing calendar andcalled for trial. The court will

IA IA In Omaha, the court will

consider the followingalternatives to reduce theimpact of the criminal docketon the trial and disposition ofits civil docket:1. The court will periodicallyset aside 2 or 3 weeks duringwhich cases that have pretrialorders on file and whose
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

also consider modifying theuse of a trailing docket inOmaha to instead use amethod of setting trials thatmore closely parallels themethod used in Lincoln.Loc. R. 40.1–40.3 (Revised1/93)

attorneys estimate will take 5or fewer days to try will beplaced on the calendar andcalled for trial.2. The criminal and civildockets will be split, with atleast 1 district judge assignedexclusively to the civildocket.

D. Nev. Stacked and master calendar

systems will be studied by anad hoc committee. The courtwill immediately implementa system of civil trial monthsto ensure the integrity of civiltrial dates.

The standing committee onlocal rules will study thisissue.

IA IA

D.N.H. The trial date will be set in

the initial scheduling orderissued at the preliminarypretrial conference. Trialdates for complex cases willbe set after a statusconference to be held 6months after the complaint isfiled.

IA Cases are stacked for trial. IA

Loc. R. 33 (5/69; Revised1/85)

Coexinreco

D.N.J. IA IA IA IAD.N.M. The court recommends that

whenever possible eachjudge adopt a policy ofsetting and keeping early,firm trial dates.

IA If the assigned trial judge is

unable to meet a set trialdate, efforts will be made todetermine if another districtjudge is available to keep theset trial date.

IA

E.D.N.Y. The court agreed with the

Advisory Group in rejectinga requirement of trial within18 months. The court left thesetting of trial dates toindividual judges.

No The court will continue to

use a random assignmentsystem. If the assigned judgedoes not reach a trial-readycase in a reasonable time, (nomore than 6 months), theparties may request aconference with the clerk’soffice. The clerk will try tofind a judge to hear the caseon 1 or 2 days’ notice.

In bench trials, the court maydirect that an expert’stestimony be submitted inwriting, and that the onlycross-examination be donebefore the fact finder. Inbench trials, expert testimonymay be taken by deposition.The court may take experttestimony out of the regularorder of proof. The courtmay require the parties in all
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216 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

cases to file a pretrialstatement of stipulated anddisputed facts. Except forimpeachment or rebuttal,exhibits will be marked priorto trial. Any objections todocumentary evidence willbe made by in liminemotions as long as theevidence has been designatedat least 10 days prior to trial.Where appropriate, the courtmay order direct testimony tobe submitted in writing.

N.D.N.Y. All cases not exempted by

the plan will be assigned atrial date within 18 months ofthe date of filing of theaction. Trial dates may beaccelerated by request of allparties and consent of thecourt, showing of good causeby any party, or by request ofthe court and consent of allparties. Trial dates may bepostponed by request of allparties and consent of thecourt, by a showing of goodcause by any party, or by afinding of the court.Loc. R. 40.3

IA To avoid postponement of a

trial date, the parties willhave the option of consentingto trial before a magistratejudge. If the parties do notconsent, the court will havethe discretion to assign thecase to an available districtjudge or the assigned judgewill have the discretion to trythe case contemporaneouslywith another trial.

IA

S.D.N.Y. Expedited cases will be set

for trial within 1 year ofservice of the complaint. Instandard and complex cases,the court should set a firmtrial date that is as early as isreasonable and no later than18 months after the filing ofthe complaint, unless thecourt certifies that:1. the demands andcomplexity of the case makesuch a trial date incompatiblewith serving the ends ofjustice; or2. the trial cannot reasonably

IA The court should consider

appropriate steps, includingthe assignment andreassignment of cases or theprovision of additionalresources, to ensure timelyjudicial attention to thecourt’s docket.

IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

be held within such timebecause of the complexity ofthe case or the number orcomplexity of pendingcriminal cases; or3. other good cause exists.

W.D.N.Y. A proposed trial date is to be

set by the magistrate judge atthe first discoveryconference.

Attorney and party will berequired to sign requests atthe discretion of the court.

IA IA Ea

tar60 

E.D.N.C. A firm trial date is assigned

in the scheduling order. Trialdates are scheduled by courtsession and location.

CR IA Depositions will be

consecutively numbered andthe numbers retained for trialuse.Loc. R. 23.00 (2/94)

ThadnothLo

M.D.N.C. Trial dates should be set on

the calendar of the assignedjudge or a master calendar tobe called by 2 or morejudges.Loc. R. 207

IALoc. R. 207(b)

IA Cases that are not reached on

a calendar will be givenpriority on a followingcalendar.

Paby R. dibrdaLo

W.D.N.C. Trial dates are set by DCM

track at the initial pretrialconference, within the limitsestablished for each track:1. expedited cases, whichwill be completed within 6months after filing;2. standard cases, which willbe completed within 12months after filing;3. complex cases, which willhave a presumptivecompletion date of no morethan 24 months after filing;4. administrative cases,which will be completedwithin 3 months after filing;and5. mass torts, which will becompleted on a date set afterconsultation with theattorneys of record.

IA IA IA
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218 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

D.N.D. The trial date is set at the

initial scheduling conferenceand will be changed onlyunder extraordinarycircumstances. Trial shouldbe scheduled to take placewithin 18 months of filing.Exceptions will be made incomplex cases or because ofcriminal caseload demands.

IA If there is a conflict between

the civil case and a criminalcase, the court will attempt tohave another judge try thecivil case on the originaldate.

IA

D. N. Mar. I. Trial dates are scheduled

during the case managementconference.

IALoc. R. 220-10

When the court is unable toconvene a trial as scheduled,the judge will immediatelytake one of the followingactions:1. determine if another judgewould be available to presideover the trial;2. convene a statusconference for the purpose ofadvising counsel and partiesof the necessity to considervacating the trial date; or3. establish a new trial date.

The judge will manage thepretrial activity of the casethrough direct involvementin the establishment,supervision, and enforcementof the case management plan.

It cojuthesesbe a cco

N.D. Ohio Trial dates are set at the

status hearing, but may be setat any time.Loc. R. 8:5.1(c) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92)

IA If, for any reason, the

assigned judicial officer isunable to hear the casewithin 1 week of its assignedtrial date, the case will bereferred to the chief judge forreassignment to any availabledistrict judge or, uponconsent of the parties,magistrate judge for prompttrial.Loc. R. 8:5.1(c) (1/1/92;Revised 12/15/92)

IA

S.D. Ohio The court will assign a

meaningful trial date early ineach civil case. The courtwill attempt to ensure thattrial in most noncomplexcivil cases occurs within 18months of filing.Loc. R. 40.1 (10/91)

CR IA IA
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Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

E.D. Okla. IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. The court will endeavor to

schedule criminal and civilmatters so as to reduce civilcase interruptions. The courtwill schedule jury trials on 4days each week so that thecourt can devote 1 day tocriminal hearings and othercivil matters.Loc. R. 16.1(H)(12)

IA IA In every case, the court will

consider limitations on thenumber of expert witnesses,the number of fact witnesses,and the time given to testifyat trial. The court will permitsome witnesses to presenttheir evidence on directexamination either through afull or partial narrativeformat after the narrative isfirst provided to opposingcounsel and a fairopportunity to presentobjections is given. Ifpermitted by law, the courtwill permit some witnesses topresent their evidencethrough deposition. The courtwill require oppositioncounsel to be notified in atimely fashion if suchdeposition testimony iscontemplated.Loc. R. 16.2(N)

W.D. Okla. Whenever practicable, the

court will designate a monthcertain for trial. If a casecannot be set for trial within18 months, the judicialofficer will certify that thecase is complex or that thereare pending criminal cases.The goal of the court is thatcases will be tried within 12months, with the exceptionof special management cases.

IA Once a trial date has been

set, no continuances will begranted without compellingreasons.Loc. R. 19 (9/1/82)

IALoc. R. 16 (9/1/82)Loc. R. 20 (9/1/82)Loc. R. 22 (9/1/82)Loc. R. 27 (9/1/82)Loc. R. 30 (9/1/82)

D. Or. Firm trial dates will be set.

Counsel and the court mustexpect to set and keep trialdates. Most judges employ atrailing calendar, where casesare set for a date certain.

IA If emergencies arise, the

court will do everything in itspower to find another active,senior visiting, or magistratejudge to try the case asscheduled.Attorneys, parties, andwitnesses should be prepared

IA Th

to tridacaarthAl
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220 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

for extended trial days.Counsel are advised to havewitnesses on standby andreadily available each trialday.

by mof stitimbe 4. inanof Plmhaor fropacaca

E.D. Pa. In most cases, the trial date

should be set in thescheduling order. In specialmanagement cases, the trialdate should be set after asettlement conference (whichwould occur within 6 monthsof filing). In all cases, thetrial date should be setinitially for a specific month.The exact day for trial will beset at a later time by thecourt. Once set, nocontinuances should begranted without compellingreasons.

IA If the court is unable to

adhere to the trial date,counsel should be advised assoon as is practicable. If thejudge and counsel can agreeon an alternate date (withoutunique hardship orexpenses), the case will berescheduled for trial. If theassigned judge is unable toschedule an alternate date fortrial, the trial may bescheduled before amagistrate judge if the partiesconsent. The parties maywithhold consent untillearning of the availability ofan identified magistratejudge. Where appropriate andin conformity with local rule,the judge to whom the case isassigned may assign the caseto a magistrate judge. In allother cases, the assignedjudge will refer the case tothe chief judge forassignment to a magistratejudge.

IALoc. R. 21(d)

In mcotrifilcogu
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

M.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.4 (Revised 1/94)

IALoc. R. 203.2(Revised 11/88)

IA IA

Local Rules, Chapter VIIILoc. R. 39.1–51

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 16.1.2A8 (10/93)

IA IA IA

D.P.R. For cases in the expedited

track, trial dates can be set atthe initial conference or inthe initial order. For othercases, trial dates are set at theinitial scheduling order or bycourt order.

IA IA IA

D.R.I. IA This provision is under

review by the court as part ofits review of proposedchanges to local rules.

IA IA

D.S.C. The court rejected

requirements for setting ofearly, firm trial dates. Thecourt’s standardinterrogatories instead gatherinformation that is used toschedule trial dates.

The court rejected thisrequirement; local rulealready requires an affidavitof statement of counsel as tothe reasons for extensions ofdeadlines.Loc. R. 12.11

IA IA

D.S.D. Counsel are to confer and

recommend the earliestpossible trial date to thecourt.

Requests for trialcontinuances must be madeby motion.Loc. R. 40.1 (1992)

Senior judges and magistratejudges, with the consent ofparties, serve as backups tothe assigned judge.

IALoc. R. 39.1 (1992)Loc. R. 43.1 (1992)Loc. R. 47.1 (1992)Loc. R. 51.1 (1992)

E.D. Tenn. IA IA

Loc. R. 38.2

IA IA

M.D. Tenn. The case manager will target

a trial date or month at theinitial case managementconference. The date willbecome more focused afterthe first phase of discovery iscompleted and dispositivemotions are resolved.

IA A civil trial will be scheduled

only when it is clear that thecase will proceed to trial.Each active district judgewill designate 1 week permonth as a civil trial week.During that week, civil trialswill be scheduled with firmtrial dates and, ideally, therewill be no interruptions by

Each active district judgewill designate 1 week eachmonth as a civil trial week,for the scheduling of firmcivil trial dates with nointerruptions by criminal orother matters. To optimizejuror utilization, judges willschedule civil trial weeks inpairs.
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222 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(6)(k)Loc. R. 11(d)(5) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(6)(d)(1) (3/94)

criminal or other matters.Loc. R. 11(d)(5) (3/94)

W.D. Tenn. IA Written requests for

continuances, extensions, orpostponement, signed by theattorney, are generallyrequired in this district.Loc. R. 17 (Revised 1/93)

IA Any matter under advisement

over 6 months will beflagged and given priorityover all other civil matters.The court will use a modifiedaccelerated docket on an asneeded basis to keep the civildocket current, and will usevisiting judges whenappropriate. The clerk willdevelop a system for themonitoring of due dates.

ThtimhaThis exexru

E.D. Tex. The court abolished

traditional docket calls. Eachjudicial officer will endeavorto set early and firm trialdates, to eliminate the needfor multiple-case docketcalls. Trial dates are set at themanagement conference.

Yes IA Time limits for trial are

discussed at the managementconference.

N.D. Tex. The trial date is set in the

scheduling order issuedwithin 90 days after issue isjoined.

Motions for continuancemust be signed by the partyand the attorney of record.

IA The presiding judge may

limit the length of trial, thenumber of witnesses eachparty may present, thenumber of exhibits, and theamount of time each partymay have to examinewitnesses.Loc. R. 1.1 (3/78)Loc. R. 8.5 (3/78)

S.D. Tex. A trial date will be set in the

scheduling order entered atthe initial pretrial conference.

The court will requiresignatures by individualnotice.

IA Where appropriate, the court

will impose orders limitingthe time allowed forexamination and crossexamination of witnesses,and/or presentation of casesin trials. The court as a wholedeals with limitation ofexpert witness testimony on acase-by-case basis. By jointpretrial order under Loc. R.11A, counsel are required tolist names and addresses of

Wwienincoviso wiby 
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

Loc. R. 8 (5/88; Revised1/92, 2/94)

witnesses, includingqualification of expertwitnesses with a briefstatement of the nature oftheir testimony.

W.D. Tex. IA IA IA Judges will encourage the

increased use of depositionevidence to reduce witnesscosts. The use of bifurcatedtrials will be encouragedwhere appropriate.

Thunadjuwion wieacoreju

D. Utah Matters are set for trial at an

appropriate point in the case,compatible with the scheduleof the court and counsel.Some judges set provisionaltrial dates at the initialscheduling conference. Otherjudges prefer to wait because96% of cases settle.

IA IA No change in current practice

is necessary.

D. Vt. IA

Loc. R. 7

IA IA IA

Local Practice

D.V.I. IA IA IA IAE.D. Va. PD IA IA IA

Loc. R. 11.1(K)Loc. R. 12(E)

W.D. Va. IA IA IA Since many cases are settled

before the trial date, “doublebooking” will be done inmany cases. If a conflictoccurs, the court will attemptto find another district judgeto handle one of the cases.When a case scheduled fortrial is the secondary case ina double-booking situation,the parties will be so advisedand will be obligated to
Table 8: Trial

224 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

monitor the progress of theprimary case. If the situationis not resolved within 5 daysof the trial date, thesecondary case will becanceled and rescheduled.

E.D. Wash. IA

Loc. R. 40

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 43

W.D. Wash. The court will strengthen its

practice of assigning andpreserving firm and earlytrial dates.

The court considered butrejected a requirement thatrequests to postpone trials besigned by both the attorneyand the party.

District judges will continueto try cases for each otherwhen necessary and the courtwill take reasonable steps toincrease the number ofparties consenting to trialbefore a magistrate judge.

IA

N.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 2.13

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.13

IALoc. R. 2.13Loc. R. 4.02

S.D. W. Va. A firm trial date is

established in the time frameorder.Loc. R. 2.01

If counsel makes repeatedrequests to postpone trial, thecourt may require that partiesconsent to such request inwriting.

When a district judge hasmore than 1 case going totrial on a given day, thejudge will attempt to secureconsent in the remainingcases to trial before amagistrate judge. If consentis not given, the judge mustattempt to secure anotherdistrict judge willing to trythe next scheduled case.Loc. R. 6.03

IALoc. R. 6.03

E.D. Wis. IA IA IA After consideration of the

final pretrial reports, districtjudges and magistrate judgesmay establish reasonabletime limits for the trial of allcriminal and civil cases.Loc. R. 8.04 (1/1/94)

W.D. Wis. The trial date is discussed at

the preliminary pretrialconference and set in thepreliminary pretrial order.

CR IA Trial will be conducted in

such a manner thatconferences outside thepresence of the jury areminimized. The court willapply Fed. R. Evid. 611(a)(2)
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Method for SettingTrial Dates

Parties Sign TrialContinuance Requests

Backup System forTrial Dates

Methods for TrialManagement O

to limit the introduction ofcumulative evidence thatwould extend the trialneedlessly. The court willapply Fed. R. Evid. 702carefully to limit experttestimony to thosecircumstances in which itwill assist the trier of fact andthe expert is properlyqualified.

D. Wyo. IA CR Local rules will be drafted to

set stacked trials in the orderthey are intended to proceedto trial. The case caption,attorneys’ names, andestimated trial length ofpreceding trials will be in theinitial pretrial order, and willbe maintained by the clerkfor the court and counsel.Counsel will be responsiblefor determining the status ofcases preceding their own.The court will immediatelynotify counsel when apreceding case is stricken.Current district practice willbe changed to speed up therequirement for settlement ofthe first case. Counsel intrailing cases will then beexcused. If the first case doesnot meet the deadline,counsel will have the optionof proceeding to trial.However, in late settlementscounsel may have to pay jurycosts that the court incurred.Loc. R. 40 (11/92)Loc. R. 314 (11/92)

IA Ex

by cotimcoThcutriin(wnoThtrithexHosploawancoLo

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

Encouragement to Consent to Trial Before a Magistrate Judge—How does the court encourage parties to cona magistrate judge?Duties of Magistrate Judges—What are the duties of magistrate judges? Have they expanded?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

M.D. Ala. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

Every civil case is assigned to a district judge anda magistrate judge. If consent to trial before amagistrate judge is given, the magistrate judgetakes over. If consent is not given, allnondispositive motions are referred to themagistrate judge and the magistrate judge managesthe pretrial discovery phase. Magistrate judges arealso assigned all prisoner and Social Securitycases for a report and recommendation and theyserve as evaluators in the early neutral evaluationprogram.

N.D. Ala. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

IA As recommended by the 

court requested that the Conference committee udetermine whether an adposition is warranted. Tapprove an additional pe

S.D. Ala. IA

Loc. R. 26 (Revised 1/90)

IALoc. R. 26 (Revised 1/90)

The court will continue the fullest extent alloweLoc. R. 26 (Revised 1/9
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

228 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

D. Alaska IA

Loc. R. 3.1 (1/3/95)

The court will make greater use of discoverymasters, including assigning this role to amagistrate judge.

The court will take thesAnchorage part-time mastatus; and ask the Advifurther the perception thrulings are processed diother judicial officers.

D. Ariz. The court will encourage the use of magistrate

judges as trial judges, consistent with theiravailability.

Magistrate judges’ duties are substantially pettyoffenses, felony pretrial matters, discoverymatters, prisoner cases, pro se litigation, andsettlement conferences.

E.D. Ark. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.Loc. R. F-1 (5/1/80; Revised 1/2/90)

Magistrate judges will handle the referral ofpretrial matters by district judges.Loc. R. F-1 (5/1/80; Revised 1/2/90)

On an experimental basrandomly assigned to mjudges. If the parties agrwill handle all aspects o

W.D. Ark. IA

Loc. R. F-1 (5/80; Revised 1/90)

IALoc. R. F-1 (5/80; Revised 1/90)

C.D. Cal. IA IAE.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 305(a) (10/84; Revised 5/91)Loc. R. 240(a)(8) (10/84; Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 302 (10/84; Revised 5/91)

N.D. Cal. Jurisdiction by a magistrate judge is discussed at

the case management conference.General Order 34 § VIII C (1/1/92; Revised1/1/93, 12/1/93, 1/18/94)General Order 34 § IX C (1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)General Order 34 § X C (1/1/92; Revised 1/1/93,12/1/93, 1/18/94)

IALoc. R. 400-1Loc. R. 400-2Loc. R. 405Loc. R. 410Loc. R. 415Loc. R. 240-1

S.D. Cal. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

Magistrate judges manage all pretrial activity, as ajudicial officer.

D. Colo. IA Magistrate judges handle criminal proceedings and

are paired with designated judges in processingcivil cases.Loc. R. 72.2 (Revised 4/15/94)Loc. R. 72.3 (Revised 4/15/94)

If all parties consent, a mconduct a summary jury ADR procedure.Loc. R. 72.1 (Revised 4
Table 9: D

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

D. Conn. IA

Standing Order Regarding Trial Memoranda inCivil Cases (1986)Notice to Counsel in Civil Cases (1986)

IALoc. R. 1. Local Rules for Magistrate JudgesLoc. R. 4. Local Rules for Magistrate Judges

IA

D. Del. IA IA

Loc. R. 72 (Revised 1/95)Loc. R. 73 (Revised 1/95)

Judges should retain the corpus and Social Securcurrently referred to manot possible, the court sand prisoner cases betwmagistrates.

D.D.C. The court will seek to educate the bar on the

possibility of proceeding before a magistrate judgefor all purposes in civil cases. Counsel arerequired to discuss at the meet and conferconference whether or not the case can be assignedto a magistrate judge for all purposes, includingtrial.Loc. R. 502(a)Loc. R. 502(b)Loc. R. 206(c)(3) (3/1/94)

Magistrate judges will retain primaryresponsibility for considering petitions by personsto open adoption records of the court pursuant toLoc. R. 501.

M.D. Fla. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.Loc. R. 6.05 (7/1/84; Revised 2/1/94)

IALoc. R. 6.01 (7/1/84; Revised 1/1/92)

N.D. Fla. IA

Loc. R. 24(E) (Revised 84)Loc. R. 16.1(B) (Proposed)Loc. R. 72.1(C) (Proposed)

The magistrate judges are assigned criminalmisdemeanor, noncriminal petty, and prisonercases, and handle initial appearances and detentionmatters in criminal cases.Loc. R. 24 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 25 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 72.1(A) (Proposed)Loc. R. 72.2 (Proposed)Loc. R. 72.3 (Proposed)Standing Order (1988)Standing Order (7/94)

S.D. Fla. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

The Civil Case Assignment System procedures aredesigned to encourage the development ofspecialized expertise in particular areas of law bymagistrate judges. Generally, all civil cases willcontinue to be randomly assigned to both a districtjudge and magistrate judge under the blindassignment system currently in use. The chiefjudge, after consultation with the other judges of

The Civil Case Assignmdesigned to allocate the equitably among all distjudges.
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

230 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

the court, will by 12/1/91, appoint a committee toconsider whether criminal cases in the southerndivision of the district should be assigned directlyto certain magistrate judges and whether certaincivil actions, such as Social Security, ERISA,forfeitures, employment discrimination, or otherappropriate types of civil cases, should be assigneddirectly to certain magistrate judges.

M.D. Ga. IA

Loc. R. 12.4 (6/2/93)

IALoc. R. 12 (6/2/93)

N.D. Ga. The uniform preliminary statement will be revised

to include a provision whereby parties can indicatetheir willingness to be tried before a magistratejudge.

IALoc. R. 260-1(b)Loc. R. 260-2(a)Loc. R. 260-2(b)Loc. R. 260-3Loc. R. 260-4Loc. R. 260-5Loc. R. 260-6Loc. R. 920-2

S.D. Ga. IA Magistrate judges handle all discovery disputes.

(PD)Loc. R. 6.4 (1/82); Renumbered Loc. R. 7.2

D. Guam IA IA The District of Guam do

judge at this time.

D. Haw. The clerk will provide notification to parties of

Fed. R. Civ. P. 73 and Loc. R. 403-2(a). (PD)

The magistrate judges conduct settlementconferences. (PD)Loc. R. 401-5 (11/91)Loc. R. 401-6 (11/91)

Magistrate judges will emilitary traffic and othe

D. Idaho IA IA

General Order 98 (effective 11/1/93)

The court will continue judges to the fullest exte

C.D. Ill. The court will explore with counsel at the final

pretrial conference the possibility of consent totrial before a magistrate judge.

IALoc. R. 1.4 (1/92)

N.D. Ill. PD The court has used magistrate judges as special

masters in cases with contentious discoverydisputes.

The court proposes to amto allow assignment to mproceeding, such as ruliwith the consent of all pentire proceeding.

S.D. Ill. IA IA
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Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

Loc. R. 25 (10/80; Revised 7/90, 3/94)

N.D. Ind. IA The court declined to refer bankruptcy appeals to

magistrate judges, even by consent.

The court will consider magistrate judges of proDebt Collections Proced§ 3001) The experienceAdvisory Group by 10/1

S.D. Ind. IA

Loc. R. 72.1

IALoc. R. 72.1Loc. R. 72.3Loc. R. 72.4Loc. R. 72.5

N.D. Iowa IA IAS.D. Iowa The district and magistrate judges will continue to

advise parties that they may consent to proceedbefore the magistrate judges.

Full-time magistrate judges are encouraged topursue further study and training in ADRtechniques.

