Los Angeles Superior Court Document Format Requirements

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

An additional copy must be provided to the court, in Microsoft Word format, on a portable storage device such as a flash drive.

An additional copy must be provided to the court, in Microsoft Word format, on a portable storage device such as a flash drive.

CRITICAL

As explained above, the parties and counsel must provide a tabbed binder at the FSC containing all motions in limine, oppositions, and replies in sequential order consistent with the number assigned to each motion in limine. The binder also must contain a table of contents identifying each motion in limine, opposition, and reply, and the corresponding tab for each.

As explained above, the parties and counsel must provide a tabbed binder at the FSC containing all motions in limine, oppositions, and replies in sequential order consistent with the number assigned to each motion in limine. The binder also must contain a table of contents identifying each motion in limine, opposition, and reply, and the corresponding tab for each.

CRITICAL

When 10 or more exhibits will be used, exhibit copies must be placed in one or more 3-ring binders, with non-documentary exhibits represented by a simple written description.

If ten (10) or more exhibits are to be used, copies of the exhibits shall be placed in one or more 3-ring binders. Non-documentary exhibits shall be represented in the binder with a simple written description.

CRITICAL

When more than one motion in limine is filed, each motion must be numbered consecutively.

If more than one motion in limine is filed, each shall be numbered consecutively.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibits must be pre-numbered, exchanged (except impeachment exhibits), placed in tabbed three-ring binders with party-specific numbering and no letter designations.

2. Exhibits. All Exhibits must be pre-numbered (1, 2, 3, etc.) and exchanged except for those anticipated in good faith to be used for impeachment. (Rule 3.52.) The Parties shall place exhibits in three ring binders, with tabs to separate each exhibit. There shall be a binder for each party, the Court Clerk, the Judge and the witness stand. In a typical two-party case this shall require 5 separate, fully numbered and tabbed exhibit binders. Plaintiffs shall number exhibits beginning with Exhibit 1 and Defendants shall number exhibits beginning with Exhibit 101. Letters shall not be used. Letters shall not be used to designate subparts. Each separate exhibit shall bear only a numeric designation. (Rule 3.53.) Multiple page exhibits shall have page numbers on each page so as to facilitate reference to the document during interrogation of the witnesses. Separate documents shall not be grouped together as one exhibit or as subparts to one exhibit. Each shall be separately numbered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibits must be placed in tabbed three-ring binders, with a separate binder for each party, the Court Clerk, the Judge, and the witness stand (5 binders in a typical two-party case).

The Parties shall place exhibits in three ring binders, with tabs to separate each exhibit. There shall be a binder for each party, the Court Clerk, the Judge and the witness stand. In a typical two-party case this shall require 5 separate, fully numbered and tabbed exhibit binders.

CRITICALCivil cases

Plaintiffs number exhibits starting at 1 and Defendants starting at 101; letters are prohibited (including for subparts) and each separate exhibit must bear only a numeric designation.

Plaintiffs shall number exhibits beginning with Exhibit 1 and Defendants shall number exhibits beginning with Exhibit 101. Letters shall not be used. Letters shall not be used to designate subparts. Each separate exhibit shall bear only a numeric designation. (Rule 3.53.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Separate documents may not be grouped together as one exhibit or as subparts; each must be separately numbered.

Separate documents shall not be grouped together as one exhibit or as subparts to one exhibit. Each shall be separately numbered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must attach copies of designated transcript pages to the Joint Chart with numbered tabs, keeping each transcript's designation pages in page order behind a single tab.

The parties shall attach a copy of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating to the Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript. For each transcript, all pages containing the designations and counter-designations shall be included in a single document in page order behind a single tab.

CRITICALCivil cases

Every page of every exhibit must be labeled with the exhibit number and page number in the format 'Exhibit 102-Pg. 001 of 017'.

Each page of each exhibit needs to be labelled to reflect the exhibit number and the individual page number as reflected by the total pages in the exhibit in the format below. Exhibit 102-Pg. 001 of 017

CRITICALCivil cases

Every designation and counter-designation must be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

Each designation and counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

CRITICALCivil cases

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) (“Exhibit Binders”).

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) (“Exhibit Binders”).

CRITICALCivil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on LASC form LACIV 129 or a Word document in the same format.

The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on the Superior Court of Los Angeles County form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be placed in 3-ring binders, properly marked, internally paginated, with non-documentary exhibits represented by a simple written description.

The exhibits shall be placed in one or more 3-ring binders for ease of access and shall be properly marked. Each exhibit shall be internally paginated. Non-documentary exhibits shall be represented in the binder with a simple written description.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibits to be used at trial should be provided in binders.

Exhibits to be used at trial should be provided in binders.

CRITICALCivil cases

Motions in limine and oppositions thereto must be filed in a separate notebook/binder.

