Opinion ID: 2263762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Preliminary Proceedings in Judge Blackburn's Court

Text: Before the trial began in federal court, Judge Robert E. Blackburn (the Court) issued two separate orders pursuant to D.C.COLO.LCivR 43.1 and REB Civ. Practice Standard IV.A.1 detailing trial procedures in his court. [7] These orders included protocol for handling objections. Objections had to be made succinctly and supported by the applicable law. Lawyers were not allowed to speechify their objections or responses in front of the jury, and stipulations needed to be prepared before trial commenced. In addition, the lawyers were required to review the Trial Checklist with the courtroom deputy clerk. The clerk in turn advised the parties that the Court did not permit them to be speaking while the Court issued the oath to a witness. Furthermore, the parties were not to address witnesses by their first names. Before the trial commenced, Respondent filed a motion to disqualify Judge Blackburn. Judge Blackburn denied the motion. Before denying the motion, Judge Blackburn admonished Respondent for the content and tone of an email Respondent had sent to his clerk in preliminary proceedings. [8]