The magistrate judges wand evaluate a pilot projlitigation. The magistratto propose a pilot projecin-person meetings betwdiscuss ADR alternative

D. Kan. IA

Loc. R. 603(a)(1)

IA To facilitate better comm

district and magistrate jucontemplates that each da practice that district anon a frequent and regulawhich case managemenand otherwise facilitate management of the civil 

E.D. Ky. IA IA

Loc. R. 18

W.D. Ky. IA

Loc. R. 18

IALoc. R. 18

E.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 19.03E

IALoc. R. 19.01E–19.12E (5/89; Revised 4/94)

M.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 19.02MLoc. R. 19.02B2

Magistrate judges may conduct pretrialconferences and settlement conferences.Loc. R. 19
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

232 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

W.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 19.03M (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.03W (5/89; Revised 4/92)

IALoc. R. 19.01M (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.01W (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.02W (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.04M (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.04W (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.05M (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.05W (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.08M (5/89; Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 19.08W (5/89; Revised 4/92)

D. Me. Consent to trial before a magistrate judge is

discussed at the scheduling conference for caseson the standard and complex tracks.Loc. R. 2(d)Loc. R. 17(b)(5)Loc. R. 17(c)(4)

IALoc. R. 2(a)(c)

D. Md. IA IA

Loc. R. 301

D. Mass. IA

Loc. R. 16.1

IARules 1 and 5 of the Rules for Magistrate Judgesin the United States District Court for the Districtof Massachusetts.

E.D. Mich. IA IA

Loc. R. 72.1(a)(2)(A)–(T)Loc. R. 72.1(b)–(d)

Upon request of counseinvolvement of magistradiscovery disputes. The Group recommendation permitted to conduct civ

W.D. Mich. IA IA

Loc. R. 11

D. Minn. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.Loc. R. 72.1(g) (2/91)

IALoc. R. 72.1(a) (2/91)

N.D. Miss. The possibility of jurisdiction by a magistrate

judge is discussed by counsel during thepreparation of the joint case management plan.

IALoc. R. 8(i)

S.D. Miss. The possibility of jurisdiction by a magistrate

judge is discussed by counsel during thepreparation of the joint case management plan.

IA
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Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

E.D. Mo. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge through the random assignmentof civil cases to either a district or magistratejudge. Parties assigned to a magistrate judge mayopt for trial before a district judge.

All civil cases will be randomly assigned todistrict and magistrate judges; district judges willcarry a caseload of less than 400 cases andmagistrate judges will carry a caseload of less than200 cases. Litigants assigned to a magistrate judgewill be able to opt for trial before a district judge.

W.D. Mo. IA

Administrative Directive 7 (6/94)

IALoc. R. 22 (8/63, 1/83, 2/94)

D. Mont. Every magistrate judge may be included in the

automatic or discretionary assignment of cases. Ifthe parties object to the magistrate, they must file atimely petition to have the case reassigned to adistrict judge.Loc. R. 105-2(d)

IALoc. R. 400-1

Each district judge will assignment plan for magincludes automatic assigto magistrate judges and to magistrate judges for matters.

D. Neb. In Omaha, the court will consider including

magistrate judges in the civil case assignmentrotation with a provision permitting either party torequest reassignment of the case to a district judge.Loc. R. 73.2 (Revised 1/93)

IALoc. R. 72.1–72.2 (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 73.1 (Revised 1/93)

D. Nev. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge. (PD)

IALoc. R. 500Loc. R. 505Loc. R. 510

D.N.H. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.Loc. R. 42 (5/69; Revised 1/85)

The court will explore magistrate judgeinvolvement in any future ADR program, althoughthe court has not accepted any formal program asof yet other than the possibility of summary jurytrial. If summary jury trials are used, it is expectedthat the magistrate judges will conduct them.Rules for the Magistrate’s Duties in the UnitedStates District Court at Concord for the District ofNew Hampshire

Magistrate judges will ajudges; this possibility adiscussed at the pretrial 

D.N.J. IA

Gen. R. 15B.5 (12/91)

IAGen. R. 40A.4 (10/84; Revised 12/91, 6/92)Gen. R. 40BGen. R. 40C

IA

D.N.M. IA Magistrate judges are authorized by local rule to

hold pretrial conferences in any case referred tothem.
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

234 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

E.D.N.Y. In every civil case filed on or after 2/1/92, the

parties will be advised that they may be given atrial date certain if they consent to trial before amagistrate judge.

In every civil case filed on or after 2/1/92, themagistrate judge assigned to try a case will be thesame as initially selected. However, if any partyobjects, another magistrate judge may berandomly selected. The parties must accept thissecond random assignment.Civ. R. 45Standing Order 4

N.D.N.Y. To avoid postponement of trial dates, the parties

are given the option of having the case tried by anavailable magistrate judge.Loc. R. 72.2(b)General Order 25

Magistrate judges will conduct all discoveryconferences, hear all discovery motions, and haveauthority to use discretion in changing discoverydeadlines.Loc. R. 72.1–72.3

The clerk will assign all a magistrate judge, both authority to design and order.Loc. R. 72.3(a)

S.D.N.Y. IA A magistrate judge will be assigned to each case.

At the option of the assigned judge or in the eventof that judge’s unavailability, magistrate judgesshould handle inter alia the resolution of pretrialdiscovery issues.

W.D.N.Y. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge. Parties will be notified within 10days of filing of this option.

Every civil case will be assigned to a district judgeand a magistrate judge. The magistrate judge willdetermine all issues involving discovery andnondispositive motions. The district judge mayalso refer any pretrial matter to the magistratejudge.Loc. R. 28Loc. R. 29Loc. R. 30

E.D.N.C. The scheduling order for prisoner cases will offer

the parties the option of consenting to magistratejudge jurisdiction.

A magistrate judge will be assigned to a civil casewhen the district judge is selected and, unlesscircumstances require otherwise, allnondispositive motions, hearings, and conferenceswill be assigned to that magistrate judge. Inaddition, if the attorney or pro se party believesthat early judicial intervention would beadvantageous, the clerk’s office will refer the caseto a magistrate judge for review and possibleimplementation of special case managementtechniques.Loc. R. 62.00
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Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

M.D.N.C. IA

Loc. R. 203, Forms 1 and 2

A magistrate judge may assist with the mastercalendar, although no case may be referred to amagistrate judge without the consent of the parties.

W.D.N.C. Magistrate judges are assigned as trial judges to

civil cases. Any party may elect, in writing, toexercise their right to trial by a district judge. Theprovision must be exercised in writing within 10days of the filing of the last required pleading.

IA

D.N.D. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

The court will continue the extensive utilization ofmagistrate judges in both the pretrial and trialphases of civil cases.

D. N. Mar. I. IA IAN.D. Ohio Consent to a magistrate judge is determined during

the case management conference.

IALoc. R. 5:1.1 (1/1/92; Revised 3/3/93, 8/10/93)

S.D. Ohio The district judges will continue to communicate

with litigants and the bar about the benefits ofconsent to trial before a magistrate judge. Thecourt will, as resources permit, publish a pamphletsetting forth the nature of the magistrate judgeconsent system and professional and biographicalinformation about each of the incumbentmagistrate judges of this court.

IALoc. R. 72.1 (10/91)Loc. R. 72.2 (10/91)Loc. R. 72.3 (10/91)Various general orders

E.D. Okla. IA IAN.D. Okla. When parties consent to trial before a magistrate

judge, they will be given a special trial setting on adate certain.Loc. R. 72.1Loc. R. 56.1(F)Loc. R. 73.1Loc. R. 73.2

It is the policy of this court to fully use magistratejudges in accordance with 28 U.S.C.§§ 636(b)(1)(A) and 636(b)(1)(B) as interpretedby policy statements originating from the JudicialConference of the United States. Magistratejudges’ duties include Social Security appeals,prisoner litigation requiring evidentiary hearings,advisory hearings for bankruptcy appeals, andgeneral referral of discovery motions.Loc. R. 72.1
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

236 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

W.D. Okla. Counsel are to discuss consent options prior to the

status/scheduling conference and indicate adecision in their status report.Loc. R. 17, Civil Status and SchedulingConferences; Management (9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 5/20/83, 8/11/86, 12/31/91, 6/15/93,4/20/94)

Prisoner and Social Security cases will beroutinely referred to a magistrate judge. Settlementconferences will ordinarily be held before amagistrate judge.

D. Or. Consent forms will be issued at the time of filing,

and the consent issue will be discussed atsubsequent status conferences and the final pretrialconference.

All applications for arrest, attachment and/orseizure, filed pursuant to supplemental rules ofcertain admiralty and maritime claims or asotherwise provided for by law or statute, will bereferred to any available magistrate judge forreview and due process consideration. If amagistrate judge is unavailable, the matter will bereferred to the civil duty judge.

Objections to an order oseizure issued by the mareferred to the assigned district judge. If the bacthe objection, the case wassigned magistrate judgproceedings.

E.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 7(III)(b)

IALoc. R. 7(I)

M.D. Pa. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

IALocal Rules, Chapter XLoc. R. 72.1–72.42 (Revised 11/88)

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 72.1.5D (10/93)

IALoc. R. 72.1–72.1.8 (10/93)

D.P.R. The court will inform parties, through routine

communication from the clerk of court, that theymay consent to trial before a magistrate judge.

Magistrate judges are responsible for the majorshare of Social Security cases, federal and statehabeas corpus petitions, and many pretrialprocedures such as telephone conferences andmotions for extensions of time. Magistrate judgesmay also select juries and conduct trials.

To better use magistrate work to improve contacmagistrate judges, more judge resources, and maeducate the practicing bmagistrate judges may p

D.R.I. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

IALoc. R. 32

D.S.C. The court’s voluntary expedited docket will use

magistrate judges.Loc. R. 19.03

IALoc. R. 19.01 (12/1/94)Loc. R. 19.02 (12/1/94)Loc. R. 19.03 (12/1/94)

D.S.D. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge.

Magistrate judges conduct settlement conferences,handle pretrial case management, and assist withdiscovery.
Table 9: D

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

E.D. Tenn. Within 20 days after the appearance of the

defendant, plaintiff’s counsel will file with theclerk either a statement certifying that counselhave conferred but do not consent to jurisdictionby a magistrate judge, or the signed Consent toProceed Before a United States Magistrate,Election of Appeal to a District Judge, and Orderof Reference.If a district judge cannot hold a civil trial on thepreviously set date, the judge will inform counselof that fact and of their right to consent to trialbefore a magistrate judge.

IALoc. R. 72.2

With the imprimatur of the case is assigned, parfinal resolution and entrdispositive motion by a 

M.D. Tenn. IA

Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(b)(j) (3/94)

Magistrate judges are randomly assigned to civilcases. They may serve as civil case managers forall pretrial matters, handle referred dispositivemotions, and conduct settlement conferences.Magistrate judges are also assigned prisoner cases,Title VII cases, and Social Security cases.Loc. R. 11(c)(1) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(f)(1)(a)Local Rules Governing Duties of and ProceedingsBefore Magistrate Judges

W.D. Tenn. Parties are encouraged to consent to trial before a

magistrate judgeLoc. R. 20(d) (Revised 1/93)

The court will refer motions to compel and otherdiscovery motions to magistrate judges for promptjudicial disposition.Loc. R. 20 (Revised 1/93)

E.D. Tex. IA IA

Loc. R. 15 (10/87; Revised 1/94)

N.D. Tex. The court will increase its emphasis on

encouraging parties to consent to trial before amagistrate judge.

IALoc. R. 1.3 (3/78)

S.D. Tex. IA IA Consistent with the crim

currently in place, each Houston Division will acivil case filings to his/hjudge for handling of alincluding, with consent District judges will attemcivil cases under the supmagistrate judge in thesin 5 of the court’s divisibut are encouraged to mmagistrate judges in the 
Table 9: Duties of Magistrate Judges

238 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

W.D. Tex. At the time of entry of the scheduling order, the

judge will notify the parties of the option ofconsenting to trial by magistrate judge.

Whenever possible, nondispositive motions,including discovery motions, will be referred tomagistrate judges for disposition.

D. Utah IA The judge can designate a magistrate to conduct

the initial status and scheduling conference.

D. Vt. The clerk’s office will notify the parties in Social

Security cases, at the time the government files itsanswer, encouraging them to consent to a decisionby the magistrate judge.The clerk’s office will notify parties, on the dateset in the discovery order for completion ofdiscovery, that they can request a pretrialconference with the magistrate judge and that theycan consent to a trial before the magistrate judge ata time certain.

IAGen. R. 2Loc. R. P. 1

Until the bar relations susolicit assistance from ththe magistrate judge shomembers of the district in providing representatappropriate cases.

D.V.I. IA IA

Loc. R. 72.1 (7/21/92; Revised 2/3/93)

E.D. Va. IA IA The court’s efforts to fu

predate the CJRA.

W.D. Va. Parties may give partial consent for pretrial

matters to be decided by a magistrate judge. Amagistrate judge’s rulings are only appealable tothe circuit court.

The district judge may designate a magistratejudge to conduct pretrial supervision.

E.D. Wash. IA

Loc. Mag. R. 12

The court will assign more prisoner rights cases tothe magistrate judges if their calendars permit.Loc. Mag. R. 1Loc. Mag. R. 2Loc. Mag. R. 3Loc. Mag. R. 4Loc. Mag. R. 8Loc. Mag. R. 9

W.D. Wash. The court will take reasonable steps to increase the

number of parties consenting to trial before amagistrate judge.

Magistrate judges will conduct summary trials.

N.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 4.01

IALoc. R. 4.01
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Encouragement to Consent to TrialBefore a Magistrate Judge Duties of Magistrate Judges Other

S.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 6.03Loc. R. Mag. J. 3.03

IALoc. R. Mag. J. 1.01Loc. R. Mag. J. 1.02

E.D. Wis. Parties are encourage to consent to trial before a

magistrate judge in the hope that increasedefficiency in the processing of criminal cases willlead to increased time for civil cases. The courtwill further delegate responsibility for pretrialmanagement of criminal cases to magistratejudges.Loc. R. 4.01

Magistrate judges have the responsibility ofpresiding over settlement conferences. Districtjudges will no longer expect written decisionsfrom magistrate judges on boilerplate motions thatare routinely filed in criminal cases.Loc. R. 13.01Loc. R. 13.02Loc. R. 13.03Loc. R. 13.04Loc. R. 13.05Loc. R. 13.06

Except in the most unusdispositive motions will judges for recommendaresults in two layers of dfurther delay.

W.D. Wis. Parties and counsel will be notified in writing by

the clerk’s office that they may consent to thedisposition of a civil case by a magistrate judge.

IALoc. R. 2

D. Wyo. IA

Loc. R. 73(b) (11/92)

IALoc. R. 72 (11/92)Loc. R. 73 (11/92)

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

Methods for Managing Pro Se and Prisoner Cases—Does the court use any special procedures for handling pcases?Court Assistance to Pro Se and Prisoner Litigants—What assistance does the court give to pro se and prisonepackets of forms, handbooks)?Methods for Providing Counsel to Pro Se Litigants—How does the court provide counsel to pro se litigants?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

M.D. Ala. Prisoner cases are assigned to

magistrate judges for a report andrecommendation.

IA IA

N.D. Ala. Cases unlikely to need any discovery

and cases brought pro se by personsin custody will not be required toconfer and develop for presentationto the court a proposed plan fordiscovery and case management.Loc. R. 26.1(d)(3)

IA IA

S.D. Ala. IA IA IAD. Alaska IA

Loc. R. 9.3

IA IA

D. Ariz. Prisoner cases and pro se litigation

will be assigned to the DCM trackunder development.

IA IA

E.D. Ark. IA

Loc. R. F-1.B (5/1/80; Revised1/2/90)

IALoc. R. B-4 (5/87)

IALoc. R. B-4 (5/87)

The court effect of pdocket.
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

242 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

W.D. Ark. IA

Loc. R. F-1, § B (5/80; Revised 1/90)

IALoc. R. B-4 (5/87)

IALoc. R. B-4 (5/87)

C.D. Cal. IA

General Order 194

IA IA

E.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 302(c)(17) (10/84; Revised5/91)

The court will expand the attorneypanels for pro se cases and habeascorpus petitioners.

IAGeneral Order 188General Order 230

N.D. Cal. IA

General Order 18 (3/17/81)Loc. R. 295Loc. R. 296

The court will consider thepossibility of a new, ongoingprogram, possibly with the help ofone or more law schools and with apermanent staff, advising and servingas ombudsmen to prisoners at theprison site.

The court will work with theAdvisory Group to intensify effortsof the local bar association to expandthe pool of attorneys willing toundertake pro bono representation ofcivil pro se clients.General Order 25

The court, conducted the role thpro se litigpetitions) The court range of oa neutral pcourt was of the Advrecommento hire add

S.D. Cal. IA

Loc. R. 9.3 (12/91; Revised 4/94)Loc. R. 74 (12/91; Revised 4/94)Loc. R. 74.1 (12/91; Revised 4/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 9.3 (12/91; Revised 4/94)

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 72.4 (Revised 4/15/94)

IA IA

D. Conn. IA

Loc. R. 25 (1985)

IALoc. R. 29 (1985)

IALoc. R. 29 (1985)

D. Del. The court will adopt a master

scheduling order to process prisonercases.

IA The court should consider

establishing a panel of lawyers toserve as appointed counsel forpetitions to proceed in formapauperis.

D.D.C. IA IA Judges will decide as soon as

possible after a case is assigned tothem whether appointment of counselis appropriate and, if so, will appointcounsel as soon as possible.

In pro se pDC Deparjudge will permit the by the Depits course. for immedthe exhaus
Table 10: Pro 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants OtherLoc. R. 702.1(a)(1)

process, ojudge that not resolve 

M.D. Fla. Prisoner and pro se cases are

managed by staff attorneys. (PD)

IA IA The court 

Group recdefendants rights case

N.D. Fla. IA IA

Loc. R. 3 (Revised 84)Loc. R. 5.1 (Proposed)

IA

S.D. Fla. IA IA IAM.D. Ga. IA The court has hired a pro se law clerk

to assist pro se litigants.

IA The court 

Attorney Ggrievance prison sysnumber of court.

N.D. Ga. IA

Loc. R. 260-3

IA IA

S.D. Ga. IA IA IAD. Guam Actions filed by or on the behalf of

convicted prisoners, pretrialdetainees, or other persons confinedin a territorial or federal institutionchallenging the validity or theconditions of confinement areexempt from case schedulingrequirements described in Table 2.With the exception of prisoner cases,if the plaintiff is proceeding pro se,the defendant will contact theplaintiff and arrange a meeting inorder to comply with the schedulingand discovery requirements withinthe appropriate time frames.

IA IA

D. Haw. IA IA IA The Hawa

will providestablish a service. Thof existing 
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

244 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

Loc. R. 401-5 (11/91)Loc. R. 401-6 (11/91) Loc. R. 220-13 (11/91)

handbooks order to evcreating a 

D. Idaho Pro se prisoner cases will be eligible

for settlement weeks.

IA IA The court, 

federal barcomprehendistributed cost. In cobar, the CJIdaho Volvideotape se prisoneupon those that most otime and cSanctions court againfrivolous cgovernmerespond to by pro se l

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.12

IALoc. R. 2.12

IALoc. R. 1.2 (1/92)

N.D. Ill. IA IA IA Budgetary 

number of to handle pcourt suppAdvisory prepared frepresent pcases.

S.D. Ill. IA IA IAN.D. Ind. In all pro se prisoner civil rights

cases filed after 1/1/92, the judicialofficer will enter scheduling ordersand conduct telephonic initial pretrialconferences where feasible toilluminate the issues and todetermine reasonable deadlines.

IA The court routinely directs plaintiffs

seeking counsel under 28 U.S.C.§ 1915(d) to report to the courtwithin 60 days on efforts to obtaincounsel.

The court prisoner cisought to band to denstatus in cfrivolous. that requirfiling fees
Table 10: Pro 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

S.D. Ind. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 4.6 Loc. R. 8.

N.D. Iowa IA IA IAS.D. Iowa IA IA IA The magis

to implemproject for litigation.

D. Kan. IA IA IA The clerk 

pro se law The court Advisory prisoner oascertain wof staff hathe backlo

E.D. Ky. IA

Loc. R. 15

IA IA

W.D. Ky. IA

Loc. R. 15

IA IA

E.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 19.02E (5/89)

IA IA

M.D. La. IA IA IAW.D. La. Prisoner cases are assigned to a

separate track in the DCM system forspecial handling.

IA IA

D. Me. Prisoner civil rights cases are

assigned to a magistrate judge whoenters the scheduling order. In pro seprisoner cases arising out of MaineState Prison, the magistrate judgewill, after issue is joined, visit theprison for a conference with theplaintiff and the attorney for thedefendant(s).

The clerk’s office has prepared ahandout explaining the risks anddangers of proceeding without alawyer and the requirements to whichpro se litigants are held in thisdistrict.

The court has requested major lawfirms to provide lists of attorneyswilling to accept appointment in prose cases even though payment is notavailable.
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

246 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

D. Md. IA IA

Loc. R. 103Loc. R. 112

IALoc. R. 701

D. Mass. IA IA IAE.D. Mich. IA

Loc. R. 7.1(b)(2)

IA IA

W.D. Mich. Prisoner civil rights cases should

ordinarily be assigned to theadministrative DCM track. (Thisprocedure was revised on 9/92—seeTable 4 for more details.)

IA IA A plan sho

determine circumstanpersonal atelephonic hearings, aconduct suappropriatapplication prisoner cibe extendeas well.

D. Minn. IA The court, in conjunction with the

federal bar, will develop acomprehensive informationhandbook.

The court will seek resources torecruit and train volunteer attorneysfor its pro se panel.

N.D. Miss. IA IA IA The court 

system of prisoner cexplore in

S.D. Miss. IA IA IA The court 

system of prisoner cexplore in

E.D. Mo. A separate DCM track is established

for pro se prisoner cases. This trackhas its own subtracks: expedited,standard, and nonstandard prisoneractions.

All parties in prisoner civil rightscases are exempt from therequirement that parties file a trackinformation statement. The court willmake the track assignment on thebasis of the complaint.

IA

W.D. Mo. IA IA IA
Table 10: Pro 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

D. Mont. IA IA IAD. Neb. IA

Loc. R. 72.1(c)–(d) (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 83.10–83.13 (Revised 1/93)

IALoc. R. 83.10–83.11 (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 83.13 (Revised 1/93)

IALoc. R. 83.4(f) (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 83.11(g) (Revised 1/93)

D. Nev. A special study committee will

examine the following issues withrespect to prisoner and pro se cases:1. ADR for prisoner complaints;2. filing fee schedule revisions;3. sanctions (monetary andnonmonetary);4. a pro se handbook; and5. standardized discovery.

The court will distribute a handbookto pro se litigants.

IA

D.N.H. Magistrates will screen all pro se

complaints prior to service. Thispractice will be codified as a localrule.

For pro se cases, the court willmaintain closer liaison with the statepro bono program, as well as allother state bar referral services(including the reduced fee referralprogram). The court will provide prose litigants a list containinginformation about various barassociation services after initialscreening of the complaint by themagistrate judge. For prisonerlitigation, the Massachusetts federaldefender office will open a branch inNew Hampshire.

For pro se cases, the court willmaintain closer liaison with the statepro bono program, as well as allother state bar referral services(including the reduced fee referralprogram). The court will provide prose litigants a list containinginformation about various barassociation services after initialscreening of the complaint by themagistrate judge. For prisonerlitigation, the Massachusetts federaldefender office will open a branch inNew Hampshire.

State officdevelop prnonbindincomplaintboard.

D.N.J. Whenever a prisoner files a civil

rights complaint, habeas petition, ormotion for relief under 28 U.S.C.§ 2255 and seeks in forma pauperisstatus, an affidavit will be required toestablish that the prisoner is unable topay the fees and costs of theproceeding. The prisoner will alsosubmit a certification, signed by anauthorized officer of the facility, ofthe amount currently on deposit, aswell as the greatest amount (in thepreceding 6 months) on deposit in theprisoner’s prison account. The clerkmay reject filings that do not comply.In forma pauperis will not be granted

IA IA
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

248 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

if a prisoner’s account balanceexceeds $200.00.Gen. R. 29B (10/84; Revised 12/91) Appendix H to Gen. R.

D.N.M. IA The pro se law clerk will prepare a

pro se handbook.

Each judge will consider appointingpro bono counsel in pro se cases. Thechief judge will seek approval fromstate officials to waive certain rulesthat restrict attorneys who representthe state government fromrepresenting prisoners. The court willalso use bench and bar funds toreimburse pro bono attorneyexpenses.

E.D.N.Y. IA

Rules Governing Procedures forAppointment of Attorneys in Pro SeCivil Actions

IA IA

N.D.N.Y. The pro se attorney will report to the

court whether or not the case hasmeritorious and complicated issuesrequiring extensive discovery. Ifthese criteria are not found, the caseis placed on a fast track and the trialmust be held within 6 to 8 monthsfrom the date of filing. If thesecriteria do exist, the trial must occurwithin 18 months of filing.

IA IA

S.D.N.Y. All cases brought by an individual

pro se plaintiff will be referred to thesame magistrate judge.

IA IA Mandatory 

will be reqcases.

W.D.N.Y. In pro se prisoner cases and within

60 days of filing, the court will issuean order setting deadlines.