Motions in Limine: These motions and opposition thereto must be filed in a separate notebook/binder.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each exhibit must be separately numbered, and multi-page exhibits must have internally numbered pages (e.g., Exh. 3, 3.1, 3.2).

NOTE: Each exhibit must be separately numbered. If an exhibit contains more than one page, the pages must be internally numbered, i.e. Exh. 3, 3.1, 3.2 etc.

CRITICAL

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents.

consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

CRITICAL

Parties must jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated, properly marked exhibits in three-ring binders (court, Judicial Assistant, witnesses), with documentary exhibits copied one-sided.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly-marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) (“Exhibit Binders”). Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on LASC form LACIV 129 or in a Word document in the same format.

The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on Los Angeles County Superior Court form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.

CRITICAL

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided, conformed copies organized in tabbed three-ring binders in numerical order, with colored sheets separating moving, opposition, and reply papers.

The Motions in Limine Binder shall include one-sided, conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition papers, and reply papers, organized in one or more three-ring binders, tabbed in numerical order with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers with a colored sheet of paper separating the moving, opposition, and reply papers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Trial exhibits require 5 sets, tabs between exhibits, plaintiffs use numbers, defendants use letters or 101+.

Parties must bring 5 sets of labeled exhibits. Plaintiffs shall use numbers and defendants shall use letters. Binders must include tabs between exhibits. MUST USE TABS IN BETWEEN EXHIBITS. Plaintiffs use numbers, Defendants use alphabet letters or start with 101.

CRITICALCivil cases

For all trials, parties must bring 5 sets of labeled exhibits (plaintiffs use numbers, defendants use letters) and binders must include tabs between exhibits.

Trial Preparation - All trials must comply with the Local Rules and Unlawful Detainer Fourth Amended Standing Order. Parties must bring 5 sets of labeled exhibits. Plaintiffs shall use numbers and defendants shall use letters. Binders must include tabs between exhibits.

CRITICALCivil cases

Trial Documents: Must be according to Court Rules. Should include 5 sets of numbered trial exhibits. Plaintiffs use numbers, Defendants use alphabet letters or start with 101. MUST USE TABS IN BETWEEN EXHIBITS.

Trial Documents: Must be according to Court Rules. Should include 5 sets of numbered trial exhibits. Plaintiffs use numbers, Defendants use alphabet letters or start with 101. MUST USE TABS IN BETWEEN EXHIBITS.

CRITICALCivil cases

For jury trials, parties must meet and confer and comply with the general order, including having a joint binder, or the case will not be given a trial court assignment.

In addition, the parties are required to meet and confer and to comply with all aspects of the general order, including have a joint binder or the case will not be given a trial court assignment.

CRITICAL

All document exhibits must be placed in three-ring binders under numbered tabs, with each page numbered within its tab.

All document exhibits MUST be placed in three ring binders, under number tabs, and each page of the Exhibit must be numbered within each tab. (i.e. Exhibit 1 page 1, Exhibit 1/3, or 1.1, etc.)

CRITICAL

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents.

consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

CRITICAL

In the joint chart, each designating party's designations of deposition or former testimony shall include columns that state: (1) the designation number and name of the witness; (2) the date and type of testimony (e.g., deposition or trial testimony); (3) the page and line designations

In the joint chart, each designating party's designations of deposition or former testimony shall include columns that state: (1) the designation number and name of the witness; (2) the date and type of testimony (e.g., deposition or trial testimony); (3) the page and line designations

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on SCLAC form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document in the same format, including the disposition box.

The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on SCLAC form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format including the disposition box.

CRITICAL

Parties must attach copies of the designated transcript pages to the joint chart, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript.

The parties shall attach copies of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating to the Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript.

CRITICAL

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain two-sided conformed copies organized in tabbed, indexed three-ring binders no larger than 3 inches per binder with colored sheets separating moving, opposition, and reply papers.

The Motions in Limine Binder shall include two-sided, conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition papers, and reply papers, organized in one or more three-ring binders not to exceed 3" per binder, indexed and tabbed in numerical order with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers with a colored sheet of paper separating the moving, opposition, and reply papers.

CRITICAL

The final set of jury instructions must exclude the disposition table from the top of each instruction.

After the jury- instruction conference, the Court will require one of the parties to submit a final set of jury instructions approved by the Court, including any modifications ordered by the Court, and excluding the disposition table from the top of each instruction.

CRITICAL

Each designation or counter-designation must be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

CRITICAL

Parties must jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated (e.g., 5-1, 5-2), properly marked exhibits organized numerically in three-ring binders no larger than 3 inches for the Court, Judicial Assistant, and witnesses.

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (not to exceed 3" per binder) (one set for the Court, one set for the Judicial Assistant, and one set for the witnesses) ("Exhibit Binders"). For example, if exhibit 5 is a five-page document, its pages should be numbered 5-1, 5-2, 5-3.

