Practices

Commencement of Action and General Procedures

Status Conferences

Attorneys on civil cases may request telephone pretrials. Please call the bailiff in advance.

Continuances

All cases: If possible obtain the consent of the other party(s) before requesting a continuance.  Forms or simple motions with a space for the new date are fine.

Civil Pretrial Procedures

Motion Practice

Oral hearings scheduled with bailiff.  Decisions typically issued within 30 days.

Settlement

Mediator available without cost; arranged through bailiff.  Settlement discussions encouraged.  The parties must make a good faith effort to settle the case or at least narrow the issues before the trial.

Pretrial conferences and orders

Informal discovery and settlement conferences. Via telephone? Yes, please contact bailiff in advance. No pretrial statement required.

Criminal Pretrial Procedures

Pleas

Judge will discuss sentencing before plea.

Motion Practice

Criminal and traffic cases:  Bailiff will schedule date to hear testimony or arguments upon request.

Pretrial conferences and orders

Informal discovery and settlement conferences. No pretrial statement required.

Trial

Voir Dire

Attorneys may view, but not copy, prospective juror cards immediately before trial.  Judge does not conduct voir dire. Attorneys conduct voir dire.

Decorum

Attorneys will be professional and zealously represent their clients.

Opening Statement

No time limitations. Exhibits can be used.

Closing statements

No time limitations.

Jury procedures

I do not permit jurors to take notes.  Jurors may inspect exhibits in the jury room.  Jurors are not permitted to ask questions, orally or in writing.
   Each juror is given a written copy of the instructions immediately before the jury is charged. Novel jury instructions (not OJI) should be submitted in writing with a cite, if possible.
   Counsel is permitted to talk with jurors after a verdict.