IA IA

Loc. R. 3

E.D.N.C. All prisoner cases will have a

scheduling order entered by the clerk,establishing a deadline for thepretrial order and a date for trial.

IA IA

M.D.N.C. IA IA IA
Table 10: Pro 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

W.D.N.C. IA IA IA The CJRA 

se prisone

D.N.D. IA IA IAD. N. Mar. I. IA IA IAN.D. Ohio IA IA IAS.D. Ohio IA

General Order 81-4 (9/81)

IA IA

E.D. Okla. IA IA IAN.D. Okla. Habeas corpus petitions and prisoner

civil rights cases will be screened bythe pro se law clerk. Casemanagement conferences will not beconducted in prisoner cases unlessdirected by the court.

IALoc. R. 9.3(A)

IA

W.D. Okla. The court has a special DCM track

for prisoner litigation.

IA IA

D. Or. The clerk will require that all

prisoner petitions filed pursuant to 28U.S.C. §§ 2241, 2254, or 2255 arepresented on the form petitionapproved by the court. Prisonerpetitions are screened by the pro selaw clerk.

IA IA

E.D. Pa. IA IA IAM.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 72.5 (Revised 11/88)Loc. R. 72.6 (Revised 11/88)

IALoc. R. 16.3 (Revised 1/94)

IA

W.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 72.1.4 (10/93)Loc. R. 9.3–9.5 (10/93)

IALoc. R. 9.3–9.5 (10/93)

IA

D.P.R. IA IA IA
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

250 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

D.R.I. IA IA IA The court 

Group’s repamphlet litigants be The court unnecessaits manage

D.S.C. IA IA IA The court 

the local rexemption R. 7.00.

D.S.D. IA IA The court established a “District

Court Fund” to reimburse certainexpenses incurred by appointedcounsel; this fund is based on theadmission fees of all counsel.

Prisoner ahandled acprocedureof the cou

E.D. Tenn. IA IA IA The court 

cases from pretrial coin the custfederal aut

M.D. Tenn. Magistrate judges are assigned

prisoner cases.

IA IA

W.D. Tenn. IA The pro se staff attorney will compile

a handbook for pro se litigants onsubjects of frequent inquiry ormisunderstanding.

The district anticipates hiring anadditional pro se lawyer when filingsreach the required level.

The court to gather pthe court oprocedurefacilities w

E.D. Tex. IA IA IAN.D. Tex. IA

Loc. R. 3.2(b) (3/78)Loc. R. 3.2(c) (3/78)

Civil rights actions filed byincarcerated persons are exempt fromthe requirement of a pretrialscheduling order.

IA The clerk’

litigants ancourt’s AD

S.D. Tex. Staff attorneys will screen pro se

plaintiff cases for defects, withprocedural instructions beingforwarded to the plaintiffs asnecessary, and preparation ofproposed dismissals of frivolous

IA IA
Table 10: Pro 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

complaints as appropriate. Themonitoring process will be the sameas that for prisoner civil rights cases.

W.D. Tex. IA IA IAD. Utah IA IA IA

Loc. R. 103-1(b)(3)

D. Vt. The magistrate judge and the reporter

should continue their efforts tocooperate with the Department ofCorrections in drafting an adequatestate grievance procedure. Thereporter, in consultation with themagistrate judge, should prepare areport on whether the use of a modeldiscovery form in pro se cases inother districts has been successful inobtain information necessary toprocess the petitions expeditiously. Ifother districts’ experience has provensuccessful, the reporter should draft aproposed form or forms for use bythe district.

IA Until the bar relations subcommittee

is able to solicit assistance from thebar for pro se prisoners, themagistrate judge should send a letterto members of the district bar askingtheir assistance in providingrepresentation to pro se prisoners inappropriate cases.

D.V.I. IA IA IAE.D. Va. IA IA IA The court’

prisoner c

W.D. Va. All pro se prisoner cases will be filed

in the Roanoke division. These caseswill be managed by the magistratejudge, who will oversee the work oftwo pro se law clerks.

IA IA Any prison

handled whearing widivision wcomplaint 

E.D. Wash. The court will assign more prisoner

cases to the magistrate judges if theircalendars permit. The court willconsider updating the courtroom inWalla Walla for prisoner complaints.

The number and complexity of pro seand habeas corpus cases make ascreening pro se staff attorney toassist the court a necessary supportstaff position.

The court and/or the Department ofCorrections will convene a task forceto evaluate the issue of prisonergrievances and litigation.

The court implemenestablish aevaluate pas a mediawithout co

W.D. Wash. IA IA IA
Table 10: Pro Se and Prisoner Litigation

252 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

Methods for ManagingPro Se and Prisoner Cases

Court Assistance toPro Se and Prisoner Litigants

Methods for ProvidingCounsel to Pro Se Litigants Other

N.D. W. Va. Prisoner cases are type I cases in the

DCM system. The clerk will continuecurrent case management practices.

IALoc. R. 2.04

 IA

S.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 2.03Loc. R. 2.01

IALoc. R. 2.03

IALoc. R. 2.03

E.D. Wis. IA

Loc. R. 12.01Loc. R. 12.02Loc. R. 13.03Loc. R. 13.06

IA IA

Loc. R. 13.06(1)

W.D. Wis. The clerk will make available to pro

se litigants all appropriate forms forthe filing of an action. Applicationsto proceed in forma pauperis will bereviewed by a deputy clerk and by alaw clerk of the assigned judge.

When a pro se plaintiff demonstratesan inability to prosecute 2 or morecases simultaneously, the court willenter an order dismissing all but thefirst without prejudice pendingresolution of the first case, exceptwhen a later case involves anongoing condition or a plaintiff maybe prejudiced by delay.

The court will attempt to securecounsel to assist pro se litigants whenthe assistance of counsel is deemednecessary to assist litigants in theprosecution of their cases. The courtwill establish a resource center in thecourthouse to facilitate the sharing offorms and research among appointedcounsel.

D. Wyo. IA

Loc. R. 501 (11/92)Loc. R. 502 (11/92)

IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 11: Settlement Conferences

General Approach to Settlement—How does the court schedule settlement conferences?Method, Timing, and Type of Case—When are settlement conferences scheduled and in what types of cases?Type of Neutral—Who conducts the settlement conference?Representative with Authority to Bind Must Attend—Does the court require that a representative with authorsent at the settlement conference or be available by telephone?

District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

M.D. Ala. Appropriate cases are referred to a

senior district judge or a magistratejudge for mediation. The court usesthe term “mediation” to includesettlement conferences.

All cases are eligible for mediationand mediation is discussed at theinitial scheduling conference.

A senior district judge or a magistratejudge

Yes

N.D. Ala. IA IA Designated settlement judge Under rev

judges conconferencerequire thareach a repwho has seresponsibirepresentato participdirected unrecommenGroup, no needed in adequate oparticipatidiscussion

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

254 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D. Alaska IA IA IA The court 

requiremeconference

D. Ariz. IA IA A magistrate judge or a district judge

not assigned to the case

Yes

E.D. Ark. The court will neither initiate nor

order a mandatory settlementconference with the court.

IA IA IA

W.D. Ark. IA Complex cases at the discretion of

the court

IA IA

C.D. Cal. A mandatory settlement conference

will be held in all but excused orexempted civil cases.Loc. R. 23

A mandatory settlement conferencewill be held in all cases except:1. a party is appearing pro se; or2. filings under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2242,2254 and 2255, or their equivalents.The conference will be held no laterthan 45 days before the final pretrialconference date.Loc. R. 23

The parties may choose 1 of theseneutrals:1. the assigned judge;2. another judge;3. a magistrate judge;4. an attorney of their choice or anattorney appointed by the court;5. a retired judge; or6. a private ADR provider.Loc. R. 23.5

YesLoc. R. 23

E.D. Cal. The court will seek to provide a

settlement conference at the earliestappropriate opportunity in everycase. All judges will offer to conductsettlement conferences for litigants.

IALoc. R. 270(a) (10/84; Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 270(b) (10/84; Revised 5/91)

IALoc. R. 27

N.D. Cal. The court provides judicially hosted

settlement conferences as part of itsADR program.Loc. R. 240-1

A settlement conference may be heldduring the pendency of any civilcase.Loc. R. 240-1

Most settlement conferences areconducted by a magistrate judge, butdistrict judges may assist withsettlement negotiations as theircalendars permit.

YesLoc. R. 24

S.D. Cal. A settlement conference is

mandatory unless the courtdetermines otherwise.

IALoc. R. 37.1 (12/91)

A district judge or a magistrate judge A party w

be present
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D. Colo. The court may order parties to

engage in settlement discussions. Thecourt may order a “time out” periodat any time in order to encouragesettlement.Loc. R. 29.1Loc. R. 53.2

IA IA Any couns

conferencebind their Loc. R. 29

D. Conn. IA

Loc. R. 11(b) (1985)Loc. R. 28 (1985)

IASpecial Masters Program Guidelines(1985)

IALoc. R. 28Loc. R. 11(b) (1985)Loc. R. 10(a) (1985)

Counsel wconference a final dempromptly o

D. Del. Counsel must certify to the court that

they have conferred regarding thepossibility of settlement, thepossibility of resolution throughmediation or arbitration, and briefingpractices.Loc. R. 72.1(a)(1)

IA IA IA

D.D.C. IA After conferring with the parties at

the first scheduling conference, thejudge will place a case in thecategory in which it best fits,determine any limits on discovery,and issue a scheduling order.Loc. R. 206.1(b) (3/1/94)

IA The court 

possible, tparties witsettlement available bsettlement 

M.D. Fla. According to the revised Loc. R.

3.05, parties must address thelikelihood of settlement and use ofADR in the case management report.

IA IA Yes (PD)

N.D. Fla. Counsel must discuss settlement at

the required meeting in preparing thejoint discovery/case managementplan.

The meet and confer requirementapplies to all but certain specificallyexempted classes of cases. (PD)

IA Yes

S.D. Fla. IA IA IA IA
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

256 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

M.D. Ga. IA IA IA The court 

each party pretrial coauthority tLoc. R. 5 

N.D. Ga. Local rule already requires that the

lead attorneys for the litigants hold 2settlement conferences. The firstconference originally was held 30days after issue is joined; the secondconference is held 10 days after theclose of discovery. The court isamending the local rule toconsolidate the settlement certificatereporting the outcome of the firstconference into the preliminarystatement. The filing date for thepreliminary statement will beadvanced to 30 days after issue isjoined and the first settlementconference will be advanced to priorto the filing of the preliminarystatement.

PDLoc. R. 235-1

PD Each party 

post-discoby a perso

S.D. Ga. IA

Loc. R. 8.1, 8.2 (1/82); RenumberedLoc. R. 16.2, 16.4, 16.5

IA IA IA

Loc. R. 8.Renumber

D. Guam IA IA IA Each party 

conferencewith respeagenda, inLoc. R. 239/12/94)

D. Haw. Attorneys for all parties are required

to meet at least once, in a good faitheffort to negotiate a settlement. Thismeeting will occur within 2 monthsof notification that the action hasbeen designated a civil action. (PD)Loc. R. 235-6(a) (11/91)

IALoc. R. 235-1(b) (11/91)

Magistrate judge (PD) Yes (PD)

Loc. R. 24
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D. Idaho The court rejected the Advisory

Group’s recommendation of amandatory settlement conference.However, attorneys will be requiredto meet after the close of factualdiscovery and disclosure of expertwitnesses in a good faith effort toclarify and narrow issues, attempt toresolve disputed matters, andseriously explore the possibility ofsettlement. In addition, the court willhold settlement weeks periodically,depending upon the volume of cases.

After the required meeting betweencounsel, a party may request asettlement conference.Loc. R. 68.1 (Revised 3/92)

The assigned district judge, anotherdistrict judge, or a magistrate judgeLoc. R. 68.1 (Revised 3/92)

All counsecarriers arconducted The settlemheld by telthe judge.Loc. R. 68

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised 1/94)

IA IA

Loc. R. 1.4 (1/92)Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised 1/94)

IALoc. R. 2.

N.D. Ill. The court’s Standing Order directs

counsel and parties to thoroughlyexplore the possibility of settlementbefore beginning the extensive laborof preparing the final pretrial order.The court proposes to amend theStanding Order to allow the presidingjudge to offer sua sponte to presideover settlement talks.Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)

IALoc. Gen. R. 5.00B (6/26/85)

Another district judge or a magistratejudge will preside over the settlementtalks if the case is scheduled to go tobench trial.Loc. Gen. R. 5.00A (6/26/85)

The court Standing Owith authoavailable bsettlement 

S.D. Ill. There is a mandatory settlement

conference required in all casesexcept those in track A.Loc. R. 11(d) (5/92; Revised 3/94)

There is a mandatory settlementconference required in all casesexcept those in track A. Theconference is held within 45 daysafter the cut-off of discovery.Loc. R. 11(d) (5/92; Revised 3/94)

A judicial officer other than the oneassigned to the caseLoc. R. 11(d) (5/92; Revised 3/94)

YesLoc. R. 11

N.D. Ind. In complex cases, the judicial officer

will consider discussing it at asubsequent pretrial conference. Thecourt will expand the range of courtassisted settlement programs, butcontinues to view privatenegotiations as the most costeffective approach to settlement.

If private settlement discussionsmight be enhanced by a court-hostedsettlement conference, counselshould so inform the court. Thejudicial officer may order asettlement conference in any case.

A district judge or a magistrate judge The judici

such a reqattendance 
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

258 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

S.D. Ind. The court should continue to actively

encourage settlement by includingdiscussion of settlement possibilitiesat every appropriate pretrialconference, soliciting settlementoffers from the parties, early neutralevaluation by magistrates, shuttlediplomacy, and other techniques.

IA IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA Court-supervised settlement

conferences will be routinely set inall complex cases at the completionof discovery, whether or notrequested by the parties.

IA IA

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA IAD. Kan. IA

Loc. R. 214 (Revised 6/93)

IALoc. R. 214 (Revised 6/93)

IA IA

Loc. R. 21

E.D. Ky. IA IA IA IAW.D. Ky. IA IA IA Yes (PD)E.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 8.01E–8.10 (5/89)

The court will state in the schedulingand managing order that a settlementconference will be scheduled at therequest of any party for the purposeof discussing settlement.

The district judge or magistrate judgeresponsible for trying the case willpreside over the settlementconference or make arrangements forit to be conducted by another districtjudge or magistrate judge.

Participaninclude coauthority tcourt may specificallsettlement to the suit parties witsettlement

M.D. La. A settlement conference may be

scheduled at the request of any partyafter the pretrial conference.

All civil cases The presiding district judge, an

assigned nontrial district judge, or amagistrate judge

Yes

W.D. La. The court will encourage settlement

at every stage in the proceedings.Ten days before trial, counsel foreach party will file with the clerk ofcourt an affidavit stating the date andtime that a conference was held toattempt to settle the case. In addition,plaintiff’s counsel will make a goodfaith settlement offer to defense

IA IA IA
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

counsel and attest that the defensecounsel’s counteroffer was conveyedto the plaintiff. Defense counsel willattest that the plaintiff’s settlementoffer was conveyed to the defendantand that the counteroffer was made.Loc. R. 8.02 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 8.09 (5/89, 4/92) Loc. R. 8.10 (5/89, 4/92)

D. Me. Both parties must be prepared to

discuss possible settlement at thefinal pretrial conference.

Settlement discussions are held in allcases at the final pretrial conferenceand ordinarily again after the finalpretrial conference and before thecommencement of trial.

Settlement conferences in a nonjurycase will be conducted by a judge ormagistrate judge other than the onewho will preside over trial.

Yes

D. Md. Judges are to affirmatively raise the

possibility of a settlement conferenceat the scheduling and pretrialconferences. The court will alsorequire that counsel certify at theconclusion of discovery that theyhave met to conduct serioussettlement negotiations.

Judges are to affirmatively raise thepossibility of a settlement conferenceat the scheduling and pretrialconferences.

A magistrate judge or a senior districtjudge

IALoc. R. 11

D. Mass. IA

Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

At every conference conducted underlocal rules, the judicial officer willinquire as to the utility of the partiesconducting settlement negotiations,explore means of facilitating thosenegotiations, and offer whateverassistance may be appropriate.Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

The judicial officer may refer thecase to another judicial officer forsettlement purposes.Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

Whenever held, a repwho has seattend or bLoc. R. 16

E.D. Mich. IA IA IA IA

Loc. R. 16

W.D. Mich. IA IA

Loc. R. 31(i) (Revised 8/92)

IALoc. R. 11 (Revised 6/92)

IA

D. Minn. The appropriateness of a settlement

conference is determined at the initialscheduling conference.

All civil cases except prisoner andSocial Security cases

A district judge, a magistrate judge,or a special master

The partiein person.
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

260 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

N.D. Miss. The initial settlement conference is

conducted at the case managementconference.

After the initial conference, counselmay request that the assignedmagistrate judge schedule asettlement conference as soon aspossible.

IA In addition 

may requiwith bindiimmediate

S.D. Miss. The initial settlement conference is

conducted at the case managementconference.

After the initial conference, counselmay request that the assignedmagistrate judge schedule asettlement conference as soon aspossible.

IA In addition 

may requiwith bindiimmediate

E.D. Mo. IA IA IA IAW.D. Mo. IA IA IA IAD. Mont. The judicial officer will consider the

advisability of requiring parties toparticipate in a settlementconference.Loc. R. 235-5

All civil casesLoc. R. 235-5

Judicial officerLoc. R. 235-5

A party wbe presentLoc. R. 23

D. Neb. If mediation is not used, the district

or magistrate judge will consult withthe parties and/or counsel regardingsettlement early in the progression ofthe case. The judge will make adetermination as to whether or not asettlement conference would likelyassist the parties in resolving theirdispute. If the court decides such aconference would be helpful, theparties and counsel will be directedto appear at a settlement conference.Loc. R. 68.1–68.2 (Revised 1/93)

Local rules may exempt certaincategories of cases from settlementconferences.

IA IA

Loc. R. 16

D. Nev. PD IA IA

Loc. R. 185

Yes (PD)

D.N.H. Judicial officers will place more

emphasis on attempting to reachsettlement at the final pretrialconference.

Selection will be at the discretion ofthe judicial officer.

IA Yes

Loc. R. 10 
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D.N.J. The magistrate judge may, at any

appropriate time or on request of theparties, conduct a settlementconference. Attorneys will ensurethat parties are available in person orby telephone, as the magistrate judgedirects, except that a governmentalparty may be represented by aknowledgeable delegate.

IA IA Counsel w

available ias the magexcept thabe represedelegate.Gen. R. 15

D.N.M. The court will adopt a pilot

settlement week program.

IA The pilot program will use volunteer

attorney/facilitators who have taken atraining course in mediation inconjunction with the state bar’scontinuing legal education section.

IA

E.D.N.Y. Periodic settlement conferences

should be scheduled.Guideline 50.7

A settlement conference should bescheduled in all cases unless thecourt determines that it isunwarranted.

IA The court 

attend settcomplex c

N.D.N.Y. IA

Loc. R. 5.7General Order 25 § VIII(A)

Settlement conferences are held ifordered by the court or requested bythe parties. Under Section 6 of theUniform Pretrial Scheduling Order,settlement conferences are held withall actions approximately 2 weeksprior to scheduled trial date.

IA One week 

conferencea settlemepresentingfacts, a sumto date, a band defensestimate oaction, a bupon facts if resolved of the caseparty positLoc. R. 5.7

S.D.N.Y. For complex and standard cases, a

settlement schedule will bedeveloped at the case managementconference.

For complex and standard cases, asettlement schedule will bedeveloped at the case managementconference.

IA IA

W.D.N.Y. Each settlement conference is

designed to provide a neutral,nonbinding, evaluation program forthe presentation of issues to a judicialofficer as early as possible.

All civil cases A district judge or a magistrate judge Upon noti

representamust be prtelephone.
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

262 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

E.D.N.C. The court provides court-hosted

settlement conferences and mediatedsettlement conferences.Loc. R. 30.00 (2/94)Loc. R. 32.00 (2/94)

All civil cases A judicial officer or a courtappointed mediator from the

approved list

Yes

M.D.N.C. Parties should hold a mediated

settlement conference during thediscovery period.Loc. R. 205

Contract, tort, civil rights, labor,property rights, antitrust banking,securities, and environmental claimscasesLoc. R. 602

A district judge, a magistrate judge,or a mediator

IALoc. R. 20

W.D.N.C. A settlement conference is

considered at the initial pretrialconference and all subsequentconferences and may be required bythe assigned judicial officer. Anyparty may also file a request for asettlement conference.Loc. R. 7

A settlement conference isconsidered at the initial pretrialconference and all subsequentconferences and may be required bythe assigned judicial officer. Anyparty may also file a request for asettlement conference.

Any judicial officer, including theassigned judicial officer

Yes

D.N.D. IA IA IA IAD. N. Mar. I. The judicial officer to whom a case is

assigned will consider at the casemanagement conference, or at anysubsequent conference, theadvisability of requiring the parties toparticipate in a settlementconference.

The selection of cases may be madeat the case management conferenceor at any subsequent conference. Thejudge may also, by specific order,require participation in a settlementconference.

The judge may, at his or herdiscretion, preside over thesettlement conference.

Participatirequired to parties at tconference conference

N.D. Ohio Judicial officers review cases for

ADR and settlement possibilities atvarious stages of the proceedings.

IA IA IA

S.D. Ohio IA

General Order 91-4 (EasternDivision, 7/91)

IAGeneral Order 91-4 (EasternDivision, 7/91)

IAGeneral Order 91-4 (EasternDivision, 7/91)

IAGeneral ODivision, 7

E.D. Okla. IA A settlement conference will be held

within 60 days after thestatus/scheduling conference for allcases in the standard and specialmanagement tracks.

Any judicial officer of the 3 federaljudicial districts in the State ofOklahoma may preside over asettlement conference convened bythe court.

Each party representaparticipate and effect required to settlement 
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

N.D. Okla. Early pretrial settlement conferences

are encouraged. The court will alsoprovide an adjunct settlement judgeprogram.Loc. R. 16.3(A)Loc. R. 16.3(I)

All civil casesLoc. R. 16.3(C)

Adjunct settlement judgeLoc. R. 16.3(B)Loc. R. 16.3(F)

IALoc. R. 16Loc. R. 16

W.D. Okla. A mandatory settlement conference

will be scheduled at the earliestpracticable time.Loc. R. 17(I) (9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 8/11/86, 12/31/91)

IALoc. R. 17(I) (9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 8/11/86, 12/31/91)

A magistrate judge, unless directedby the courtLoc. R. 17(I) (9/1/82; Revised2/7/83, 8/11/86, 12/31/91)

YesLoc. R. 172/7/83, 8/1

D. Or. The provisions of Loc. R. 240-1 will

govern the scheduling of a settlementconference before a judicial officer.Due to the press of the calendar,parties will be encouraged to pursuemediation first. If that fails, theparties will be permitted to re-applyfor the appointment of a settlementjudge.

IA Judicial officer IA

Loc. R. 24

E.D. Pa. In all special management track

cases, the primary purpose of thesecond pretrial conference is todetermine whether the case willsettle. Prior to the conference, theparties will submit to the court briefpreconference statements thatidentify their claims and defenseswith the evidentiary support obtainedfrom discovery. If the case does notsettle during the conference, the courtwill set firm trial and discovery cutoff dates and order the parties tosubmit a plan to prepare for the trialof the case.Loc. R. 15

All special management track cases District judge The confe

the attorneparty, or rewith autho

M.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 1012.1 (Revised 11/88)

IALoc. R. 1012.3 (Revised 11/88)

IA IA

Loc. R. 10

W.D. Pa. IA IA IA IA
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

264 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D.P.R. Settlement discussions may begin

during the initial schedulingconference.

IA IA IA

D.R.I. The court’s ADR plan makes

mandatory a settlement conferencebefore a magistrate judge unless theparties voluntarily elect to participatein one of the court-annexed ADRprograms.

All civil cases Magistrate judge Yes (PD)

D.S.C. The court will adopt a pilot program

to test routine scheduling ofsettlement conferences.

IA If scheduling can be arranged, the

pilot program will use senior districtjudges, visiting judges, andmagistrate judges to hold settlementconferences in cases assigned toother district judges.

The pilot pupon noticrepresentaauthority tavailable bsettlement 

D.S.D. The court will work to create an

environment that encourages earlysettlement

All civil casesLoc. R. 68.1 (1992)

Magistrate judge Yes (PD)

E.D. Tenn. A judicially hosted settlement

conference is an informal, flexible,noncoercive, and voluntaryconference designed to aidsettlement. Each party may forward,at least 4 days prior to the scheduledconference, an ex parte, confidentialmemorandum to the designatedsettlement judge that outlines theparty’s basic contentions, a history ofpast negotiations, expected monetaryvalue of the case if liability is found,probability of success of each party,factual and legal strengths andweaknesses, a suitable range forsettlement, and any other mattersdeemed important. If such amemorandum is not prepared, theparty will forward to the settlementjudge at least 4 days before thesettlement conference as much of theabove information as possible.