CRITICAL

Copies of documentary exhibits must be one-sided.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

CRITICAL

Counter-designations in the joint chart must include columns for the witness designation number/name, testimony date and type, page and line counter-designations, objections, the related designation number, and the Court's ruling.

In the joint chart, each counter-designating party's counter-designations of additional deposition or former testimony of the witness that relates to the designations shall include columns which state: (1) the designation number and name of the witness; (2) the date and type of testimony (e.g., deposition or trial testimony); (3) the page and line counter-designations of the deposition or former testimony requested to be used; (4) any objections; (5) the designation number of the other party's designation to which the counter-designation relates; and (6) the Court's ruling.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Each party must bring an electronic Word copy of its proposed verdict form to the FSC, ready to be edited in the courtroom.

If after exhaustive meet and confer efforts the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form, and bring an electronic copy of their proposed verdict form in Word to the FSC, ready to be edited in the courtroom.

CRITICAL

Each motion in limine filing must include a separate summation page listing each motion's number and title.

A separate Summation Page must be included listing each Motion in Limine number and title.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each exhibit must be identified separately and Bates stamped. b. Bulk exhibits (e.g., "plaintiffs medical records") will not be permitted. Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated (e.g., exhibit 1 will be 1-1, 1-2, etc.). c. Blow-ups of portions of exhibits will not be identified nor marked as a sub-part to the exhibit. Typically, a blow-up will not be admitted into evidence.

Each exhibit must be identified separately and Bates stamped. b. Bulk exhibits (e.g., "plaintiffs medical records") will not be permitted. Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated (e.g., exhibit 1 will be 1-1, 1-2, etc.). c. Blow-ups of portions of exhibits will not be identified nor marked as a sub-part to the exhibit. Typically, a blow-up will not be admitted into evidence.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each exhibit must be separately identified and Bates stamped; bulk exhibits are prohibited and each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

Each exhibit must be identified separately and Bates stamped. b. Bulk exhibits (e.g., "plaintiffs medical records") will not be permitted. Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated (e.g., exhibit 1 will be 1-1, 1-2, etc.).

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Please submit the Special Verdict to the clerk via email in MS Word format.

Please submit the Special Verdict to the clerk via email in MS Word format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Motions in limine must be in writing, numbered, and filed/served per Local Rule 3.25(f)(2).

MOTIONS IN LIMINE must be in writing, numbered, and shall be filed and served on opposing parties in accordance with Local Rule 3.25(f)(2).

CRITICAL

Parties filing motions in limine must also submit a 3-ring binder notebook containing all motions, oppositions, and replies, with a Table of Contents and tab dividers for each numbered motion.

Separate Notebooks Are Required for All Motions in Limine: In addition to filing electronically, the party filing the motion(s) in limine must also submit a 3-ring binder notebook containing all motions, oppositions, and replies. The notebook must have both a Table of Contents and tab dividers to separate each numbered motion and its corresponding opposition and reply.

CRITICAL

Unlawful Detainer trial exhibits must be in tabbed binders with numbered pages and exhibit list; binders should be provided to judge, judicial assistant, opposing counsel, and reporter.

Exhibits: All document exhibits MUST be placed in binders under tabs, and each page must be numbered within each tab. The exhibit list must be included in the binders. Exhibits must be brought to Court on the first day of trial. Binders should be provided for the Judge, Judicial Assistant, Opposing Counsel and Reporter.

CRITICAL

Identical copies of the exhibit list and all exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders — one for each party, one for the Court, and one for the witness stand.

Identical copies of the Exhibit List and all exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders as follows: one for each party, one for the Court, and one for the witness stand.

CRITICAL

Document exhibits must be placed in tabbed binders with pages numbered within each tab and the exhibit list included in the binder.

All document exhibits MUST be placed in binders under tabs, and each page must be numbered within each tab. The exhibit list must be included in the binders.

CRITICAL

Jury trial parties must submit a 3-Ring Trial Binder containing the documents in items 4.b through 4.g with a table of contents.

h. 3-Ring Trial Binder containing all the documents above in 4.b through 4.g, with a table of contents.

CRITICAL

A 3-ring trial binder containing all the listed jury trial documents with a table of contents must be filed.

3-Ring Trial Binder containing all the documents above with a table of contents.

CRITICAL

The printed hard copy of jury instructions delivered to Department F44 must be on 2-hole punched, perforated paper so instruction identification can be separated from instruction text for jury deliberation.

The printed, hard copy of the jury instructions delivered directly to Department F44 shall be submitted on 2-hole punched, perforated paper so as to allow for separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.

CRITICAL

All exhibits sought to be admitted must be placed in Exhibit Notebooks.

All exhibits sought to be admitted by the parties shall be placed in Exhibit Notebooks.