With consent of the parties, a judgemay refer any civil case for asettlement conference.

The judicial officer participating inthe settlement conference will be aneutral mediator and facilitator andwill play absolutely no role in theadjudication of the case once he orshe is designated as settlement judge.

The settlemattendance representaconference
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

M.D. Tenn. ADR is discussed with the case

manager at the initial casemanagement conference. Any partymay request, or the case managermay direct any case to a settlementconference or other forms of ADR.For involuntary referrals, the courtwill first satisfy itself that it is incompliance with the requirements ofthe Sixth Circuit ruling in In re NLO,Inc. No. 93-3065 (9/17/93). Thecourt can only refer cases to ADRnot provided by the court with theconsent of the parties.Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)(4) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2)(i) (3/94)Loc. R. 20(c)(1)Loc. R. 20(c)(2)Loc. R. 20(d)(4)

Any case may go to a settlementconference at any time.Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(2)(i) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(3)(e) (3/94)Loc. R. 11(d)(6)(a) (3/94)Loc. R. 20(b) (3/94)Loc. R. 20(d)(2) (3/94)

A district judge or a magistrate judgeLoc. R. 20(d)(1) (3/94)

The court representabe present Loc. R. 20

W.D. Tenn. The court will continue to rely

heavily on settlement conferences tosettle cases.

IA The assigned district judge, another

district judge, or a magistrate judge

PD

E.D. Tex. Settlement and ADR are discussed at

the management conference.

IA IA IA

N.D. Tex. The court strongly favors early

settlement discussions. The parties inevery civil action must havesettlement discussions at the earliestpossible date, well in advance of anypretrial conference. The presidingjudge will be available for settlementconferences and may require andestablish procedures for suchconferences.Loc. R. 9.1 (3/78)

Judges, at their discretion, mayrequire that a settlement conferencebe held early in a case, well inadvance of any pretrial conferences.

IA IA

S.D. Tex. IA IA IA By individ

require attpretrial/seattorney wbind in all 

W.D. Tex. IA IA IA IA
Table 11: Settlement Conferences

266 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

D. Utah IA

Loc. R. 204-2Loc. R. 212

IA IA

Loc. R. 204-2Loc. R. 212

IA

D. Vt. IA

Loc. R. 6

IA IA IA

D.V.I. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 3.2 (7/20/92)

It is the prattorneys wclients respreviously discussion conferenceLoc. R. 3.

E.D. Va. The court does not as a matter of

course hold settlement conferences.

IA IA CR

W.D. Va. Settlement conferences may be called

at the discretion of the judicialofficer. Any party may request asettlement conference. Upon such arequest, the judicial officer willschedule a conference.

IA IA IA

E.D. Wash. After the parties have completed

substantial discovery, the court willschedule a settlement conference.

IA IA Parties and 

attend the 

W.D. Wash. The local rules already provide for

settlement judges.

IA IA IA

N.D. W. Va. Settlement week conferences should

be scheduled at regular intervals (atleast 3 times in a calendar year). Forcases exempted because the courtfound there would be no beneficialpurpose in a settlement conference,and for those cases not settled as aresult of the settlement weekconference, the court should set adate for submission of a pretrial orderor a pretrial conference and a firmtrial date.

All civil cases are eligible oncediscovery is completed, except type Icases and those cases exemptedpursuant to the provisions hereof(e.g., if the parties, with the consentof the court, agreed to some otherform of ADR, or if there would be nobenefit to the case).

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.
Table 1

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District General Approach to Settlement Method, Timing, and Type of Case Type of Neutral

RepresenAuthority 

S.D. W. Va. The possibility of settlement is

evaluated at the time frameconference. A final settlementconference is scheduled in the timeframe order.Loc. R. 2.04

A final settlement conference isscheduled in the time frame orderissued for all cases.Loc. R. 2.04

IA Yes

Loc. R. 2.0

E.D. Wis. At the pretrial conference the judicial

officer will determine whether a caseis appropriate for one of thefollowing settlement procedures: aconference with a district judge or amagistrate judge; appointment of aspecial master; or referral of the caseto early neutral evaluation,mediation, or some form of ADR.Loc. R. 7.12 (1/1/92)

IA Judicial officers may make referrals

to a neutral, who in the opinion of theofficer, has the ability to bring partiestogether in a settlement.Loc. R. 7.12 (1/1/92)

At the settmay be reqavailable bLoc. R. 7.

W.D. Wis. IA IA IA IAD. Wyo. A local rule currently allows parties

to request a magistrate judge forsettlement conferences.Loc. R. 101 (Revised 11/93)

IA Magistrate judge The court’

representaCJRA.Loc. R. 10

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Court Does Not Have and Will Not Adopt or Encourage ADRThe Court Encourages ADR But Does Not Have Court-Annexed ProgramsThe Court Provides One or More Court-Annexed ProgramsOther—Are there other relevant provisions?

District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

M.D. Ala. IA IA Early neutral evaluation and

mediation

N.D. Ala. IA IA Each judge will conduct an ADR

evaluation conference during theearly stages of case development todetermine suitability for ADR. Thecourt may order use of either themediation track or themediation/arbitration track. Partiesmay choose one of the tracks byagreement. Parties may also elect touse other ADR procedures under theopen ADR track.

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA The court 

programs not any sh

D. Alaska IA IA IA The court 

implemenevaluation demonstranormal judit was not program aan addition
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

270 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

increased in Anchormagistrate other form

D. Ariz. IA IA Arbitration Mediation 

7/94 and ebe implem

E.D. Ark. IA Yes IAW.D. Ark. The court accepts the Advisory

Group recommendation that ADRnot be established in this district.

CR CR The court 

describing Arkansas 

C.D. Cal. IA IA IA Parties ma

provider to settlement Loc. R. 23

E.D. Cal. IA IA The court encourages use of ADR

and provides a court-annexed earlyneutral evaluation program. (Thisprogram was adopted after theeffective date of the CJRA Plan.)General Order 293 (11/12/92)

The court advisory pneutral evarbitrationthat may b(The court annexed eprogram.)General O

N.D. Cal. IA IA The court provides early neutral

evaluation, nonbinding arbitration,judicially hosted settlementconferences, nonbinding summaryjury trials and summary bench trials,special masters, trial by magistratejudge, and mediation.General Order 26 (5/11/85; Revised7/22/86, 8/12/88, 1/1/90, 7/1/93)General Order 36 (7/1/93; Revised1/18/94)General Order 37 (7/1/93)Loc. R. 500

The court judges, coGroup to eintegration judges’ caThe court analysis of evaluation and impro
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

S.D. Cal. IA IA Mediation, early neutral evaluation,

minitrial, summary jury trial, andarbitration

D. Colo. IA Yes

Loc. R. 53.2

IA

D. Conn. IA IA Cases may be referred to voluntary,

privately provided ADR whendeemed appropriate by the partiesand the court.Loc. R. 28 (1985)

D. Del. IA Yes IAD.D.C. IA IA The court will provide a special

master, a qualified volunteer, a staffmediator, or a magistrate judge inappropriate cases. The parties havethe option of using a person agreedupon and paid for by the parties. Ifthe parties cannot agree, the courtwill select a qualified volunteermediator.

The court certify thaavailable ALoc. R. 20

M.D. Fla. IA IA Mandatory arbitration and mediated

settlement conferences

N.D. Fla. IA IA Mediation The court 

neutral evdifficulty a pool of tadditional such a pro

S.D. Fla. IA IA The district approved the adoption of

a mediation program and appointed amediation committee to deliver by4/1/92 a recommended plan forimplementing a mediation program.Loc. R. 16.2 (2/15/93)

Nothing cPrograms will limit oindividual ADR procby law.
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

272 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

M.D. Ga. IA IA If funding continues, the court will

continue its pilot program ofvoluntary court-annexed arbitration.Loc. R. 11 (8/91; Revised 6/93)

The court procedurerecommenvarious dialternativeearly neutr

N.D. Ga. IA IA The court will establish a mandatory

court-annexed arbitration programand a special masters program. Inlight of the opinion by the generalcounsel of the Administrative Officethat the CJRA of 1990 limited courtannexed arbitration to the 20 districtsauthorized by earlier legislation, thecourt will request that the JudicialConference obtain statutory authorityfor this arbitration program if theJudicial Conference determines thatsuch authority is necessary.

The court Group’s recourt becofamiliar adsuch as arbless familisuch as meevaluation

S.D. Ga. IA ADR options must be presented to

and signed by each party at thebeginning of the case via the court’sLitigant’s Bill of Rights.Loc. R. 8 (6/94); Renumbered Loc.R. 3.3

IA The court 

Group’s remandatory instituted itime.

D. Guam IA IA IA It was the 

Group thadistrict at Group wiloptions.

D. Haw. IA Yes IA The Advis

arbitration

D. Idaho IA IA Settlement weeks, voluntary

arbitration, and early neutralevaluation

C.D. Ill. IA IA Appropriate cases are referred,

usually to a magistrate judge, for asettlement conference or a summarytrial. The court rejects the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Otherconcerning the expansion of ADRprograms. However, based on theAdvisory Group’s attorney survey,the results of which indicated thatmore emphasis should be placed onsettlement, the court will exploreways to encourage the use ofsettlement conferences in more cases.Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised 1/94)

N.D. Ill. IA The court encourages the use of ADR

in appropriate circumstances. On theadvice of the Advisory Group, thecourt will await the analysis of theexperience of those courts that areexperimenting with ADR under theCJRA.

IA

S.D. Ill. IA IA Mediation, arbitration, summary jury

trial minitrial

The possibdiscussed scheduling Group and concept of evaluation 

N.D. Ind. IA IA Early neutral evaluation, minitrials,

summary jury trials, and settlementconferences

The court districts’ eand summ3 years. Thparticipatineutral evreport theiand the Ad

S.D. Ind. IA IA Early neutral evaluation, mediation,

arbitration, minihearings, andsummary jury trials

N.D. Iowa IA IA IA The court 

Group’s remandatoryprogram bthat the cuauthorized currently h
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

274 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

S.D. Iowa IA IA The court already uses settlement

conferences and summary jury trials.In appropriate cases, magistratejudges recommend outsidemediation.

Full-time mencourageand traininmagistrate implemenproject for litigation. recommenevaluation 

D. Kan. IA IA IAE.D. Ky. IA IA Local rule permits a judicial officer

to set any civil case for summary jurytrial or other alternative method ofdispute resolution. The court intendsto adopt and implement a courtannexed mediation program.Loc. R. 23

W.D. Ky. IA Yes IA One distric

mediation court will pilot progrprogram wthis pilot pLoc. R. 23

E.D. La. IA IA IA If the pres

determinewill benefofficer ma1. refer the if the parti2. order nononbindina judicial oparties’ co3. employ designated The court Study Groand if so hprogram sdistrict.
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

M.D. La. Yes IA IA The Advis

issue of A

W.D. La. IA The court will not establish formal

procedures for arbitration ormediation. However, a list ofresources that provide botharbitration and mediation will bemaintained at a designated location.The list will be available to litigantsupon request.

IA

D. Me. IA IA The court will make available

mediation, minitrial, and summaryjury trial.

The court neutral evthe volumit. Howeveis interestecourt will 

D. Md. IA Yes IA The court 

mediation request of 

D. Mass. IA IA

Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

Minitrials and summary jury trialsLoc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

The court cases to Abeen desigcourt or thmake avaiLoc. R. 16

E.D. Mich. IA Parties may, by stipulation, request

that the case be referred to ADR,with the understanding that theparties will bear total financialresponsibility for all arrangementsbeyond the entry of orders by thecourt. The ADR alternativesapproved by the court include:1. early neutral evaluation;2. mediation;3. special mediation panels;4. binding arbitration; and5. summary jury trial.In addition, all judges will beavailable to conduct settlementconferences.Loc. R. 53.1

IA The court 

Group recproposed Aprovision conference substantiapretrial co
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

276 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

W.D. Mich. IA IA Yes

Loc. R. 41Loc. R. 42 (Mediation) (4/83;Revised 8/91, 6/92)Loc. R. 43 (Court-annexedArbitration) (6/85; Revised 8/91)Loc. R. 44 (Summary Jury Trials,Minihearings and early neutralevaluation) (4/83)Loc. R. 45 (Settlement Conferences)(4/83)

D. Minn. IA Yes IA The court 

with variothey appea

N.D. Miss. IA Yes IA The clerk 

available tarbitrationagencies, a

S.D. Miss. IA Yes IA The clerk 

available tarbitrationagencies, a

E.D. Mo. IA IA Early neutral evaluation and

mediation

W.D. Mo. IA IA The court will implement an

experimental early assessmentprogram beginning 1/1/92 andextending through 12/31/94. Theprogram will be evaluated at the endof this period.

D. Mont. IA IA IA The court 

court-appr

D. Neb. IA IA MediationD. Nev. IA Yes IA A special 

arbitration concerning ADR.
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

D.N.H. IA Yes IA ADR shou

determineon a case-may choosevaluationnonbindintrial, and mtrials and mscheduled judge if thschedule plimited to would be u

D.N.J. IA IA Court-annexed arbitration and courtannexed mediation

Gen. R. 47 (3/85)Gen. R. 49 (1/93)

The partieADR, inclif the judicdistrict judterminate completioGen. R. 47Appendix Arbitration 

D.N.M. IA Arbitration, mediation, conciliation,

minitrials, summary jury trials, andsettlement conferences arerecommended for use by districtjudges.

IA

E.D.N.Y. IA IA Court-annexed arbitration, early

neutral evaluation (for cases filed onor after 6/30/92, using a panel ofcourt-appointed expert attorneys, onan experimental basis), magistratejudge trials, settlement conferences,special masters, and court-annexedmediation (for cases filed on or after6/30/92, on an experimental basis)
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

278 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

N.D.N.Y. IA IA The existing voluntary, courtannexed arbitration program will be

preserved until an expanded ADRprogram is designed andrecommended.Loc. R. 83.7

An ADR sAdvisory design and the district

S.D.N.Y. IA IA The court established a mandatory,

court-annexed mediation program forall expedited cases and a sample ofmost other civil cases. In standardand complex cases, a voluntarycourt-annexed arbitration program, aswell as other voluntary ADRprograms, will be discussed,considered, and suggested asappropriate at the case managementconference.

The AdvisADR progassess thei

W.D.N.Y. IA IA Voluntary arbitration

Loc. R. 47

Each judicthe use of program. Tvoluntary court will annexed ALoc. R. 47

E.D.N.C. IA IA Yes

Loc. R. 30.00–32.00

M.D.N.C. IA IA Mediation

Loc. R. 601

Rules for mthose used courts. Thcourt-anne

W.D.N.C. IA Yes IAD.N.D. IA Yes IAD. N. Mar. I. IA IA IA Any civil 

be assigne
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

N.D. Ohio IA IA Voluntary arbitration, early neutral

evaluation, mediation, and summaryjury or summary bench trialLoc. R. 7:1.1 (1/1/92)

S.D. Ohio IA IA The court will continue its

commitment to ADR and the flexibleapproach reflected in Loc. R. 53.1.Furthermore, the western division ofthe court will implement, as staffingand funding allow, a formalizedADR program, such as settlementweek mediation.Loc. R. 53.1 (10/91)

The court neutral evjudge assicomplex mneutral ev

E.D. Okla. IA IA Summary jury trialN.D. Okla. IA IA The court provides an Adjunct

Settlement Judge Program.

The court ADR Advthe court wcourt will with other 

W.D. Okla. IA IA Court-annexed mediation and courtannexed mandatory arbitration

Loc. R. 17(J) (2/7/83; Revised7/15/85, 12/31/91)Loc. R. 43 (10/12/84; Revised1/14/85, 3/26/85, 7/15/85, 11/1/89)Loc. R. 46 (12/31/91)Miscellaneous Order 22, StandingOrder Regarding Mediators (1/31/92)

A summarby the coucircumstanLoc. R. 17Loc. R. 44 

D. Or. IA IA Throughout the pretrial process, the

judge should apprise counsel of ADRoptions, including a settlement judge,use of the court’s voluntarymediation program, and theavailability of other local mediationor settlement services.

E.D. Pa. IA IA Court-annexed arbitration and

mediationLoc. R. 8Loc. R. 15
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

280 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

M.D. Pa. IA IA The court will adopt an array of

alternatives to trial that will include:1. summary jury trials;2. a settlement officer program; and3. mediation.Each district judge will encouragethe use of ADR.

The court to continupart of an civil and c

W.D. Pa. IA IA The court is pleased with the success

of the voluntary arbitration programand envisions expanding theavailability and use of ADR.Loc. R. 16.2 (10/93)

D.P.R. IA IA Early neutral evaluationD.R.I. IA IA Mandatory settlement conferences,

early neutral evaluation, mediation,arbitration, and summary jury orbench trials

D.S.C. IA IA Mediation, summary jury trials, early

neutral evaluation, and mandatoryjudicial settlement conferences

D.S.D. IA Yes IA The court 

programs communitcounsel by inquiry or monitor thdistricts wprograms.

E.D. Tenn. IA IA IA The court 

the judge, settlement method of to the needLoc. R. 16

M.D. Tenn. IA Yes

Loc. R. 20(a) (3/94)Loc. R. 20(d) (3/94)

IA The court 

ADR com
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

W.D. Tenn. IA IA IA The court 

early efforsome meaunsuccesseffort at a requests thconduct a techniques 

E.D. Tex. IA IA If the judicial officer determines that

a case would probably benefit fromADR, the judicial officer may referthe case to court-annexed mediationor other ADR methods designated foruse in the district.

The court early neutr

N.D. Tex. IA The court endorses ADR as effective

in bringing about settlement or thenarrowing of issues in civil actions.

IA The clerk 

report annADR proc

S.D. Tex. IA IA The court recognizes mediation,

minitrials, summary jury trials, andarbitration. The court may approveany other ADR method the partiessuggest or the court believes is suitedto the litigation. The court iscurrently referring individual cases toarbitration and special masters.Loc. R. 20 (1/92, Revised 2/94)

W.D. Tex. IA IA Nonbinding arbitration, early neutral

evaluation, mediation, minitrials, andmoderated settlement conferencesLoc. R. CV-88 (1/94)

The partierequired to appropriatrequire paLoc. R. CV

D. Utah IA IA The court will experiment with

mediation, arbitration, minitrials, andsummary jury trials for a limited timeperiod, to determine whether theredemand for these services. (Sinceadoption of the CJRA Plan, the courthas approved Loc. R. 212 (3/93)which provides for court-annexedarbitration and mediation.)
Table 12: Adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution

282 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

D. Vt. IA IA Early neutral evaluationD.V.I. IA IA The court adopted a court-annexed

mediation program.Loc. R. 3.2

E.D. Va. The court considered a number of

ADR methods and rejected thembecause:1. there is no persuasive evidencethat they reduce costs, improvedisposition rates, or improve thequality of justice;2. ADR methods have no impact onthe time spent in discovery, which isthe principal source of cost anddelay; and3. the availability of a firm and earlytrial date before an Article III judgehas eliminated the need for analternative adjudicatory process inthis district.

IA IA

W.D. Va. IA IA Minitrials have been used with some

degree of success in this district. Thistechnique will be continued wherelitigants are agreeable to it.

The Advisrecommentechniquesbe adopted received a recommenGroup.

E.D. Wash. IA In appropriate cases, the court will

encourage experimentation with theuse of early neutral evaluation andminitrials as promising ADRmechanisms.Loc. R. 39.1

IA

W.D. Wash. IA IA The local rules already provide

mediation, voluntary arbitration,settlement judges, and summary jurytrials. The court will add summarybench trials through a change in localrules.

The court early neutr
Table 12: Adoption of Alte

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

The Court Does Not Have and WillNot Adopt or Encourage ADR

The Court Encourages ADR ButDoes Not Have Court-AnnexedPrograms

The Court Provides One or MoreCourt-Annexed Program Other

N.D. W. Va. IA IA The court schedules settlement week

conferences at regular intervals. Acase will be exempted from asettlement week conference if theparties, with the consent of the court,have agreed to some other form ofADR.Loc. R. 4.01

S.D. W. Va. IA IA The court will establish a mediation

program. The court anticipates thatthe program will be implemented byApril 1992.Loc. R. 5.01

E.D. Wis. IA Yes

Loc. R. 7.12 (1/1/92)

IA

W.D. Wis. IA IA Mediation and early neutral

evaluation

D. Wyo. IA IA IA The Local 

will amend proceduremandate Aconsideratother ADR basis when appropriatconferencecounsel on procedureconsider eand report discussion conferencethat an earprogram is 

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 13: Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Court-Approved ADR Methods—What ADR methods have been approved by the Court?Referral Method, Timing, and Type of Case Selected—How are cases selected for ADR? When are they scheWhat types of cases are eligible?Other—Are there other relevant provisions?

District Court-Approved ADR Methods

Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

M.D. Ala. Early neutral evaluation and mediation IAN.D. Ala. The open ADR track allows parties to employ any

form of ADR upon which they mutually agree. Onthe mediation track, litigants meet with a neutralmediator for in-depth settlement discussions. Themediation/arbitration track combines mediationand some features of arbitration.

Each judge will conduct an ADR evaluationconference during the early stages of casedevelopment to determine whether a case might beappropriate for ADR. This conference may be heldin conjunction with a pretrial conference underFed. R. Civ. P. 16 or a scheduling conferenceunder Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b), but may also beconducted as a separate conference. At theconference, a case may be selected for themediation track:1. when the status of discovery is such that theparties are generally aware of the strengths andweaknesses of the case; or2. at any earlier time by agreement of the partiesand with the approval of the court.A case may be selected for themediation/arbitration track:1. when the status of discovery is such that theparties are generally aware of the strengths andweaknesses of the case: or2. at any earlier time by agreement of the partieswith the approval of the court.

The expenses of a witneby the party producing texpenses of mediation, and other expenses of thof any witnesses called cost of any evidence or the request of the mediaby the parties unless othparties or directed by thbe compensated at a reathe parties, or as set by tmediation process beginprocess will deposit witof the anticipated expendirects. When the mediaterminated, the mediatoverified statement of feeapproval by the court, thmediator from the sums amount to satisfy the feeby the court. Any unexpreturned to the parties. Iinsufficient to pay the fufees and expenses, the cto pay any remaining fe
Table 13: Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

286 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Court-Approved ADR Methods

Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

S.D. Ala. IA IAD. Alaska The court will support the bar in implementing an

early neutral evaluation program that willdemonstrably divert cases from a normal judicialtrack. The court said it was not able to undertakesuch a program at present.

IA

D. Ariz. Arbitration, early neutral evaluation, and

mediation

IALoc. R. 2.11

E.D. Ark. IA IAW.D. Ark. CR CR The court has rejected c

will not prevent or discoADR options.

C.D. Cal. IA IAE.D. Cal. Early neutral evaluation (This program was

adopted after the effective date of the CJRA Plan.)General Order 293 (11/12/92)

IAGeneral Order 293 (11/12/92)

N.D. Cal. The court provides early neutral evaluation,

nonbinding arbitration, judicially hostedsettlement conferences, nonbinding summary jurytrials and summary bench trials, special masters,trial by magistrate judge, and mediation.General Order 26 (5/11/85; Revised 7/22/86,8/12/88, 1/1/90, 7/1/93)General Order 36 (7/1/93; Revised 1/18/94)General Order 37 (7/1/93)Loc. R. 500

IA The court wants to:

1. develop and implemecollection systems to beadministration of ADR effectiveness;2. refine the process of mwith the various ADR m3. analyze the suitability each ADR program and or deletion of case categ4. design and implemenobtain feedback from paregarding the effectiven

S.D. Cal. Mediation, early neutral evaluation, minitrial,

summary jury trial, and arbitration

Magistrate judges offer mediation and earlyneutral evaluation in the course of pretrialmanagement. The judicial officer will ordernonbinding arbitration in all even-numberedsimple contract and simple tort cases that do notexceed $100,000. Data will be collected fromthese cases and used to evaluate the effectivenessof the ADR program. All even-numberedtrademark and copyright cases are subject tononbinding arbitration/mediation. In cases under
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$250,000, the judicial officer can order anonbinding minitrial or a summary jury trial if it islikely to resolve the case.

D. Colo. IA

Loc. R. 53.2

IA The judicial officer will 

at the pretrial conferencLoc. R. 29.1Loc. R. 53.2

D. Conn. The CJRA Plan does not specifically limit the

types of ADR available through private providersor through Sta-Fed, Inc., a joint state-federal courtADR provider.Loc. R. 28 (1985)

Any case may be referred to ADR at any stage oflitigation.

D. Del. Voluntary mediation and binding arbitration

Loc. R. 72.1(a)(1)

Referral to ADR should be discussed at thesettlement conference.Loc. R. 72.1(a)(1)

D.D.C. The court will provide a special master, a qualified

volunteer, a staff mediator, or a magistrate judgein appropriate cases. The parties have the option ofusing a person agreed upon and paid for by theparties. If the parties cannot agree, the court willselect a qualified volunteer or a staff mediator.

ADR is discussed at the meet and conferconference; a recommendation is made by counselin the case scheduling statement that is submittedto the judge within 10 days of the conference.Loc. R. 206(d) (3/1/94)

M.D. Fla. Mandatory arbitration and mediated settlement

conferences

IA

N.D. Fla. Mediation A case may enter mediation at one of these 4

points:1. upon completion of discovery, in lieu of pretrialstipulations/attachments;2. at the time of the pretrial conference, by orderof the court with or without parties’ approval;3. at the request of the parties, at any time prior totrial; or4. at any time the court determines it to beappropriate.

S.D. Fla. Mediation, minitrials, and summary jury trials Mediation is mandatory in all cases except those

exempted by local rule.Loc. R. 16.2(C) (2/15/93)
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Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

M.D. Ga. The court is one of the ten pilot districts for

voluntary court-annexed arbitration.Loc. R. 11 (8/91; Revised 6/93)

IALoc. R. 11.3 (8/91; Revised 6/93)

N.D. Ga. Mandatory court-annexed arbitration and special

masters are methods to be adopted by the court.The court has not yet court-annexed mediation, butwill permit parties in arbitration to jointly agree onmediation.

Approximately 250–300 civil actions will berandomly selected each year to participate in themandatory arbitration program. The assignedjudge in each selected case may, upon motion by aparty or sua sponte, exempt that case fromarbitration within 30 days of selection for theprogram. Upon the consent of all parties, a civilcase not randomly selected may participate inarbitration. Parties in complex litigation may agreejointly upon the selection, appointment, andpayment of a special master to control and managediscovery, conduct a trial, enter findings of factand conclusions of law, and render a decision thatwould be binding on the parties.

Implementation of the Adependent upon addition

S.D. Ga. ADR options must be presented to and signed by

each party at the beginning of the case via thecourt’s Litigant’s Bill of Rights.Loc. R. 8 (6/94); Renumbered Loc. R. 3.3

ADR options must be presented to and signed byeach party at the beginning of the case via thecourt’s Litigant’s Bill of Rights.Loc. R. 8 (6/94); Renumbered Loc. R. 3.3

D. Guam IA IAD. Haw. IA IAD. Idaho Settlement weeks, voluntary arbitration, and early

neutral evaluation

Settlement weeks will be scheduled periodically,depending upon the volume of cases. Selection ofcases for settlement weeks will be at the discretionof the court, but the most appropriate cases forsettlement will be those in which a significantamount of discovery has already been completed,or upon the request of one or more parties. Uponconsent of all parties, cases can be referred toneutral evaluation at any time. Any civil case notinvolving prisoners as party litigants may bereferred to arbitration at any time at the request orupon the consent of all parties. (Eligibility forarbitration is a revised version of eligibilityestablished in the CJRA Plan.)General Order 92 (5/93)

C.D. Ill. Settlement conferences and summary trials

Loc. R. 2.11 (1/92; Revised 1/94)

IA
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N.D. Ill. The court will consider using summary jury trials

and minitrials in a limited number of cases.

IA

S.D. Ill. Mediation, arbitration, summary jury trials, and

minitrials

The court may, at its discretion, refer any civilcase for summary jury trial or other ADR that thecourt may deem proper.Loc. R. 34 (5/92; Revised 3/94)

N.D. Ind. Early neutral evaluation, minitrials, summary jury

trials, and settlement conferences

IA The court will make cau

summary jury trials in cwould be unusually expexpand, on an experimeearly neutral evaluation Ft Wayne division to tw

S.D. Ind. Early neutral evaluation, mediation, arbitration,

minihearings, and summary jury trialsLoc. R. 53.2

IA

N.D. Iowa IA IAS.D. Iowa Settlement conferences, summary jury trials, and

mediation

IA

D. Kan. IA IAE.D. Ky. Summary jury trials and voluntary mediation IAW.D. Ky. Mediation and early neutral evaluation IA The court believes that A

voluntary in order to be 

E.D. La. If the presiding judicial officer determines at any

time that the case will benefit from ADR, thejudicial officer will:1. have discretion to refer the case to privatemediation if the parties consent;2. have discretion to order a nonbinding minitrialor nonbinding summary jury trial before a judicialofficer with or without the parties’ consent; or3. employ other ADR programs that may bedesignated for use in this district.

Judges may refer cases to private mediation at anytime, even if such mediation upsets previously settrial or other dates.

M.D. La. Settlement conferences, minitrials, summary jury

trials, and private mediation

The presiding judicial officer may at any timerefer a case to ADR.
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Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

W.D. La. The court will promote settlement efforts at every

stage of the proceedings. The court may, ininstances that merit, order nonbinding mediationor arbitration.

The court will not establish formal procedures forarbitration or mediation. However, a list ofresources that provide both arbitration andmediation will be maintained at a designatedlocation. The list will be available to litigants uponrequest.

D. Me. Mediation, minitrials, and summary jury trials Attorneys for cases in the standard and complex

tracks will discuss ADR at the schedulingconference.

D. Md. Mediation and minitrials IAD. Mass. Minitrials, summary jury trials, and mediation are

among the methods available for use by the court.However, this list is illustrative, not exclusive.Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

The court may refer appropriate cases to ADRprograms that have been designated for use in thedistrict court or that the judicial officer may makeavailable.Loc. R. 16.4 (10/92)

E.D. Mich. Early neutral evaluation, mediation, special

mediation panels, binding arbitration, summaryjury trials, and settlement conferencesLoc. R. 53.1

IALoc. R. 53.1

W.D. Mich. IA IA

Loc. R. 42Loc. R. 43

D. Minn. Mediation, arbitration, summary jury trials,

minitrials, settlement conferences, and specialmasters

IA

N.D. Miss. Early neutral evaluation, settlement conferences,

summary jury trials, summary bench trials,minitrials, and settlement weeks

ADR is discussed by counsel during thepreparation of the joint case management plan.Early neutral evaluation and settlementconferences should be accomplished in the courseof the case management conference and anysubsequent status and pretrial conferences.

S.D. Miss. Early neutral evaluation, settlement conferences,

summary jury trials, summary bench trials,minitrials, and settlement weeks

ADR is discussed by counsel during thepreparation of the joint case management plan.Early neutral evaluation and settlementconferences should be accomplished in the courseof the case management conference and anysubsequent status and pretrial conferences.
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E.D. Mo. Early neutral evaluation and mediation Referral of cases to early neutral evaluation will

occur when ordered by the court after the first casemanagement scheduling conference or when bothparties agree to participate. A case may be referredto mediation upon order of the court after a casemanagement conference or upon motion of one ormore parties. When mediation is ordered,attendance of the parties and counsel is mandatory.No case types are specified for either type ofADR.

W.D. Mo. Mediation, nonbinding arbitration, early neutral

evaluation, magistrate settlement, minitrials,summary jury trials, binding arbitration, or somehybrid approved by the ADR administrator

After filing, all civil cases, except those caseslisted below, will be randomly assigned to one ofthree groups. One third will be assigned to theEarly Assessment Program. Another third will beeligible to voluntarily participate in the program.The other third will be a control group, exemptedfrom mandatory participation in any form of ADR.Excluded case types are multidistrict cases, SocialSecurity appeals, bankruptcy appeals, habeascorpus actions, pro se prisoner cases, other pro secases where motion for appointment of counsel ispending, class actions, and student loan cases.

For those cases assigned assessment will be held completion of responsivauthority to bind must bcharged if the court’s necharged if an outside neneutrals is used.

D. Mont. Mediation IA

Loc. R. 235-1(a)(9)

D. Neb. Mediation Court-annexed mediation will be provided in cases

deemed appropriate for mediation.

The court will attempt tNebraska Office of Dispconsultation with the baorder or local rule that m

D. Nev. Settlement conferences, summary jury trials, or

any other ADR method selected by the court

ADR is conducted in cases judged by the court tobe appropriate.

D.N.H. Neutral case evaluation, mediation, binding and

nonbinding arbitration, and summary and minijury trials

ADR is considered at the preliminary pretrialconference. ADR should be voluntary and will bedetermined by the judge and parties on a case-bycase basis. The litigants will be given theopportunity to choose from a menu of ADRtechniques.

IA

D.N.J. Court-annexed arbitration and court-annexed

mediation

At the initiation of civil actions, the clerkdesignates certain actions for court-annexedarbitration when the relief sought is monetary andnot in excess of $100,000 exclusive of interests,costs, and punitive damages. Judicial officers may
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Gen. R. 47 (3/85)Gen. R. 49 (1/93)

at any time designate complex civil actions forcourt-annexed mediation. Parties may agree toarbitrate or mediate any case on a voluntary basis.Gen. R. 47C.1 (3/85)Gen. R. 47C.2 (3/85; Revised 12/91)Gen. R. 49D (1/93)

D.N.M. Arbitration, mediation, conciliation, minitrials,

summary jury trials, and settlement conferencesare recommended for use by district judges.

Cases are referred to ADR at the discretion of thejudge.

E.D.N.Y. Court-annexed arbitration, early neutral evaluation

(for cases filed on or after 6/30/92, using a panelof court-appointed expert attorneys, on anexperimental basis), magistrate judge trials,settlement conferences, special masters, and courtannexed mediation (for cases filed on or after6/30/92, on an experimental basis)

All cases involving claims for money damagesinvolving $100,000 or less will be sent toarbitration, except for Social Security cases, taxmatters, prisoner’s civil rights cases, and actionsasserting constitutional rights. The court may, atits discretion, refer matters to early neutralevaluation. The court may upon request of allparties or upon their consent refer matters to amagistrate judge for an early, firm trial date. Asettlement conference before a district ormagistrate judge will be convened in every caseunless the court determines that it is unwarranted.The court may appoint a special master when itfinds that a special master would play a useful rolein resolving disputes among parties. Litigants maychoose to avail themselves of the court’smediation program for civil cases.

N.D.N.Y. Court-annexed voluntary arbitration Parties are advised of the court’s voluntary

arbitration program in § VIII(B) of General Order25, which is provided to all plaintiffs uponcommencement of action for service ondefendants. At the pretrial conference, counsel willinform the court whether or not their clients havefound their case suitable for arbitration.Loc. R. 83.7

S.D.N.Y. Mediation and court-annexed voluntary arbitration As part of a 2-year program, mediation will be

available for expedited cases and a sample of othercivil cases. In standard and complex cases,arbitration will be discussed at the casemanagement conference.

W.D.N.Y. Voluntary arbitration IA

Loc. R. 47
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E.D.N.C. Court-hosted settlement conferences, mediated

settlement conferences, and summary jury trials

All cases are eligible for settlement conferences.The court-hosted settlement conference is initiatedby motion or request by a party or by order of thecourt. The mediated settlement conference is heldwithin 60 days of a court order and is completedwithin 30 days.

M.D.N.C. Mediation

Loc. R. 601

IALoc. R. 602

W.D.N.C. Mediated settlement conferences All cases except habeas corpus casesD.N.D. IA IAD. N. Mar. I. Nonbinding summary jury trials Any triable civil case may be assigned for

summary jury trial at the case managementconference or at any time by the court on its ownmotion, on the motion of one of the parties, or bystipulation of all parties.

N.D. Ohio Voluntary arbitration, early neutral evaluation,

mediation, and summary jury or summary benchtrialsLoc. R. 7:1.1 (1/1/92)

Any civil case may be referred to early neutralevaluation, mediation, summary jury trial orsummary bench trial by the court on its ownmotion, on the motion of one or more parties, orby stipulation of all parties. Any civil case may bereferred to voluntary arbitration subject to 28U.S.C. § 651.Loc. R. 7:2.1 (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:3.1 (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:4.1 (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:5.1 (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:6.1 (1/1/92)

S.D. Ohio IA

Loc. R. 53.1 (10/91)

IAArbitration Rules Orders 85-1 and 85-1A (WesternDivision at Cincinnati, 1/85; Revised 4/85)General Order 91-4 (Eastern Division, 7/91)

The court will not adopt evaluation program, but case identified as complearly neutral evaluation 

E.D. Okla. Summary jury trials With the agreement of all parties, either by written

motion or oral motion in court, the judicial officermay convene a summary jury trial.
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Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

N.D. Okla. Pretrial settlement conferences, Adjunct

Settlement Judge Program, summary jury trials,minitrials, executive summary jury trials, andprivate mediation

Civil cases may be set for a settlement conferenceupon the request of the parties any time prior totrial.Loc. R. 16.3(A)

W.D. Okla. Court-annexed mediation, court-annexed

mandatory arbitration, and summary jury trialsLoc. R. 17(I)Loc. R. 17(J)Loc. R. 43Loc. R. 46

Mediation is generally voluntary, but the court canorder mediation. Mediation is scheduled at thestatus/scheduling conference or any time partiesrequest it. Arbitration is mandatory for certaincivil cases under $100,000 and voluntary for anycivil case in which the parties consent to use theprogram. Arbitration is scheduled at thestatus/scheduling conference and integrated intothe court’s case management order. Arbitration isscheduled to occur just prior to discovery cut-off.Summary jury trials are usually scheduled onlyafter a settlement conference fails, a lengthy trialis expected, and where the expense is justified bythe circumstances.Loc. R. 17(J)Loc. R. 43Loc. R. 46

D. Or. Settlement conferences and voluntary mediation

Loc. R. 240-1Loc. R. 240-2

 IA

E.D. Pa. Arbitration and mediation IA Any judge, on his or her 

to a civil law suit, may sof ADR other than courmediation.

M.D. Pa. Summary jury trials, a settlement officer program,

and mediation

Summary jury trials may be held as the final stepbefore an actual jury trial. Referral to mediation isat the court’s discretion.Loc. R. 1011.4 (Revised 1/94)Loc. R. 1011.5 (Revised 1/94)

Summary jury trials are settlement officer progrjudge, senior judge, or a assigned trial judge. Use settlement officer is a cumay require the mediatoprepare a written report 

W.D. Pa. The court has a voluntary arbitration program. The

chief judge will set up a neutral evaluationprogram. Members of the County Academy ofTrial Lawyers will serve as adjunct settlementjudges.Loc. R. 16.2 (10/93)

IA
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D.P.R. Early neutral evaluation All cases not on the expedited track will be

referred to early neutral evaluation unless the courtdetermines that a case is unsuitable for earlyneutral evaluation. Early neutral evaluationprocedures will be undertaken within 30 days ofthe issuance of the case management order.

D.R.I. Mandatory settlement conferences, early neutral

evaluation, mediation, arbitration, and summaryjury or bench trials.

Parties in all civil cases have 120 days from thefiling of the answer to either select an ADR optionor go to the mandatory settlement conference.

D.S.C. Mediation, summary jury trials, early neutral

evaluation, and mandatory judicial settlementconferences are approved by the court. The courtspecifically rejected court-annexed arbitration.

1. Mediation: Case selection will be at thediscretion of the presiding judge. A mediationweek format will be used, and 2 methods ofreferral will be tested: opt-out and opt-in. The tworeferral methods will be evaluated and compared.2. Summary jury trials: The decision as to theappropriateness of a given case for summary jurytrial will be made by the presiding judge.3. Early neutral evaluation: The court will test apilot program for select groups of cases after themediation program is implemented. Results andcosts will be compared with those of the mediationprogram and mandatory judicial settlementconference.4. Mandatory judicial settlement conferences: Thecourt will adopt a pilot program to test routinescheduling of settlement conferences. Results andcosts will be compared with those of the mediationand early neutral evaluation programs.

D.S.D. The court approves of all voluntary ADR methods;

the court does not provide any ADR programs.

Early consideration of ADR by counsel isencouraged.

E.D. Tenn. The court may, at the discretion of the judge, refer

any civil case for a settlement conference or anyother method of ADR deemed appropriate to theneeds of the case.

IA

M.D. Tenn. Settlement conferences and private ADR providers

Loc. R. 11(d)Loc. R. 20(c)

The case manager will discuss the possibility ofADR at the initial case management conference.Loc. R. 11(d)(1)(c)Loc. R. 11(d)(2)(i)Loc. R. 11(d)(3)(e)Loc. R. 11(d)(6)(a) (3/94)

W.D. Tenn. Early neutral evaluation, settlement conferences,

minitrials, summary jury trials, and mediation

IA
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E.D. Tex. Court-annexed mediation, minitrials, summary

jury trials, and other, unspecified ADR programsare available.

ADR is discussed at the case managementconference and a case may be assigned tomediation at the discretion of the court.

N.D. Tex. Mediation, minitrials, and summary jury trials A judge may refer a case to ADR on the motion of

any party, on the agreement of the parties, or onthe judge’s own motion. The judge will respect theparties’ agreement unless the judge believes thatanother form of ADR would be better suited to thecase and to the parties. The authority to refer casesto ADR does not preclude a judge from suggestingor requiring other settlement procedures.

Subject to the provisionparty representatives winegotiate a settlement annecessary to negotiate a insurance carriers, must 

S.D. Tex. The court recognizes mediation, minitrials,

summary jury trials, and arbitration. The courtmay approve any other ADR method the partiessuggest or the court believes is suited to thelitigation.Loc. R. 20.D (1/92; Revised 2/94)

Before the initial pretrial conference, counsel willdiscuss the appropriateness of ADR (with theirclients and opposing counsel), and will advise thecourt of the results of the discussion at the initialpretrial conference. The court may refer a case toADR on the motion of any party, on the agreementof the parties, or on its own motion. This authoritydoes not preclude the court from suggesting orrequiring other settlement initiatives. If the partiesagree on a method or provider, the court willrespect the agreement unless it believes there is abetter suited alternative.Loc. R. 20.A (1/92; Revised 2/94)Loc. R. 20.B (1/92; Revised 2/94)

1. A party opposing the must file written objectireceiving the notice of r2. Party representatives a settlement, and all oth(including insurance carADR session.3. The provider and litigfees. The court reserves reasonableness of fees.4. ADR results are nonbagree otherwise.5. All communications mprocedures are confidendisclosures.6. All providers are subjpursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 7. At the conclusion of eprovider will send the ccivil action case numberrequire counsel and theiquestionnaire, and the canalyze, and report on thproceedings. The clerk wquestionnaires on file.8. Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(f) violation of this rule.Loc. R. 20.C (1/92; RevLoc. R. 20.F (1/92; RevLoc. R. 20.G (1/92; RevLoc. R. 20.H (1/92; RevLoc. R. 20.I (1/92; ReviLoc. R. 20.J (1/92; ReviLoc. R. 20.K (1/92; RevLoc. R. 20.L (1/92; Rev
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Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

W.D. Tex. Nonbinding arbitration, early neutral evaluation,

mediation, minitrials, and moderated settlementconferencesLoc. R. CV-88 (1/94)

In appropriate cases, the court may require ADR.Loc. R. CV-88 (1/94)

The court is ordering all court to acquaint themseand advise their clients procedures.Loc. R. CV-88 (1/94)Loc. R. AT-1 (Revised 

D. Utah The court will experiment with court-supervised

mediation, arbitration, minitrials, and summaryjury trials for a limited period of time, todetermine whether or not there is a demand forthese services. (Since the adoption of the CJRAPlan, the court has approved arbitration andmediation.)

IA

D. Vt. Early neutral evaluation Early in the processing of a case, after there has

been an opportunity for limited discovery(approximately the mid-point in the 8-monthdiscovery period), litigants will meet with aneutral evaluator to discuss all aspects of the case.Civil cases in the following categories will besubject to the early neutral evaluation procedure:contract, real property, torts, civil rights, labor,property rights, and miscellaneous other statutes.A case defined as appropriate for early neutralevaluation may be excused only by order of thecourt upon a showing of good cause.

D.V.I. Court-annexed mediation The judge may order ADR in any civil matter or

selected issue upon agreement of the parties.Notice will be sent within 10 days of referral. Thefirst mediation conference will be held within 60days of the referral order. The mediator maymodify the date up to 15 days. The assigned judgemay approve longer modifications. Within 15 daysof referral, a party may move to dispense withmediation under certain conditions. Criminalcases, appeals from administrative agencies, andother specific matters are excluded. Mediation willbe completed within 45 days of the firstconference unless extended by the court or bystipulation of the parties. In any event, the processwill not exceed 90 days. Discovery may continueduring mediation.

E.D. Va. CR IA
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Referral Method, Timing, andType of Case Selected Other

W.D. Va. Minitrials IAE.D. Wash. Summary jury trials, mediation, and arbitration IA The court will study the 

Loc. R. 39, to provide thcompensated by the par

W.D. Wash. Mediation, voluntary arbitration, settlement

judges, summary jury trials, and summary benchtrialsLoc. R. CR 39.1

IA

N.D. W. Va. The court allows arbitration, summary jury trials,

minitrials, mediation with a magistrate orsettlement judge, or early neutral evaluation

Parties may request ADR at any time after serviceof an answer. If the court grants the ADR request,the running of the set discovery period will betolled until early neutral evaluation is completed,the ADR has been reported (to the court) to beunsuccessful, or the court determines that one ormore of the parties are no longer participating inADR in good faith.

S.D. W. Va. Mediation

Loc. R. 5.01

All civil cases are potentially eligible formediation, but the court will make the ultimatedecision regarding which cases to include and willorder mandatory participation of these cases in themediation program. For a case to be considered formediation, at least 6 months must have passedsince filing and discovery must either be completeor close to completion.Loc. R. 5.01

E.D. Wis. IA

Loc. R. 7.12 (1/1/92)

IALoc. R. 7.12 (1/1/92)

W.D. Wis. Mediation and early neutral evaluation The clerk will notify parties at filing of the

availability of early neutral evaluation. At anyappropriate point during the development of acase, the court may refer a case to a magistratejudge for mediation. ADR is viewed as a paralleltrack to settlement. Consequently, a case schedulewill not be delayed or altered by the participationof parties in ADR.

The presiding judge wilADR procedures selecte

D. Wyo. IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

ADR Administrator and/or Staff—Is there an ADR administrator and staff?ADR Brochure or Education—What educational efforts have been undertaken by the court?Court-Maintained Roster of Neutrals—Does the court maintain a list of neutrals for ADR?Qualifications and Training of Neutrals—What experience and/or training is required to be a neutral?

District ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

M.D. Ala. IA IA IA IAN.D. Ala. The Advisory Group recommended

that, when funds become available, anew position of “ADRAdministrator” should be added inthe clerk’s office. When such fundsbecome available, the court willreview the demands placed on theclerk’s office by additional functionsrelated to ADR and, after evaluatingother staffing needs in the clerk’soffice at that time, determine whetherto request the position of “ADRAdministrator.”

IA The court has established a Federal

Court Panel of Neutrals from whichthe neutrals for cases referred by thecourt to the mediation track or themediation/arbitration track will beselected. The panel is composed ofpersons who, based on their trainingor experience, are deemed by thejudges of the court to possess thequalities necessary for performanceas neutrals. Any person placed on thepanel may be removed for cause atthe discretion of the chief judge.There is no maximum limit to thenumber of people who may beincluded on the panel.

The court to pursue icontinues court-spon

S.D. Ala. IA IA IA IAD. Alaska IA IA IA IAD. Ariz. The court anticipates creating a

position for the development,implementation, and subsequentadministration of DCM and ADR.

IA IA

Loc. R. 2.11

IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

300 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

E.D. Ark. IA The court will publish a pamphlet

informing parties of the availableADR options.

IA IA

W.D. Ark. CR The court will prepare a pamphlet

describing ADR in the state ofArkansas and in adjoining districts.

CR CR

C.D. Cal. IA IA IA IAE.D. Cal. IA

General Order 293 (11/12/92)

IA IA

General Order 293 (11/12/92)

IA

N.D. Cal. The court hired a director and deputy

director of ADR Programs. In 1992the court hired an additionaladministrative staff member. Thesestaff will answer questions, workclosely with the Advisory Group,solicit views of all involved in theADR process, and monitor andincorporate information from othercourts and the private sector.

The court wants to design andconduct regular training sessions forcourt personnel and conducteducational programs and outreach toclient groups and members of theprivate bar. ADR staff will prepareand publish reports and articles aboutthe operation and effects of ADR.Parties will have to sign a writtenacknowledgment of having receivedthe court’s ADR booklet. Parties willalso have to certify that they havediscussed it with their lawyers.General Order 35 (7/1/93)

IA The court 

conduct enretraining neutrals.

S.D. Cal. IA IA The court will form a committee to

seek competent volunteers to serve asarbitrators/mediators for up to 8hours per year.

IA

D. Colo. IA IA IA IAD. Conn. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 28 (1985)

IA

D. Del. IA IA IA IAD.D.C. IA IA The clerk of court will maintain a list

of special masters. A list ofmediators will be provided by thecircuit executive’s office.

IA

M.D. Fla. IA IA IA IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolutio

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

N.D. Fla. The court rejected the Advisory

Group’s recommendation that ADRbe coordinated by a district ADRadministrator.

IA IA IA

S.D. Fla. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 16.2 (2/15/93)

IA

M.D. Ga. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 11.2 (6/93)

IA

N.D. Ga. CR IA The court will maintain a list of

private attorneys who meet eligibilityrequirements established by thecourt. The court will establish a listof persons qualified to serve asspecial masters.

Arbitratortraining prapproved b

S.D. Ga. IA ADR options must be presented to

and signed by each party at thebeginning of the case via the court’sLitigant’s Bill of Rights.Loc. R. 8 (added 6/94); RenumberedLoc. R. 3.3

IA IA

D. Guam IA IA IA IAD. Haw. IA IA IA IAD. Idaho IA A brochure will be created to apprise

the federal bar and litigants of theavailability and details of theoptional ADR programs. Informationabout these programs will bepublished in The Advocate and thecourt will conduct continuing legaleducation programs on ADR.

The court has a list of authorizedarbitrators.

Settlemenattorneys wspecialized settlement practice in federal coufederal pramatter expcases. Neuexpertise aparticular case.

C.D. Ill. The court rejected the Advisory

Group’s recommendation that itrequest an additional position in theClerk’s office to coordinate ADR.

IA IA IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

302 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

N.D. Ill. IA The chief judge will establish a panel

of attorneys and persons involved inADR to develop a pamphlet listingthe various methods available,including private ADR options.

IA IA

S.D. Ill. IA The court requests that the Advisory

Group prepare a pamphlet on thevarious ADR techniques fordistribution to lawyers and litigantsat time of first response.

IA IA

N.D. Ind. IA IA IA IAS.D. Ind. IA The court directs the clerk to include

in the Practitioner’s Handbookdescriptions of these ADRmechanisms: early neutralevaluation, mediation, arbitration,minihearings, and summary jurytrials. The court also directs the clerkto prepare and promulgate a brochurefor litigants as well as attorneysdescribing these ADR mechanisms.

IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA IA IA IAS.D. Iowa IA IA IA IAD. Kan. IA IA IA IAE.D. Ky. IA IA IA IAW.D. Ky. IA IA IA IAE.D. La. IA IA IA IAM.D. La. Administration is handled by the

local bar.

Education is performed by the localbar.

The local bar maintains a list ofneutrals.

The local 

W.D. La. IA IA IA IAD. Me. IA IA IA IAD. Md. CR CR IA IAD. Mass. IA IA IA IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolutio

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

E.D. Mich. IA IA IA IAW.D. Mich. IA IA IA IAD. Minn. IA IA IA IAN.D. Miss. IA IA IA IAS.D. Miss. IA IA IA IAE.D. Mo. IA IA The court will establish a pool of

panel attorneys who will serve asevaluators and mediators.

IA

W.D. Mo. The program administrator will

administer the Early AssessmentProgram, serve as a mediator at theassessment when requested by theparties, and assist in evaluating theprogram.

IA The court will maintain a list of

neutrals who meet minimumrequirements established by theCJRA Plan.

If the neutjudge, appjudge, or a appellate carbitration Other neutthe Missouconsecutivcompleted 1. Mediatohave compof continucertified uCourt Rule reasonable 2. Arbitrat50-minute education Missouri Sby this couequivalent

D. Mont. IA IA The court will maintain a list of

court-approved mediation masters.

IA

D. Neb. IA IA IA IAD. Nev. CR CR CR CRD.N.H. IA IA The clerk’s office will keep a list of

approved neutrals.

IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

304 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

D.N.J. IA

Gen. R. 47 (3/85)Gen. R. 49 (1/93)

The court requests that theAssociation of the Federal Bar of theDistrict of New Jersey sponsor aseminar on ADR.

IA IA

Gen. R. 49

D.N.M. IA IA The court will establish a panel of

arbitrators, mediators, andfacilitators. Until this panel isestablished, the court will coordinatewith the Second Judicial Districtcourt to determine the availability oftrained neutrals.

Procedureof neutrals writing by 

E.D.N.Y. The court will appoint an ADR

administrator effective 3/31/92.

The court will publish and distributeto plaintiff’s counsel an ADRpamphlet, with a direction to send itto all counsel. The judicial officermay advise the parties of ADRpossibilities at the initial pretrialconference.

The court will maintain panels ofneutrals for arbitration, early neutralevaluation, and mediation.Arb. R. (Revised 1/21/93)

IA

N.D.N.Y. IA The CJRA Plan mandates that an

ADR subcommittee of the AdvisoryGroup will develop a trainingprogram for district judges,magistrate judges, attorneys, andlitigants about the ADR options.General Order 25, § VIII

IA The ADR 

a process fADR prov

S.D.N.Y. IA IA The court will establish a panel of

attorneys to serve as mediators on avoluntary basis. Qualifications toserve will be established by the court.

IA

W.D.N.Y. IA The court will make information

available regarding court-annexedand other forms of ADR that litigantsmay use to effect early disposition oftheir cases.

IALoc. R. 47

IA

E.D.N.C. The CJRA attorney will implement,

administer, and evaluate ADRprograms.

IA The court maintains a list of

mediators.

An individserve as a 1. a formein a court is a memb2. a retired 3. certified 
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolutio

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

Loc. R. 32.06(b) (2/94)

Administr4. currentlcourt and North Caryears.Loc. R. 32

M.D.N.C. IA Mediators will be certified by the

State of North Carolina.Loc. R. 603

Yes Mediators 

program cNorth Car

W.D.N.C. IA IA IA IAD.N.D. IA IA IA IAD. N. Mar. I. IA IA IA IAN.D. Ohio An ADR administrator is appointed

by the court with full authority andresponsibility to direct the ADRprograms.Loc. R. 7:1.3 (1/1/92)

IA A Federal Court Panel, consisting of

qualified lawyers, to act asarbitrators, evaluators, and mediators,has been appointed by the court.Loc. R. 7:2.6(a) (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:3.6 (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:4.6(a) (1/1/92)Loc. R. 7:5.3(d) (1/1/92)

Each memPanel has resolution court.Loc. R. 7:

S.D. Ohio IA IA IA IAE.D. Okla. IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. If funding is available, the court will

convert the temporary CRJA positionto a permanent position in order torun the ADR program.

The ADR Advisory Committee willdevelop an ADR brochure.

The court will maintain a roster ofneutrals through the AdjunctSettlement Judge Program.

The ADR develop trproviders. judge will Adjunct S

W.D. Okla. IA IA The court maintains a roster of

arbitrators specifically invited toapply and then approved by thecourt. The court also maintains aroster of mediators approved by themediator selection panel.Loc. R. 43Loc. R. 46

The court training forequire thatraining thservices or 

D. Or. IA IA IA IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

306 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

E.D. Pa. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 15(4)(b)

IA

M.D. Pa. IA IA IA

Loc. R. 1011.2(E) (Revised 1/94)

A formal tmediators local law sPennsylvalegal educbe desirab

W.D. Pa. IA IA The clerk will maintain a roster of

neutrals.

IA

D.P.R. The court will have an ADR

administrator.

IA The court and the ADR administrator

will maintain a list of evaluators.Evaluators must be admitted topractice before the U.S. DistrictCourt for the District of Puerto Rico.

IA

D.R.I. The court has an ADR administrator At the time of filing, all parties are

given a pamphlet of information onADR and the options available in thiscourt.

The ADR administrator maintainslists of neutral intervenors for earlyneutral evaluation, mediation, andarbitration.

IA

D.S.C. IA Materials will be prepared and

distributed if funds are available.

IA IA

D.S.D. CR No The court has established a list of

ADR services in the region, and it isavailable from the clerk’s office.

The court judges witappropriatespecially civil action

E.D. Tenn. IA IA IA IAM.D. Tenn. IA IA District and magistrate judges

Loc. R. 20(d)(1) (3/94)

IA

W.D. Tenn. IA IA The court will maintain a panel of

neutral attorneys.

A specific the formatattorneys.

E.D. Tex. IA IA IA IA
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolutio

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining 

N.D. Tex. IA The court will publish a pamphlet

describing the various ADR methods,their use by the court, and theirpotential advantages. The pamphletwill be provided by the clerk’s officeto all litigants and pro se parties.

IA IA

S.D. Tex. The court will request resources for

two ADR clerks, serving districtwide, who will maintain the ADRprovider list; prepare, distribute, andevaluate ADR questionnaires; andperform other clerical functionsanticipated by the ADR rule includedin the CJRA Plan.

IA The court will appoint a panel to

annually prepare a list of qualifiedADR providers.Loc. R. 20.E (1/92; Revised 2/94)

To be eligmember odistrict, hapractice lacomplete 4ADR techapproved bLoc. R. 20

W.D. Tex. IA IA The court will appoint a 3-member

standing panel on ADR neutrals. Thepanel will review applications fromproviders and annually prepare aroster of qualified neutrals. The listwill be maintained separately fromthe list of arbitrators.Loc. R. CV-88 (1/94)

Neutrals mleast 40 hoan ADR cTexas StatLoc. R. CV

D. Utah IA IA IA IAD. Vt. A member of the court staff will be

appointed Early Neutral EvaluationAdministrator.

IA The ADR subcommittee of the Civil

Justice Reform Act AdvisoryCommittee will assist with theselection of neutral evaluators.

IA

D.V.I. IA IA The court will maintain a list of

certified mediators.

To be cert1. completcourt-appr2. observe conference3. conduct supervisiomediator; 4. either bstanding owith 5 yeapractice, bmember ohe or she pdegree and 
Table 14: Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Administration

308 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict ADR Administrator and/or Staff ADR Brochure or Education

Court-MaintainedRoster of Neutrals

QualificatTraining standing ofield with in the Virg

E.D. Va. IA IA IA IAW.D. Va. IA IA IA IAE.D. Wash. The court will commit sufficient

resources for the coordination andadministration of the available ADRoptions.

IA IA IA

W.D. Wash. CJRA funding has enabled the court

to designate a deputy clerk as theADR coordinator and to use acomputer employee to assist inautomated case management. Thecourt requests that these 2 temporarypositions be made permanent.

IA IA IA

N.D. W. Va. IA IA IA IAS.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 5.01

IALoc. R. 5.01

Mediators will be selected from theexperienced litigators of the bar inthis district. Volunteers will beinvited to participate by way of aletter issued by the chief judge andan invitation published in WestVirginia Lawyer.Loc. R. 5.01

Mediators methods wAn effort wcontinuing this traininLoc. R. 5.0

E.D. Wis. IA IA IA IAW.D. Wis. IA The clerk’s office will prepare and

distribute information concerning theavailability of ADR in this district.

Magistrate judges act as mediatorsand outside volunteers act as neutralevaluators.

IA

D. Wyo. IA IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

Fees and CostsCourt Educational EffortsEnhancement of Court ResourcesOther—Are there other relevant provisions not covered by any of the previous tables?

District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherM.D. Ala. IA IA IAN.D. Ala. IA Commencing 12/1/93, a brief

explanation of the new proceduresrespecting commencement of formaldiscovery, the presumptive limits ondiscovery, and the required meetingand-report of the litigants is providedby the clerk to counsel for theplaintiff (or for the removingdefendant) when a case subject tothose procedures is filed in orremoved to this court. Copies of therevised local rules and the ADR planare reproduced by the clerk forgeneral distribution to members ofthe bar of the court. Copies of theAdvisory Group’s report and of thisplan was reproduced by the clerk andare made available, on request, toattorneys and members of the public.A series of seminars sponsored bythe court was presented during 1/94through 3/94 to members of the barat several different locations withinthe district.

As recommended by the AdvisoryGroup, the court has taken or willtake the following steps to ensurethat the district has sufficient judicialresources to manage its caseloadefficiently and effectively:1. The court has already requested,through the appropriate JudicialConference Committee, that thetemporary district judgeship beconverted, through congressionalaction, to a permanent position priorto the time the temporaryauthorization expires. The court willcontinue to support this request as itis reviewed within the judiciary.Informal communications withmembers of Congress indicate thatthis request should receive favorableconsideration when a new judgeshipbill is brought before Congress.Members of the bar will be asked bythe court to indicate their supportwhen it is appropriate to do so.2. The court requested theappropriate Judicial Conference
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

310 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

Committee to undertake a study todetermine whether an additionalmagistrate judge position iswarranted.

S.D. Ala. IA IA The court will monitor the

Administrative Office’s statisticaldata in order to identify trends thatmay require relocation of resourcesand scheduling adjustments.

The court maximum 

D. Alaska IA After the restructuring of the

Advisory Group, the new groupshould form a continuing legaleducation subcommittee to work withthe Alaska Bar Association to placemore emphasis on federal matters.The clerk’s office will institute aprogram for the orientation of lawclerks to the functioning of theclerk’s office.

The Advisory Group will audit theinternal procedures used by eachjudge in order to identify andevaluate the differences that existamong them and eliminate variationsthat have a demonstrable adverseimpact. Subject to AdministrativeOffice authority and funding, theclerk’s office will implement theentry-level position of file clerk.

The court of the Advfacilitate/ejudicial vaavailabilitclerk will the court tcurrency, contribute delay. The Criminal JCommitteimpact of litigation. top prioritintegrated proceduredocketing)

D. Ariz. IA IA IA The court 

Circuit’s sattorneys.

E.D. Ark. IA The court will stay informed of

technological changes in informationexchange and managementtechniques. The court will publish apamphlet for all litigants regardingtheir rights and obligations. Thispamphlet will be required reading.

The court will continue to try casesas promptly and efficiently aspossible.

There will revision of their staffs discuss dewill phase the governdisability ccontinue tlitigation a

W.D. Ark. IA IA IA
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherC.D. Cal. IA IA IA The court 

1. voluntain complex 2. rules to unfounded3. judges wtheir own local rules4. guidelinprofession

E.D. Cal. IA The court will sponsor continuing

legal education programs on localfederal practice.

IA The court 

annual medebate. Thenhance lo

N.D. Cal. IA IA The court will seek funding for an

additional staff attorney position tohandle death penalty cases.

An effort wmore on cof economcommon srelative coavailable poptions. Tnecessary administraoutside excomprehendocket.

S.D. Cal. IA IA The court will increase the number of

visiting judges to preside overcriminal trials.

The court recommencriminal cquestionnalitigants, adevelop a the court’s 

D. Colo. IA IA The court recognizes the importance

of prompt rulings on motions, butalso recognizes the need to prioritizejudicial resources.

The assignwith a revthat litiganaffected. Cactions fromust notifcourts.
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

312 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD. Conn. IA

Loc. R. 9(f) (1989)

IA IA

D. Del. IA The court will train courtroom clerks

to provide notices for:1. inactivity for 3 months;2. discovery;3. when briefs are 5 days late;4. rules to show cause for failure toserve;5. requests for default; and6. Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 conferences.The court will conduct a continuingeducation program on practice andprocedure.

The court will seek authority for athird clerk for the chief judge, anadditional “floater” secretary, and anadditional law clerk for pro seprisoner petitions.

The court model jury charges in study furthelectronic 

D.D.C. IA IA The court will seek sufficient space

to provide adequate chambers and anadequate courtroom for every active,senior, magistrate, and bankruptcyjudge.

M.D. Fla. IA

Loc. R. 4.18 (3/15/89; Revised2/1/94)

IA The court will secure the services of

2 visiting judges at all times until itspresent judicial vacancies are filled.The court endorses the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendation thatCongress should authorize additionalArticle III judges for this district.

N.D. Fla. The losing party in a discovery

dispute must pay the prevailingparty’s fees and attorney costs. (PD)

IA The court feels that there is a need

for at least 1 part-time magistratejudge.

S.D. Fla. IA The Civil Case Assignment System

procedures are designed to encouragedevelopment by magistrate judges ofspecialized expertise in particularareas of law.

The district directs the clerk of thecourt to take whatever measures arenecessary and reasonably available toimplement fully the civil IntegratedCase Management System (ICMS)including, but not limited to, thefollowing:1. transfer all open civil dockets toICMS;2. ensure the accuracy of the civilICMS database;3. provide training for courtroom

Judges of at least 6 mwhenever decision to or not seek 
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

deputies, law clerks, and secretarieson the use of civil ICMS and reportsavailable;4. become current on all civildocketing and ICMS; and5. docket all pleadings, motions,orders, and other papers in civil caseswithin at least 48 hours of the filedate on such documents.

M.D. Ga. IA IA IA The court 

electronic lieu of typ

N.D. Ga. IA IA The court extends authorization to

the appropriate court official to seekfunding for additional staff positionsneeded to implement this plan. Thecourt also requests that fundsallocated under the CJRA Plan of1990 be made available to the courtto provide reasonable compensationfor attorneys who qualify asarbitrators, mediators, or specialmasters.

S.D. Ga. IA IA IAD. Guam IA

Loc. R. 126 (1983; Revised 9/12/94)

IA IA

D. Haw. Voluntary offers of settlement at

settlement conferences may becomethe basis for fee/cost awards if thecase proceeds to trial.

The court requests that the federalbar and the Ninth Circuit Counciljoin to create an education programfor federal bar practitioners.

A permanent judgeship is necessaryto replace the unfilled existingtemporary position. The clerk willcreate a restructuring plan to increaseefficiency with decreased personnel.The court will continue to seek theestablishment of a staff attorneyposition primarily for pro selitigation. The court will also seekequipment upgrades.

The court discuss adreduce cosuse sanctiowith rules 

D. Idaho IA The court will appoint a committee

of clerk’s office staff to create amanual that explains the clerk’soffice procedures and the differencesbetween state and federal court rules.A continuing legal education coursewill be established so that a

IA The court 

the clerk’s judges to dprocedureeach cham
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

314 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

minimum of 2 federal courtcontinuing legal education programswill be conducted each year indifferent locations of the state.

C.D. Ill. IA

Loc. R. 2.13 (1/92)Loc. R. 2.14 (1/92)

IA IA

N.D. Ill. The court authorizes the chief judge

to create a committee to draftproposed standards for fee petitionsand guidelines for their review.

IA The court will request the addition of

2 magistrate judges, to be located inChicago.

The chief jcommittee use by attodepositionamend the eliminate tface meeticostly manwith the Stelephone 

S.D. Ill. IA The court will sponsor 2 education

seminars in the district to familiarizethe lawyers who practice in thisdistrict with the changes in localrules and practices made by the plan.

IA

N.D. Ind. IA IA The court has sought authorization

for an additional law clerk in theHammond division, two additionalmagistrate judges (for a 1-to-1magistrate judge to district judgeratio), and full staffing of the clerk’soffice.

On a case-will set deconference pleadings views. Onbe changeThe court internal, infor the resappeals. Tcommittee wide rule handling SLoc. R. 7.Loc. R. 7.

S.D. Ind. IA

Loc. R. 54.1

IA IA

N.D. Iowa IA IA IA
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherS.D. Iowa IA IA IAD. Kan. IA IA An additional pro se law clerk and a

paralegal have been added to thestaff.

The clerk’monthly recases and address thstem from part of judpersonnel. district’s rchanges in practice thpossible inThe court pleadings comply widismissed the filing p

E.D. Ky. IA

Loc. R. 14Loc. R. 17

IA The court should have a full

complement of judges. Each ArticleIII judge should have his or her ownfull-time magistrate judge. Eachmagistrate judge should have anadditional law clerk. There should bean additional pro se law clerk, with afull-time secretary for support, andfull funding for court personnel andphysical facilities.

The court implemenstandardizthrough jo

W.D. Ky. IA

Loc. R. 14

IA IA

E.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 5.01–5.13 (5/89)Loc. R. 8.09 (5/89)Loc. R. 20.16 (5/89)

IA IA As needed

will conducases in wbeen filedmay be disordered as 

M.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 8.09

IA IA

W.D. La. IA

Loc. R. 5.01 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.02 (5/89, 4/92)

IA To provide full case management

services to the Monroe division ofthis district, the court will considermoving the full-time magistrate

Judges in district wiprocedurewhenever 
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

316 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

Loc. R. 5.03 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.04M (5/89, 11/93)Loc. R. 5.04W (5/89, 11/93)Loc. R. 5.05M (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.05W (5/89, 11/93)Loc. R. 5.06 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.07 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.09 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.10 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.11 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.12 (5/89, 4/92)Loc. R. 5.13 (5/89, 4/92)

judge position from the Alexandriadivision to the Monroe division andapply for a part-time magistratejudge position for the Alexandriadivision.

D. Me. IA A district-wide judicial conference

(with as many as 300 practicingattorneys) will be held every otheryear for continuing education. Thefirst conference will be held 9/29/94–9/30/94.

IA

D. Md. IA

Loc. R. 104Loc. R. 109.1Loc. R. 109.2

The chief judge will see that newjudges are trained in casemanagement techniques.

IA The chief j

dockets of appropriatindividual 

D. Mass. IA

Loc. R. 1.3 (10/92)

IA IA The court 

consistent when partidirections this plan.Loc. R. 1.

E.D. Mich. IA IA IAW.D. Mich. IA

Loc. R. 32Loc. R. 42(j)Loc. R. 43(j)

The court should arrange for theproduction of a series of videotapeson general and specific court and trialprocedures. Their content should beunderstandable to lay persons andshould take into account practicesand procedures unique to this district.One or more judges should appear onthe tapes as providers of information,demonstrating their support forcontinuing education.A written and illustrated brochureshould be produced to explain thecourt’s DCM system and itsconnection to the CJRA.

In response to the upward surge inthe number of criminal cases, thecriminal docket should be automatedas soon as possible on a scale similarto that of the civil docket, using stateof-the-art electronic technology.

Because odistributiothe plan pea case to a convenienthe court a
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Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD. Minn. IA

Loc. R. 54.3 (2/91)

The court, in conjunction with thefederal bar, will develop acomprehensive informationhandbook for pro se litigants.

The court will seek resources torecruit and train volunteer attorneysfor its pro se panel. The court alsointends to provide additionalresources for the ongoing training ofcase management assistants(courtroom deputies).

The court regular mefederal judaugment itimprove itinformatio

N.D. Miss. IA IA IA The court 

courtroom each judgechanges in caseload mcontrol of of criminaencourage witness tehold pretriand any scmotions by 

S.D. Miss. IA IA IA The court 

courtroom each judgechanges in caseload mcontrol of of criminaencourage witness tehold pretriand any scmotions by 

E.D. Mo. IA IA IAW.D. Mo. IA IA The court will request finding from

the Administrative Office to employan additional law clerk with medicalexperience or training to process allSocial Security disability appeals. Toexpedite cases involving inmates inthe Missouri Department ofCorrections, the court will requestfunding to purchase and install videoequipment in the federal courthousein Jefferson City.
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

318 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD. Mont. IA IA IA The clerk 

informatiotrack all cicompile a status of th

D. Neb. IA

Loc. R. 54.1 (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 54.2 (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 54.3 (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 67(f) (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 67.2(c) (Revised 1/93)

IALoc. R. 83.6 (Revised 1/93)

IA The court 

proceduresentencingcriminal celiminate dtime spent these matt

D. Nev. A new fee schedule for prisoner

filings is under study by a specialstudy committee.

The court will recommendcontinuing legal education to thestate bar that covers the CJRA Planand federal court practice andprocedures.

The court will augment the clerk’sstaff in order to deal with prisonerlitigation. The court also cites theneed for 2 additional judgeshipsbased on weighted filings.

The local remove thcounsel be proceedingpractices opublished 

D.N.H. IA The court will make local rules

available on LEXIS and any CDROM services. The court willcontinue to participate in continuinglegal education programs to educatemembers of the bar on changes in thecourt.

IA A standard 

developed docket.

D.N.J. IA

Gen. R. 23 (10/84; Revised 8/87,6/89)Gen. R. 46 (10/84)

The court recommends a presentationfor judicial officers and staff on ADRand requests that a seminar beconducted thereon for education ofthe bar.

The court recommends creation of atleast 2 staff attorney positions (forhabeas corpus petitions and SocialSecurity appeals) in the clerk’soffice. (The court has been advisedthat no funding was available for asecond staff attorney.)

The court the chief jrecommenAdvisory approval orelaxationmodificatiyear. The implemenformat of issued by comparisocourt also monthly reand Social proceedingGen. R. 1C 
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD.N.M. The court recommends that each

judge adopt a policy of determiningthe amount of expert witnesstestimony needed and limiting theuse of expert witnesses.

The court provides substantialtraining for CJRA attorneys.

The court requests 2 permanentCJRA staff positions.

The plan cthe way crthe formatteams for the develocase mana

E.D.N.Y. 1. Common fund cases: If significant

attorney time has not been expendedbefore settlement, the court willreward a reasonable percentage ofrecovery. That percentage will becalibrated to encourage earlysettlements but at the same timeavoid both undue burdens on thefund and windfalls to attorneys. Ifsignificant attorney time has beenexpended, the attorneys will submittime records and the court will usethe lodestar approach as a guideline.2. Statutory fee cases: Plaintiffs’attorneys will forward their feeapplications and documentarysupport to defendants’ counsel within30 days of the entry of finaljudgment. The attorneys will meetand defense counsel will identifycontested portions that will besubmitted to the court. Nondisputedportions will be promptly paid. Thefee award will approximate the feespaid by clients in nonstatutory feematters.

IA IA For cause 

may modimore of thPlan. Prior 11 sanctiomust give violation tis committnot cease, sanctions. the extent participatiprocess, inwritten ququestions counsel at submissio

N.D.N.Y. IA IA The plan calls for the filling of

judicial vacancies, funding for theadditional full-time magistrate judgeapproved by the Judicial Conference,additional law clerks for magistratejudges, an additional pro se staffattorney, full staffing of the clerk’soffice, and additional courthousefacilities.

Any judiciattorney’s against annoncomplof the CJR

S.D.N.Y. IA IA The court will request authorization

for additional magistrate judges. Thecourt should commence a program ofmodernizing all existing courtrooms,chambers, and court offices, ensuring
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

320 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

that the new courthouse will have thecapability to support real-timereporting and all facilitiesencompassed by that concept.

W.D.N.Y. IA IA The CJRA attorney and CJRA

analyst will become permanentpositions to handle civil justicereform issues.

All pendinofficer wilclerk’s offprepare a mmotions th60 days, anot decideclose of pr

E.D.N.C. IA The court encourages continuing

legal education programs on localfederal practice and procedure,including increasing awareness of thechanges in this plan.

The court will create a permanentCJRA staff attorney position.

M.D.N.C. IA IA The court agrees with the Advisory

Group’s recommendations for a thirdmagistrate judge, a second law clerkfor magistrate judges, and a staff lawclerk for prisoner cases.

W.D.N.C. IA IA The court will work toward the

addition of 2 district judges and 7magistrate judges and toward 100%staff allotment.

The court serve as a district. Thfacsimile mthe Judicia

D.N.D. The role of the clerk’s office in the

prevailing party’s taxation of costswill be eliminated. The taxationprocess will be handled directly bycounsel, and by court when there aredisputed costs.

IA The court strongly recommends that

a second full-time magistrate judgebe assigned to this district.

The court possibility of court-apoption for complicate

D. N. Mar. I. IA IA IAN.D. Ohio IA IA IAS.D. Ohio IA IA IA Loc. R. 23

move for c120 days aasserting tbe retained
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

Loc. R. 4.4 (10/91)

funding, eworking gcase adminmanagemethis districLoc. R. 23

E.D. Okla. IA IA The court has submitted justification

for an additional permanentjudgeship for this district. The courthas also submitted a request for anadditional magistrate judge tosupport the ADR program. The courthas also requested an additional lawclerk and additional clericalpersonnel.

N.D. Okla. The court will not place any new

restrictions on contingent fees, butwill refer this matter to the ADRadvisory committee for further study.

The court will continue to work withthe local bar on continuing legaleducation programs. The court willcontinue to use judicial interns fromlaw schools.

Habeas corpus petitions and prisonercivil rights cases will be regularlyscreened by the pro se law clerk. Ifneeded, the case will be referred to amagistrate judge. The courtrecommends the addition of anothermagistrate judge. If funding isavailable, the court will convert thetemporary CJRA position to apermanent position in order to runthe ADR program.

Where appimplemenpreservice ADR Advdevelop an to be complitigants at settlement 

W.D. Okla. IA IA IAD. Or. IA IA IA The clerk’

support as expeditiouincluding judges of tDistrict juor criminanorthern drotating bain addition the plan, wapplicationrequire exIn the distmotions foreferred badetermina§ 455. If th
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

322 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

statutory gjudicial ofa factual dthe motion otherwise by the calecommitteewill be assjudges. In division, tsecure seqassignmenneed not bjudge’s lisadjustmensequential the calendcommitteereturned to entered the from whic

E.D. Pa. IA IA IAM.D. Pa. IA

Loc. R. 1012.5 (Revised 1/94)

The court will establish local trainingprograms to facilitate bench-barinteraction. The court will alsodisseminate basic case processinginformation to the bar and the public.

Two CJRA positions, originallycreated to assist in the production ofthe Advisory Group report and thedevelopment of the court’s CJRAPlan, will continue in order tomanage plan implementation,administer and evaluate the ADRprograms, and perform other duties.

The court professioncollegialitpublished attorneys uand includLoc. R. 72

W.D. Pa. IA IA IA Except for 

exceptionaaction will judges if itransferredmore than dispositive court may experimenperiod thato devote 6trial of civLoc. R. 40
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD.P.R. The court will more strictly enforce

Loc. R. 323, which provides that,except for good cause, jury costs maybe assessed equally against theparties and their counsels.

The court will make a greater effortto educate the local bar about the roleof magistrate judges in the court.

Visiting judges will be requestedperiodically in order to handle thecivil or criminal case backlog ofjudges presiding over institutionalreform cases.

The court 1. encouradeposition2. adopt thor pooling and3. pursuanappoint a sinstitutioncourt deemmaintain a 

D.R.I. IA The court will conduct an

educational program on theimplementation and impact of theCJRA Expense and Delay ReductionPlan for the federal bar and thepublic.

IA The court 

video techarraignmeand in appcivil matte

D.S.C. IA Materials will be prepared and

distributed if funds are available.

The judges of the district urgeappropriation of funding to ensureadequate courtroom and parkingfacilities for the district court. Thejudges also addressed concernsregarding personnel cutbacks in theclerk’s office.

The districallowing a to answer, based on a by the parLoc. R. 7.

D.S.D. PD

Loc. R. 54.1 (1992)

The court will continue its efforts toeducate the bar through speeches andpresentations.

IA Judges and 

yearly and ideas. The develop crmonitor codelay and 

E.D. Tenn. IA The clerk’s office will prepare a

brochure describing the court’sCJRA Plan and existing policies andoperating procedures of the court.The brochure will also providebiographical data about the districtand magistrate judges, and addressareas of practice about whichattorneys frequently have questions,the manner in which actions bycounsel may increase litigation costand delay, and the attitude of thejudges toward such actions.

IA If all coun

entitled to of time in complaintcounterclain support judgment section conumbered material faparty conttried, or a facts alleg
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

324 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

pleading ais warrantefiled in ressummary jseparate seconcise, nthe matericontended tried, or a if all facts party’s mojudgment 

M.D. Tenn. The court has the inherent power to

regulate attorney fees, bothcontingent and hourly, private andcourt awarded. The court will notattempt to regulate fees at this time,assuming that the bar will regulateitself.

IA IA

W.D. Tenn. IA

Loc. R. 18(b) (Revised 1/93)Loc. R. 23 (Revised 1/93)

IA Courtroom deputies will assume the

role of case manager. The court willmake optimal use of the clerk as acourt administrator, to make sure thatthe entire court functions smoothly.The court will promote the use ofvisiting judges to help with thecriminal docket.

The court of the crimestablish tresolution advisemenadvisemenwill be givcivil mattea monitorifilings and 

E.D. Tex. The court adopted a 33.3% cap (of

total award or settlement) on fees innonstatutory cases. Expensesincurred by attorneys that are directlyrelated to the costs of litigation willbe deducted from the award orsettlement before calculation ofattorneys’ fees. General officeoverhead expenses are notdeductible. The court will approve areasonable fee where statutoryattorneys’ fees are recoverable.At the management conference oranytime thereafter, a party may makea written offer of judgment. If theoffer is not accepted and the finaljudgment in the case benefits the

The CJRA Plan, or at least the firstpart, will be printed for distributionto the bar.

IA The court 

controllingthe extent inconsistewill adopt effectivenreducing treducing ldiscovery.
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

offering party by at least 10% morethan the initial offer, the rejectingparty must pay the litigation costsincurred after the offer was rejected.In personal injury and civil rightscontingent fee cases, the award oflitigation costs will not exceed theamount of the final judgment. Theoffering party must set a reasonabledeadline, and acceptance of the offermust be in writing.

N.D. Tex. IA IA The court will endeavor to stay

informed of the latest technologicaladvances regarding information,management, and office efficiency,and will use these advances whereand when appropriate.

The court policies anto reducin1. Each juleast 1 stafschedulingwhatever aneeded for 2. Each jupriority to resolution 3. The coua regular r4. The coucases as prjudiciously demands o5. Each juimprove ebetween thorder to re6. The couneeded to 7. The judimprove thconcerning designed tJudges and division wonce a yeaoften, for ttheir differexchangincosts and d8. The judrelease casit appears 
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

326 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources Other

not be reacwill be senlitigants in complexitpreparatioduplicated continued scheduled 

S.D. Tex. IA IA To implement the plan, the court will

request additional resources for:1. 3 staff attorneys to give over halfof the annual civil filings acceleratedattention;2. 2 secretaries with flexible workinghours to aid in preparation ofproposed orders, and otherdocuments;3. 18 courtroom deputies to performcourtroom support functions;4. 3 cases managers to manage themagistrate judges’ accelerated civilcase trial docket;5. 2 ADR clerks; and6. 4 electronic court recorderoperators to accommodate theanticipated increase in courtroomactivity by magistrate judges.

W.D. Tex. IA IA IAD. Utah IA IA IAD. Vt. IA

Loc. R. 12(e)

The court should establish amechanism through which the courtand the Advisory Committee canwork with members of the district barto develop and sustain a local legalculture that creates and fulfills theexpectations of all court participantsfor the efficient, effective resolutionof disputes. For the duration of theAdvisory Committee, thatmechanism should be thecommittee’s bar relationssubcommittee.

IA
Table 15: Misce

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherD.V.I. IA The court will conduct educational

programs and discussions of the draftlocal rules for practice/procedure incivil cases on St. Thomas and St.Croix. The clerk will publish the planto inform the local bar and the public.

IA

E.D. Va. IA

Loc. R. 11(L) (1/80; Revised 2/89)Loc. R. 16(A)Loc. R. 16(B)Loc. R. 16(E)Loc. R. 16(F)Loc. R. 21(B)Loc. R. 21(E)

IA IA

W.D. Va. IA IA IAE.D. Wash. IA IA IAW.D. Wash. The court will consider adoption of a

local rule to award fees and costs to aparty after that party’s settlementoffer is rejected and the finaljudgment is more favorable to theoffering party than the rejected offer.

IA The court requests that the 2

temporary CJRA positions be madepermanent.

N.D. W. Va. IA IA IAS.D. W. Va. IA

Loc. R. 7.01

IA The court accepts the Advisory

Group’s recommendation to fullyautomate the court system and haspetitioned the Judicial Conferencethrough the Administrative Office tofund 1 additional full-time computersystems person. The court, also onthe recommendation of the AdvisoryGroup, has petitioned the JudicialConference for 1 additional law clerkand for funds for an operationsmanager to serve as the civil casecoordinator and to monitor themediation program.

E.D. Wis. IA IA IA
Table 15: Miscellaneous Other Provisions

328 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Fees and Costs Court Educational Efforts Enhancement of Court Resources OtherW.D. Wis. IA IA IA Cases will 

judges at fcases that previous cpreviously These casesame judgThe court Group’s recases be raregardless 

D. Wyo. IA The court will encourage mentor

groups and continuing legaleducation for all members of the bar,to ensure that all are informed of thecourt’s policy for services andresponse, and to encourage meetinglitigants’ high expectations regardingefficient and effective disputeresolution.

IA The court 

committee forth the snecessary of the planrecommenincluded in will compand the coor amendmreasonable committee effectivenamendmenThe court consistent limits. Relwhen a gehardship e
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

Mandatory Minimum SentencesSentencing GuidelinesImpact of New LegislationChanges in the Federal Rules of ProcedureThe Circuits or Other CourtsOther Recommendations

District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

M.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Ala. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Alaska IA IA The court endorses the

Advisory Group’srecommendation thatthe executive andlegislative branches becalled upon toseriously consider theimpact of newlegislation upon thejudicial branch. Thecourt will join withthe Advisory Group ora subcommittee of thegroup to argue thisconcept before the

IA IA The c

Adviview additcourt desira
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

330 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

congressionaldelegation and theExecutive.

D. Ariz. IA IA IA IA IA The c

that eJudicand vcommto finthe dethe grof cafiled priso

E.D. Ark. IA IA IA IA

General Order 42

IA IA

W.D. Ark. IA IA IA The court addressed

changes in federalrules by stating thatthe court would notadopt any changesuntil there wassufficient experienceunder the new rules.See General Order 25(2/3/94), in which thisdistrict opted out ofmost provisions of thenew rule changes.

IA IA

C.D. Cal. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Cal. IA IA Congress should

consider the impact ofproposed legislationon the federal courts’ability to administercivil justice.Additional resourcesshould beappropriated tomitigate any adverseimpact of newlegislation.

IA Active service district

judges should beeligible for a third lawclerk. Magistratejudges should beeligible for a secondlaw clerk.

Politishouladverof dedistriAdmshoulweighCapitcorpurights under
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

N.D. Cal. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Cal. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Colo. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Conn. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Del. IA IA The court encourages

Congress to evaluatethe impact of newlegislation on thejudicial branch andprovide additionalresources to impactedcourts.

IA IA The c

Congwhethlegislto affreme

D.D.C. The court took no

action onrecommendations inthe Advisory Groupreport, since theserecommendationswere directed to theExecutive, theCongress, theSentencingCommission, and theAdministrative Office.

The court took noaction onrecommendations inthe Advisory Groupreport, since theserecommendationswere directed to theExecutive, theCongress, theSentencingCommission, and theAdministrative Office.

IA IA IA IA

M.D. Fla. IA IA The court endorses the

Advisory Group’srecommendation thatCongress should referall legislation havingan impact upon thejudicial system to theCongressional BudgetOffice for a fair andunbiased assessmentof that impact.

The court endorses theAdvisory Group’srecommendation thatthe Judicial Council ofthe Eleventh Circuitestablish a bankruptcyappellate panel.

The cAdvirecomCongdiverThe cendorAdvirecom1. Coadopt NomConfAct;2. the Confrevise calcu
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

332 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReconeedsweighcases3. Conot fecrimewith travecommof do4. banshoulthe apcourt5. Cocreate court appeaSociabenef

N.D. Fla. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Fla. IA IA IA IA IA The d

the reof the regarexpedjudic

M.D. Ga. IA IA IA IA IA The p

severrecomlocal based Grourecomhave other appro

N.D. Ga. IA IA IA The court

recommends that Fed.R. Civ. P. 8 and 12 berevised to require thatthe defendant file ananswer to thecomplaint at the time

IA The c

recomjurisdfor diincrecurre$50,0
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

the defendant files amotion to dismiss thecase.

S.D. Ga. The court

acknowledges theAdvisory Group’srecommendation thatlegislation be passedto create a “safetyvalue” exception tomandatory minimumsentences.

IA The court

acknowledges theAdvisory Group’srecommendation thatlegislation be passedto provide for pre andpost passageconsideration oflegislative impacts onthe federal courts.

The courtacknowledges theAdvisory Group’sopposition to theamendment to Fed. R.Civ. P. 11 that createsa 20-day “safe harbor”for frivolous filings.

IA The c

acknoAdvirecom1. the missishoulsecur2. the diver3. the specijurisdmulti4. limnumbhabeapetiti5. the Securnew A6. limprisounder § 1987. exppowejudge8. maTitle other claim9. a fstatutlitiga10. leempocourtapproexperlitiga

D. Guam IA IA IA IA IA IA
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

334 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

D. Haw. IA IA IA The court suggests a

change in the federalrules such that amandatory offer ofsettlement at asettlement conferencewill serve as a basisfor a fee/cost award ifthe case proceeds totrial.

IA The s

commrules rule rof setbasis awardGrouexistiprogrrecomthe coAdvistudy recoma pilouse olitigaconfe

D. Idaho The court

recommends thatCongress abolishmandatory minimumsentences.

IA The court

recommends thatCongress preparejudicial impact reportsprior to the enactmentof any legislation thatsubstantially impactsupon the federalcourts.

The court endorsesproposed changes toFed. R. Civ. P. 83 thatwould allow forgreaterexperimentation withlocal rules andprocedures andendorses legislativeaction that wouldreduce the service ofprocess time underFed. R. Civ. P. 4 from120 days to 60 or 80days.

IA The c

to prothat wfedercertaiviolecourt federvacanexpedpossioppoelimiof divjurisdsuggecriterdetera pro based percefilingfilingsuggerestri28 Ulimits arbitr
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheRecopilot reviseexperother The cnumbrecomthe Sregarof pri

C.D. Ill. IA IA New legislation that

creates or expandsfederal jurisdictionshould specificallydescribe the cause ofaction created and theremediescontemplated.Congress shouldconsider the impact ondistrict courts ofcontinuingfederalization of thecriminal law.

IA IA 1. Th

the Cstrive judicexped2. CoconsimandServiand wprovito a bindig3. CoconsiproviU.S.Cmand4. Coensurcourtand f

N.D. Ill. IA IA The court

recommends to theJudicial Conferencethat it urge theCongress to considerthe likely impact ofnew legislation on therate of filing civil andcriminal cases in thedistrict courts.

IA IA IA

S.D. Ill. IA IA IA IA IA IA
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

336 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

N.D. Ind. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Ind. IA IA IA The Court of Appeals

for the SeventhCircuit should notencourage or requireunnecessarily lengthyor scholarly opinionsfrom the district court.In ruling on any issuereviewable de novo onappeal, it is sufficientthat the district courtbriefly state thereasons for itsdecision.

There suppoAdvithe rethat Cauthoof preinterejudgmfrom of the those no prunder court local the Arecomregarof a lfaciliconcecondudepostiminexperprocea claiand thadoptrule twillinmagihear discotelephThe crecomAdmthat tclerk positiadvangrade distri
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheRecojudge to reddescrscalein ordon ththeir 

N.D. Iowa IA IA IA IA IA The A

reporrecomthe PCongAmerAssomaketheserecom

S.D. Iowa IA IA IA IA The court

recommends that thelocal rules of the U.S.Court for the NorthernDistrict of Iowareflect concerns aboutcost and delay inlitigation.

IA

D. Kan. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Ky. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Ky. IA IA IA IA IA The c

fully followrecommade Grou1. Coauthojudgethe hcurrethis d2. the Confapproof 1 f
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

338 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheRecomagithis d3. the Confapproclassise law 4. Coappronecesapprooffice 

E.D. La. IA IA IA IA IA IAM.D. La. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. La. IA IA

Loc. R. 16E (5/89;Revised 4/92)Loc. R. 16W (5/89;Revised 4/92)

IA IA IA IA

D. Me. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Md. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Mass. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Mich. IA IA IA IA IA The c

draftiand thof funcompwillinpro se rights 

W.D. Mich. The impact of

mandatory minimumstatutes and thesentencing guidelinesshould be reviewed byappropriate agenciesto determine whetherthey hamper theadjudication and

The impact ofmandatory minimumstatutes and thesentencing guidelinesshould be reviewed byappropriate agenciesto determine whetherthey hamper theadjudication and

IA IA IA Legis

enactADR allowas a sLegisdrafteapproto com
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

administration ofjustice.

administration ofjustice.

attornreprelitigacasesshoulperma case geogrconveall pacourt reseacost dlocal adoptfor thof copursu

D. Minn. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Miss. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Miss. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Mo. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Mo. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Mont. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Neb. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Nev. IA IA The court makes these

recommendations.1. The Congress andthe Executive shouldreview pendinglegislation for itsimpact on the judicialbranch.2. A formal, legalprocess should beadopted that requiresan ongoing dialogueon judicial impacts ofproposed legislation

IA The court will ask the

Ninth Circuit JudicialCouncil to provideprompt authorizationof 2 additional districtjudgeships and 2magistrate judgeshipsfor the district.

The Son exvacan
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

340 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

among the executive,legislative, andjudicial branches.

D.N.H. IA IA IA IA IA The c

state develfor innonbprisobeforboard

D.N.J. IA IA IA The court

recommends to theJudicial Conferencean amendment to Fed.R. Civ. P. 53(b)allowing greater useof masters indiscovery matters.

IA The c

recomAdmdeveldispostatiscateg

D.N.M. The court

recommends therepeal of mandatoryminimum sentences.

The courtrecommends that theU.S. SentencingCommissionreconsider certainguidelines.

The AdministrativeOffice shouldcontinue to preparejudicial impactstatements. Congressshould be requested toinclude languagedescribing judicialimpact in all newlegislation. Congressshould also certifythat proper fundingexists for the judiciaryto meet itsresponsibilities underany new legislation.

IA The circuit court

should consider morerealistic discretionwhen reviewing thedistrict courts’certificates of nongood faith.

The JConfnotify and ebrancin fillvacannegatconsecourtThe JConfpropothat treceivfundi

E.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA IA The C

for thjudicfundiadditmagiappro
Table 16: Court R

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheRecoJudicadditfor man adstaff staffiofficecourt

S.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D.N.Y. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D.N.C. IA IA IA IA IA IAM.D.N.C. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D.N.C. IA IA IA IA IA IAD.N.D. IA IA Congress should

provide the federalcourts with theresources toimplement the CJRA.In addition, whenCongress creates newrights and new causesof action, it shouldalso increase courtfunding to handlethese new cases.

IA IA The c

recomseconmagiassigdistri

D. N. Mar. I. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Ohio IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Ohio IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Okla. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Okla. IA IA IA IA IA The c

recomadditmagi

W.D. Okla. IA IA IA IA IA IA
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

342 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

D. Or. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Pa. IA IA IA IA IA IAM.D. Pa. IA IA Congress should

review legislationprior to enactment forits impact onindividual districts.

IA IA IA

W.D. Pa. IA IA IA IA IA IAD.P.R. IA IA IA IA IA IAD.R.I. IA IA IA IA IA IAD.S.C. IA IA The judges of the

district concur withthe Advisory Grouprecommendation thatthe legislative andexecutive branchesgive increasedconsideration to theimpact of newlegislation on thejudicial system andauthorize increasedfunding to meetincreased demand.

IA IA The c

recomof chrules that tadvisconsichang

D.S.D. The court

recommendsreduction orelimination ofmandatory minimumsentences.

The courtrecommends repeal orrevision of thesentencing guidelines.

IA The court recognized

that the new rules willcreate difficultinterpretive issues.The court did not optout of the new rules.

IA Judic

shoulfilled excessenio

E.D. Tenn. IA IA IA The court

recommends theamendment of Fed. R.Evid. 702 to requirethat, in order toqualify as an expertwitness, an individualmust be able tosubstantially assist the

IA The c

recomCongExecdistrijudiconce. the prcost a
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MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

trier of fact. ident

AdvireporrecomTennAssoTennLawythe TAssoCrimLawyassoctheir practand thby spcontieducaand din thefedercourt attornconsiassocfocus pract

M.D. Tenn. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Tenn. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Tex. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. Tex. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. Tex. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Tex. IA IA IA The court will suggest

appropriateamendments to Fed.R. Civ. P. 32regarding its“unavailabilityrequirement.”

IA
Table 16: Court Recommendations to Others

344 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict

MandatoryMinimumSentences

SentencingGuidelines

Impact of NewLegislation

Changes in theFederalRules of Procedure

The Circuit orOther Courts

OtheReco

D. Utah IA IA The court is of the

opinion that litigationefficiency can be bestaccomplished throughrational means ifCongress is willing tosupply the judges andstaff to meet theexpanding needs ofthe American people.

IA IA IA

D. Vt. IA IA IA IA IA IAD.V.I. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Va. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Va. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Wash. The increased volume

of criminalprosecutions, togetherwith determinate andmandatory minimumsentences for federalcrimes, continues tohave a substantialeffect on the court’shandling of civillitigation.

IA IA IA IA IA

W.D. Wash. IA IA IA IA IA IAN.D. W. Va. IA IA IA IA IA IAS.D. W. Va. IA IA IA IA IA IAE.D. Wis. IA IA IA IA IA IAW.D. Wis. IA IA IA IA IA IAD. Wyo. IA IA IA IA IA IA
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

Effective Date of PlanCases Covered by the PlanAdopted as Local Rules or General OrderRelationship of Plan to the Advisory Group’s RecommendationsOther—Are there other relevant provisions?

District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

M.D. Ala. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

N.D. Ala. 12/1/93 After 12/1/93, the ADR

procedures may, if and to theextent authorized under theADR plan, be used in casesthen pending, as well ascases later filed or removed,except that the mediation andmediation/arbitration tracksmay be used only afterformation of the federal courtpanel of neutrals.

General order The court adopted each

recommendation made by theAdvisory Group.

S.D. Ala. 12/31/93 All civil and criminal cases General order The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommendations.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

346 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

D. Alaska 12/13/91 All civil cases The CJRA Plan was adopted

by an initial general order,with a revised order to beentered for the final AdvisoryGroup recommendations ifnecessary.

The court seemed to agreewith the Advisory Group onalmost all points, and statedits reasons when it did not.

D. Ariz. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/1/93

The CJRA Plan was adoptedby general order and specificportions of the CJRA Planwere adopted by local rules.

The court adopted most ofthe Advisory Group’srecommendations.

E.D. Ark. 12/30/91. Various sections of

the CJRA Plan will beimplemented over thecoming year.

All civil cases General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

W.D. Ark. 11/17/93 Complex civil cases General order The court rejected all

recommended changes andaccepted allrecommendations for nochange.

C.D. Cal. 12/1/93 All civil cases unless

exempted

Local rules The court adopted a few of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

E.D. Cal. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

N.D. Cal. 1st Stage: 12/31/91

2nd Stage: 7/1/923rd Stage: 7/1/92–12/31/93

Judges participate voluntarilyin the Case ManagementPilot Program.

General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations throughoutthe CJRA Plan, rejected atleast 1, and left others forfurther study.

S.D. Cal. 10/7/91 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Colo. 11/22/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

D. Conn. 2/1/93; Revised 11/10/93 All civil cases General order and local rules The Advisory Group

recommendations wereadopted by the court andrevised on 11/10/93.

D. Del. 12/23/91 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D.D.C. The CJRA Plan was adopted

on 11/30/93 and took effecton 3/1/94.

All civil casesLoc. R. 206 (3/1/94)

The CJRA Plan was adoptedby general order, with theinstruction that it is to beincorporated into the localrules through the rulerevision process.

The court adopted themajority of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations,with 5 exceptions. The courtconsidered but rejectedrecommendations that:1. extensions of discoverydeadlines or postponement oftrial be signed by theattorney and requestingparty;2. time limits be establishedfor scheduling, hearings, andjudicial decisions;3. pilot programs be used toexperiment with theprocessing of civil cases;4. the court hire additionalstaff; and5. recommendations to theExecutive, the Congress, theSentencing Commission, andthe Administrative Office.

M.D. Fla. 12/1/93 The CJRA Plan applies to all

civil cases filed after 12/1/93and to pending cases at thecourt’s discretion.

Local rules The court adopted the

Advisory Group’s majorrecommendations.

N.D. Fla. 1/1/94 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations and addedseveral changes of its own.

S.D. Fla. 11/21/91 Pretrial case management

procedures apply to all butspecifically exempted cases.

Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

348 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

M.D. Ga. 12/1/93 All cases pending on the

court’s docket on or after12/1/93

General order The CJRA Plan adopted most

of the Advisory Group’srecommendations, includingrecommendations to donothing at this time.

N.D. Ga. 12/31/91, but the effective

date for the local rulesadopted and revised pursuantto the CJRA Plan wasdeferred until 7/1/92.

All civil cases Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations, some inmodified form.

S.D. Ga. By 1/1/94 IA General order and local rule

amendments

The court adopted most ofthe Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Guam 3/14/94 All civil cases except those

noted in Table 2

Local rules The Advisory Group’s

suggestions for change wereincorporated into revisedlocal rules.

ThcocuPl

D. Haw. 11/18/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted some of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Idaho The majority of changes took

effect on 3/1/92.

All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted the

majority of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations.

C.D. Ill. 1/1/94 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted some of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations andrejected others.

N.D. Ill. 11/15/93 All civil cases Amendments to the local

rules and to the court’sStanding Order

The court agreed with mostof the Advisory Group’srecommendations and willimplement many of itssuggested changes.

S.D. Ill. The CJRA Plan is effective

12/31/91, but will not beimplemented until 5/1/92.

All civil cases filed on orafter 5/1/92

Local rules The court adopted or

modified many of theAdvisory Group’srecommendations.
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

N.D. Ind. 12/31/91–12/1/97 All civil cases General order The court considered

everything the AdvisoryGroup recommended, andadopted many of the specificrecommendations.

S.D. Ind. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations with onlyminor changes. Many of therecommendations requirerule changes, which the courthas referred to the local rulescommittee for prompt actionconsistent with the CJRAPlan.

N.D. Iowa 1/1/94 All civil cases except where

noted

General order The court adopted some of

the recommendations,deferred action on others,and rejected several otherrecommendations asunnecessary.

S.D. Iowa 10/22/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted some of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations butrejected others asunnecessary changes.

D. Kan. 12/31/91 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

E.D. Ky. 10/21/93 All civil cases except where

noted

General order The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommendations with anorder that made 3clarifications.

W.D. Ky. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The CJRA Plan endorses

many of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendationswithout adopting any.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

350 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

E.D. La. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/1/93

General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

M.D. La. 12/1/93 All cases filed after 12/1/93 General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations, but choseto recommend further studyof ADR.

W.D. La. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/1/93

General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations and addedseveral of its own changes tocourt procedures.

D. Me. 8/1/93 All civil cases Local rules With 1 exception, the court

adopted the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations.

D. Md. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Mass. 11/18/91 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted the CJRA

Plan developed by theAdvisory Group.

ThimamcoAdexPlsuthruam

E.D. Mich. 1/1/93 All civil cases Administrative order The court adopted many but

not all of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations.The court explains its reasonsfor not adopting certainrecommendations in anappendix to the CJRA Plan.
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

W.D. Mich. 12/18/91; Revised 9/1/92,

11/16/93, 12/17/93, 3/28/94

All civil cases General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Minn. 8/23/93 All civil cases General order and local rule

amendments

The court adopted most ofthe Advisory Group’ssuggestions.

N.D. Miss. 10/1/93 All civil cases filed after

1/1/94, with the exception ofremoved cases filed in statecourt prior to 1/1/94

General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations. The CJRAPlan was jointly developedwith the Northern District ofMississippi in order topreserve the Uniform LocalRules for the Northern andSouthern Districts ofMississippi and achieve thegoal of uniform practice inboth districts.

S.D. Miss. 10/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations. The CJRAPlan was jointly developedwith the Northern District ofMississippi in order topreserve the Uniform LocalRules for the Northern andSouthern Districts ofMississippi and achieve thegoal of uniform practice inboth districts.

E.D. Mo. 1/1/94 All cases filed on or after

1/1/94

General order The court adopted those

Advisory Grouprecommendations with whichit concurs and which areunder the court’s control.

W.D. Mo. The CJRA Plan was adopted

on 10/31/91, and the EarlyAssessment Program beganon 1/1/92.

All civil cases General order and local rule

amendments

The CJRA Plan is based onthe Advisory Group’s report.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

352 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

D. Mont. 4/1/92 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Neb. The provisions in the CJRA

Plan were implementedbeginning 11/5/93 withimplementation to becompleted by 7/1/94.

All civil cases General order and local rule

amendments

The court reviewed theAdvisory Group report andconsidered the principles andguidelines of litigationmanagement described in 28U.S.C. § 473 during thepreparation of this CJRAPlan.

D. Nev. 12/1/93 All civil cases, including

those filed prior to 12/1/93

Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D.N.H. 3/1/94 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D.N.J. 12/19/91 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/31/91 and pendingcases as may be appropriate

General order and local ruleamendments

The court adopted the CJRAPlan proposed by theAdvisory Group.

SeCJinR. peprch12Fe15prre

D.N.M. 1/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted many but

not all of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendations.

E.D.N.Y. 12/17/91 All civil cases General order In formulating its CJRA

Plan, the court reliedextensively on the work ofthe Advisory Group.
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

N.D.N.Y. 5/14/93 All civil cases The CJRA Plan is an

appendix to the local rules.

The CJRA Plan addresses all13 Advisory Grouprecommendations.

S.D.N.Y. 12/12/91 All civil cases Local rules The court incorporated many

of the Advisory Group’sfindings andrecommendations into theCJRA Plan.

W.D.N.Y. 9/1/93 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

E.D.N.C. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed after

12/1/93

General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

M.D.N.C. 12/1/93 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations, but thecourt does not intend that theCJRA Plan will become acontinuing source ofauthority to regulate practicein the court.

W.D.N.C. 9/23/93 All civil cases except Social

Security and pro se prisonercases

General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D.N.D. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. N. Mar. I. 12/1/93; local rules changes

required by this CJRA Planwill take effect on the date ofadoption of the rule.

All civil cases General order and local rules The court accepted the

Advisory Group’srecommended CJRA Plan.

N.D. Ohio 12/13/91; effective 1/1/92 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommendations as theCJRA Plan.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

354 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

S.D. Ohio 11/30/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted all of the

Advisory Group’srecommendations, butrevised many of them.

E.D. Okla. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted the

recommendations of theAdvisory Group.

N.D. Okla. 12/1/93 All civil cases Local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

Thwoweun

W.D. Okla. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Or. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order The court used the Advisory

Group’s recommendations asguidelines in the formulationof the CJRA Plan.

E.D. Pa. 12/31/91 All civil cases filed after the

date of implementation. Thecourt may, in its discretion,apply the CJRA Plan to casesthen pending.

General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

M.D. Pa. 1/1/94 The CJRA Plan applies to all

civil cases filed on or after1/1/94 except Health andHuman Service cases,prisoner cases, pro se cases,and U.S. government localcases. At the discretion of thejudicial officer, the CJRAPlan may apply to pendingcases.

General order The court adopted the

substance of many of theAdvisory Group’srecommendations, but didnot adopt the CJRA Plan as aseries of local rules changesas the Advisory Grouprecommended.
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

W.D. Pa. 10/1/93 All civil cases filed on or

after 10/1/93

General order and local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Grouprecommendations, but feltthat other recommendationsneeded further work beforeadoption.

D.P.R. 6/14/94 (As of 11/10/94, the

CJRA Plan has not beenimplemented.)

All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted the CJRA

Plan proposed by theAdvisory Group.

D.R.I. 12/1/93 All civil cases, except those

exempted by the assignedjudicial officer.

General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations, butrejected several as toorestrictive of judges’flexibility in managing cases.

D.S.C. 11/24/93 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted most but

not all of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendationsand added features of its ownto the CJRA Plan.

D.S.D. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

ThloprrecoPl

E.D. Tenn. 12/1/93 All civil cases Local rules The court accepted some of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations. The courtalso created its own changesbased on the Principles andGuidelines of LitigationManagement and Cost andDelay Reduction set forth in28 U.S.C. § 473(a) and theLitigation Management andCost and Delay ReductionTechniques contained in 28U.S.C. § 473(b).
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

356 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

M.D. Tenn. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed after

3/1/94, except thosespecifically exempted(primarily administrativecases)

Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

W.D. Tenn. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

AlPlan

E.D. Tex. 12/31/91 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/31/91, or, at thejudicial officer’s discretion,to cases then pending

Any existing local rules notin conformity with the CJRAPlan will be revised.

The court adopted some ofthe Advisory Group’srecommendations.

ThmtimrethwiThmits 

N.D. Tex. 7/1/93 All civil cases filed after

7/1/93

The CJRA Plan isimplemented asMiscellaneous Order 46 andis effective as a local rule.

The court adopted most ofthe Advisory Group’srecommendations.

S.D. Tex. 1/1/92 All civil cases General order and local rule

amendments

The court adopted theAdvisory Group’srecommended CJRA Plan,with some amendments.

W.D. Tex. 11/30/92 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted many of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

D. Utah 12/30/91 All civil cases General order The court adopted some of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

Thlarcoimthin exen
Table 17: I

Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans District Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

D. Vt. 12/1/93 (7/1/94 for the local

rules implementing ADR)

All civil cases Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Committee’srecommendations, modifyingseveral recommendations toaddress concerns of thecourt.

D.V.I. 12/31/91 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/31/91 and, at thediscretion of the court, casespending on that date

Local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.

E.D. Va. The CJRA Plan made no

changes in court procedures;there is no effective date.

IA IA The court adopted all of the

Advisory Group’srecommendations for nochanges in court proceduresand rejected as unnecessary 5proposals for minor changesin court procedures.

W.D. Va. 12/1/93 All civil cases filed after

12/1/93

The CJRA Plan isimplemented by generalorder. In the event of aconflict between the CJRAPlan and local rules, theCJRA Plan will prevail.

IA

E.D. Wash. 12/1/93 All civil cases General order The CJRA Plan reflects the

substance of the AdvisoryGroup recommendations.

W.D. Wash. 6/14/93 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommended CJRA Plan inits entirety.

N.D. W. Va. 12/18/91 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommendations.

S.D. W. Va. 12/30/91 All civil cases General order and local rules The court adopted most of

the Advisory Group’srecommendations.
Table 17: Implementation of the Plan

358 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA ExpensDistrict Effective Date of Plan Cases Covered by the Plan

Adopted as Local Rules orGeneral Order

Relationship of Plan to theAdvisory Group’sRecommendations O

E.D. Wis. 1/1/92 All civil cases pending as of

1/1/92

Local rules The CJRA Plan is

substantially similar toAdvisory Group’srecommendations.

W.D. Wis. 12/31/91 All civil cases General order The court adopted many of

the recommendations in theCJRA as principles for thedesign of the CJRA Plan andmany of the AdvisoryGroup’s recommendationsfor specific changes. SomeAdvisory Grouprecommendations wererejected as outside the scopeof the court’s authority.Other recommendations wererejected because the courtdisagreed with either theAdvisory Group’s analysis ofa problem or the solution.These latterrecommendations are notedin the appropriate tableentries.

D. Wyo. 12/31/91 All civil cases filed on or

after 12/31/91. The courtmay apply the CJRA Plan tocases filed before that date.

Local rules The court adopted the

Advisory Group’srecommended CJRA Planwithout change.
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Index of District Courts

Alabama, Middle District, 9, 15, 63, 83, 105, 131, 179, 205, 227, 241, 253,

269, 285, 299, 309, 329, 345

Alabama, Northern District, 9, 15, 63, 83, 105, 131, 179, 205, 227, 241,

253, 269, 285, 299, 309, 329, 345

Alabama, Southern District, 9, 16, 63, 83, 106, 133, 180, 206, 227, 241,

253, 269, 286, 299, 310, 329, 345

Alaska, 9, 16, 64, 83, 106, 133, 180, 206, 228, 241, 254, 269, 286, 299, 310,

329, 346

Arizona, 9, 16, 64, 84, 106, 133, 180, 206, 228, 241, 254, 270, 286, 299,

310, 330, 346

Arkansas, Eastern District, 9, 16, 64, 84, 106, 134, 181, 206, 228, 241, 254,

270, 286, 300, 310, 330, 346

Arkansas, Western District, 9, 16, 64, 84, 106, 134, 181, 206, 228, 242, 254,

270, 286, 300, 310, 330, 346

California, Central District, 9, 17, 64, 84, 106, 134, 181, 206, 228, 242, 254,

270, 286, 300, 311, 330, 346

California, Eastern District, 9, 17, 64, 84, 107, 135, 181, 207, 228, 242, 254,

270, 286, 300, 311, 330, 346

California, Northern District, 10, 17, 64, 84, 107, 135, 181, 207, 228, 242,

254, 270, 286, 300, 311, 331, 346

California, Southern District, 10, 18, 65, 84, 107, 135, 181, 207, 228, 242,

254, 271, 286, 300, 311, 331, 346

Colorado, 10, 18, 65, 84, 107, 136, 181, 207, 228, 242, 255, 271, 287, 300,

311, 331, 346

Connecticut, 10, 19, 65, 84, 107, 136, 182, 207, 229, 242, 255, 271, 287,

300, 312, 331, 347

Delaware, 10, 19, 65, 84, 108, 137, 182, 208, 229, 242, 255, 271, 287, 300,

312, 331, 347

District of Columbia, 10, 19, 65, 84, 108, 137, 182, 208, 229, 242, 255, 271,

287, 300, 312, 331, 347

Florida, Middle District, 10, 20, 65, 84, 108, 138

271, 287, 300, 312, 331, 347

Florida, Northern District, 10, 21, 65, 85, 109, 13

271, 287, 301, 312, 332, 347

Florida, Southern District, 10, 21, 65, 85, 109, 13

271, 287, 301, 312, 332, 347

Georgia, Middle District, 10, 23, 66, 85, 109, 139

272, 288, 301, 313, 332, 348

Georgia, Northern District, 10, 23, 66, 85, 110, 

256, 272, 288, 301, 313, 332, 348

Georgia, Southern District, 10, 24, 66, 85, 110, 

256, 272, 288, 301, 313, 333, 348

Guam, 10, 66, 86, 110, 140, 184, 209, 230, 243

333, 348

Hawaii, 10, 26, 66, 86, 111, 141, 184, 209, 230

313, 334, 348

Idaho, 10, 26, 66, 86, 111, 141, 184, 209, 230, 24

334, 348

Illinois, Central District, 10, 27, 67, 86, 111, 142

272, 288, 301, 314, 335, 348

Illinois, Northern District, 11, 27, 67, 86, 111, 14

273, 289, 302, 314, 335, 348

Illinois, Southern District, 11, 28, 67, 86, 111, 14

273, 289, 302, 314, 335, 348

Indiana, Northern District, 11, 29, 67, 87, 112, 

257, 273, 289, 302, 314, 336, 349

Indiana, Southern District, 11, 31, 68, 87, 112, 

258, 273, 289, 302, 314, 336, 349

Iowa, Northern District, 11, 32, 68, 87, 112, 144

273, 289, 302, 314, 337, 349
360 Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expens

Iowa, Southern District, 11, 32, 68, 87, 112, 144, 186, 211, 231, 245, 258,

274, 289, 302, 315, 337, 349

Kansas, 11, 32, 68, 87, 112, 144, 187, 211, 231, 245, 258, 274, 289, 302,

315, 337, 349

Kentucky, Eastern District, 11, 33, 68, 87, 113, 144, 187, 211, 231, 245,

258, 274, 289, 302, 315, 337, 349

Kentucky, Western District, 11, 33, 68, 87, 113, 144, 187, 211, 231, 245,

258, 274, 289, 302, 315, 337, 349

Louisiana, Eastern District, 11, 34, 69, 87, 113, 144, 187, 211, 231, 245,

258, 274, 289, 302, 315, 338, 350

Louisiana, Middle District, 11, 35, 69, 87, 113, 145, 188, 212, 231, 245,

258, 275, 289, 302, 315, 338, 350

Louisiana, Western District, 11, 35, 69, 87, 114, 145, 188, 212, 232, 245,

258, 275, 290, 302, 315, 338, 350

Maine, 11, 36, 69, 88, 114, 147, 188, 212, 232, 245, 259, 275, 290, 302,

316, 338, 350

Maryland, 11, 37, 70, 89, 114, 148, 189, 212, 232, 246, 259, 275, 290, 302,

316, 338, 350

Massachusetts, 11, 37, 70, 89, 114, 148, 189, 212, 232, 246, 259, 275, 290,

302, 316, 338, 350

Michigan, Eastern District, 11, 38, 71, 89, 115, 149, 189, 213, 232, 246,

259, 275, 290, 303, 316, 338, 350

Michigan, Western District, 11, 39, 71, 89, 115, 149, 189, 213, 232, 246,

259, 276, 290, 303, 316, 338, 351

Minnesota, 11, 39, 71, 90, 115, 150, 190, 214, 232, 246, 259, 276, 290, 303,

317, 339, 351

Mississippi, Northern District, 12, 40, 71, 90, 115, 150, 190, 214, 232, 246,

260, 276, 290, 303, 317, 339, 351

Mississippi, Southern District, 12, 40, 72, 91, 116, 151, 190, 214, 232, 246,

260, 276, 290, 303, 317, 339, 351

Missouri, Eastern District, 12, 40, 72, 91, 116, 151, 190, 214, 233, 246, 260,

276, 291, 303, 317, 339, 351

Missouri, Western District, 12, 41, 72, 92, 116, 151, 190, 214, 233, 246,

260, 276, 291, 303, 317, 339, 351

Montana, 12, 42, 72, 92, 116, 152, 191, 214, 233, 247, 260, 276, 291, 303,

318, 339, 352

Nebraska, 12, 42, 73, 92, 117, 152, 191, 214, 233

318, 339, 352

Nevada, 12, 43, 73, 92, 117, 153, 191, 215, 233

318, 339, 352

New Hampshire, 12, 43, 73, 92, 117, 153, 191, 

291, 303, 318, 340, 352

New Jersey, 12, 43, 73, 93, 117, 154, 192, 215, 

304, 318, 340, 352

New Mexico, 12, 44, 74, 93, 117, 155, 192, 215

304, 319, 340, 352

New York, Eastern District, 12, 44, 74, 93, 117

261, 277, 292, 304, 319, 340, 352

New York, Northern District, 12, 44, 74, 93, 118

261, 278, 292, 304, 319, 340, 353

New York, Southern District, 12, 45, 74, 94, 118

261, 278, 292, 304, 319, 341, 353

New York, Western District, 12, 46, 74, 94, 118

261, 278, 292, 304, 320, 341, 353

North Carolina, Eastern District, 12, 46, 74, 94, 

248, 262, 278, 293, 304, 320, 341, 353

North Carolina, Middle District, 12, 46, 75, 94, 

248, 262, 278, 293, 305, 320, 341, 353

North Carolina, Western District, 12, 46, 75, 94

249, 262, 278, 293, 305, 320, 341, 353

North Dakota, 12, 47, 75, 95, 120, 159, 194, 218

305, 320, 341, 353

Northern Mariana Islands, 12, 47, 75, 95, 120, 15

278, 293, 305, 320, 341, 353

Ohio, Northern District, 13, 48, 76, 96, 120, 160

279, 293, 305, 320, 341, 353

Ohio, Southern District, 13, 48, 76, 96, 120, 161

279, 293, 305, 320, 341, 354

Oklahoma, Eastern District, 13, 48, 76, 97, 121

262, 279, 293, 305, 321, 341, 354

Oklahoma, Northern District, 13, 49, 76, 97, 121

263, 279, 294, 305, 321, 341, 354
Federal Judicial Center, Sourcebook on CJRA Expense and Delay Reduction Plans 

Oklahoma, Western District, 13, 49, 76, 97, 121, 162, 196, 219, 236, 249,

263, 279, 294, 305, 321, 341, 354

Oregon, 13, 50, 77, 98, 122, 163, 196, 219, 236, 249, 263, 279, 294, 305,

321, 342, 354

Pennsylvania, Eastern District, 13, 51, 77, 98, 122, 163, 196, 220, 236, 249,

263, 279, 294, 306, 322, 342, 354

Pennsylvania, Middle District, 13, 51, 77, 99, 122, 163, 197, 221, 236, 249,

263, 280, 294, 306, 322, 342, 354

Pennsylvania, Western District, 13, 52, 77, 99, 123, 164, 197, 221, 236,

249, 263, 280, 294, 306, 322, 342, 355

Puerto Rico, 13, 52, 78, 99, 123, 164, 197, 221, 236, 249, 264, 280, 295,

306, 323, 342, 355

Rhode Island, 13, 52, 78, 100, 123, 164, 197, 221, 236, 250, 264, 280, 295,

306, 323, 342, 355

South Carolina, 13, 53, 78, 100, 123, 164, 197, 221, 236, 250, 264, 280,

295, 306, 323, 342, 355

South Dakota, 13, 53, 78, 100, 124, 164, 198, 221, 236, 250, 264, 280, 295,

306, 323, 342, 355

Tennessee, Eastern District, 13, 53, 78, 100, 124, 165, 198, 221, 237, 250,

264, 280, 295, 306, 323, 342, 355

Tennessee, Middle District, 13, 53, 78, 100, 124, 165, 199, 221, 237, 250,

265, 280, 295, 306, 324, 343, 356

Tennessee, Western District, 13, 54, 78, 100, 124, 165, 199, 222, 237, 250,

265, 281, 295, 306, 324, 343, 356

Texas, Eastern District, 13, 54, 79, 100, 125, 166, 199, 222, 237, 250, 265,

281, 296, 306, 324, 343, 356

Texas, Northern District, 13, 55, 79, 101, 125, 167, 200, 222, 237, 250, 265,

281, 296, 307, 325, 343, 356

Texas, Southern District, 14, 56, 79, 101, 126, 16

281, 296, 307, 326, 343, 356

Texas, Western District, 14, 56, 79, 101, 126, 169

281, 297, 307, 326, 343, 356

Utah, 14, 57, 79, 101, 126, 169, 201, 223, 238, 

326, 344, 356

Vermont, 14, 57, 79, 101, 127, 169, 201, 223, 238

326, 344, 357

Virgin Islands, 14, 58, 80, 101, 127, 170, 201, 22

307, 327, 344, 357

Virginia, Eastern District, 14, 58, 80, 102, 127, 

266, 282, 297, 308, 327, 344, 357

Virginia, Western District, 14, 58, 80, 102, 127

266, 282, 298, 308, 327, 344, 357

Washington, Eastern District, 14, 58, 80, 102, 128

266, 282, 298, 308, 327, 344, 357

Washington, Western District, 14, 58, 80, 102, 

251, 266, 282, 298, 308, 327, 344, 357

West Virginia, Northern District, 14, 59, 80, 102

252, 266, 283, 298, 308, 327, 344, 357

West Virginia, Southern District, 14, 59, 80, 102

252, 267, 283, 298, 308, 327, 344, 357

Wisconsin, Eastern District, 14, 60, 80, 102, 129

267, 283, 298, 308, 327, 344, 358

Wisconsin, Western District, 14, 60, 81, 103, 130

267, 283, 298, 308, 328, 344, 358

Wyoming, 14, 60, 81, 103, 130, 177, 203, 225, 

308, 328, 344, 358