Los Angeles Superior Court Document Format Requirements

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Printed jury instructions must be on 2-hole punched perforated paper with specified identifying information for each instruction.

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. All requested CACI instructions, per the foregoing, must be submitted in proper form which includes: A) At the top of each requested jury instruction, identification of the party/parties requesting the instruction; B) Whether the instruction is to be given as requested or modified; C) Whether the instruction is withdrawn; and D) A signature line for the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instruction

Margins

top 4 in

Proposed special jury instructions must have at least 4 inches of blank space at the top of every page.

Leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page of any proposed special jury instructions, or any addenda to form instructions.

CRITICAL

Each exhibit must be separately numbered to match the joint exhibit list, and multi-page exhibits must have internally numbered pages (e.g., 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).

Each exhibit must be separately numbered, with the numbers corresponding to the number of the exhibit on the joint exhibit list. If an exhibit contains more than one page, the pages must be internally numbered, i.e., 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 etc.

CRITICAL

At least four inches of blank space must be left at the top of every page of proposed special jury instructions and addenda to form instructions.

Leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page of any proposed special jury instructions, or any addenda to form instructions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibit books delivered for the Final Status Conference must be tabbed and indexed.

Delivered-5 Sets of Exhibit Books, tabbed and indexed, and delivered to Dept. T.

CRITICALCivil cases

Stipulations reached at an Informal Discovery Conference must be in writing.

Any stipulations at an Informal Discovery Conference shall be in writing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Non-documentary trial exhibits must be represented in a binder with a simple written description.

Non-documentary exhibits shall be represented in a binder with a simple written description.

CRITICALCivil cases

Jury instructions must not be three-hole punched or placed in a binder and must be assembled into three stacks (agreed-upon; plaintiff's objected-to; defendant's objected-to).

They are not to be three-hole punched and not to be placed in a binder. They are to be assembled into stacks: (1) an agreed-upon stack; (2) a stack, if any, of plaintiff's instructions to which defendant objects; and (3) a stack, if any, of defendant's instructions to which plaintiff objects.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibit binders must be labeled with the case name and number, and each binder must be labeled 'Judicial Assistant,' 'Judge,' or 'Witness.'

The binders should be labeled with the name and case number for the case, and each binder shall be labeled "Judicial Assistant," "Judge," or "Witness."

CRITICAL

Reply separate statements are not recognized by the Rules of Court and will not be considered by the court.

Reply separate statements are not provided for in the Rules of Court and will not be considered.

CRITICALCivil cases

When filing the Trial Documents, the parties must lodge by 4 p.m. an indexed, tabbed three-ring Trial Readiness Binder with copies of all Trial Documents and motions in limine, plus indexed and tabbed Exhibit Binders.

Simultaneously with the filing of the Trial Documents, the parties also must lodge by 4 p.m., an indexed and tabbed three-ring Trial Readiness Binder containing copies of all of the Trial Documents and the motions in limine, and indexed and tabbed Exhibit Binders.

CRITICALCivil cases

IDC forms must not include attached documents, miniscule font, or text exceeding the allotted space.

Do not attach any documents, do not type in miniscule font and do not use more than the allotted space on the IDC form to describe the dispute.

CRITICALCivil cases

For trial, the parties must jointly prepare three sets of exhibits in numerical order in three-ring binders, with tabs, internal pagination, and markings matching the joint exhibit list.

For the trial, the parties must jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated and properly marked exhibits (i.e., the exhibit numbers must correspond to those on the joint exhibit list), organized numerically in three- ring binders (i.e., one for the witness, one for the courtroom clerk, and one for the Court).

CRITICALCivil cases

A motion may be rejected for failure to comply with tabbing rules.

Your motion could be rejected for failure to comply with the rules regarding tabbing.

CRITICALCivil cases

For jury trials, the joint stipulated-facts list must be written in a non-legalistic form and tone suitable for reading to the jury.

For jury trials, the Joint List of Stipulated Facts must be in a form and tone (i.e., not “legalese”) that can be read to the jury as stipulated facts.

CRITICALCivil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be jury-ready and contain only the instruction number, title, and text, without boxes or requester, revision-date, or tear-off markings.

The parties must prepare instructions in a format ready for submission to the jury with the instruction number, title and text only (i.e., there should be no boxes or other indication on the printed instruction itself as to the requesting party, revised date, tear offs, etc.)

CRITICAL

Margins

top 4 in

Proposed special jury instructions and addenda to form instructions must leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page.

Leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page of any proposed special jury instructions, or any addenda to form instructions.

CRITICAL

Parties must prepare binder(s) for the Clerk containing pre-numbered exhibits, with each exhibit inserted behind a numbered tab matching the exhibit number on the joint exhibit list per LASC Rule 3.52.

The parties will prepare a binder, or set of binders, for the Clerk containing pre-numbered exhibits. LASC Rule 3.52. Each exhibit will be inserted behind a numbered tab, with the numbers corresponding to the number of the exhibit on the joint exhibit list.

CRITICAL

Parties must attach tabbed copies of designated transcript pages to the joint chart, highlight each designation with a party-distinct color, and label lodged transcript spines with witness name, date, and volume number.

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. Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter. Deposition transcripts lodged with the Court should be labeled with the witness's name, date, volume number on the spine (e.g., "John Doe, 12/24/20, Vol. 1 of 3"), as well as the case name and number if it fits.

CRITICAL

Parties must jointly prepare at least five sets of tabbed, numerically organized three-ring exhibit binders: one for the Court, the Judicial Assistant, the witnesses, and each party.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare at least five sets of tabbed, exhibit binders organized numerically in three-ring binders (Exhibit Binders): a set for the Court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, a set for the witnesses, and a set for each party.

CRITICAL

The Motions in Limine Binder must be marked with the case caption, number, and title, contain conformed copies of all MIL papers, and be organized in tabbed three-ring binders with opposition/reply papers directly behind each motion separated by colored sheets.

The Motions in Limine Binder shall be marked with the case caption, number, and title on its front and spine and shall include 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.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Briefs and reply briefs must be submitted on Microsoft Word in a cut-and-paste friendly format (no dragged rules/numbering/footers) so the court can prepare its tentative decision.

and reply briefs on Microsoft Word in a format from which the court may cut and paste without dragging the brief’s rule and numbering or footers, so that the court can prepare its tentative decision.

CRITICAL

The joint appendix must be a single three-ring binder (preferably three-inch) or a binder spiral bound on the side.

The joint appendix shall consist of a single three- ring binder -- preferably a three-inch binder -- or a binder that is spiral bound on the side.

CRITICAL

The mandamus trial notebook must be a one- or three-inch three-ring binder lodged when the reply brief is filed, containing only the bates-stamped agency decision, the parties' briefs, and requests for judicial notice separated by labeled tabs, with documentary evidence included (with exhibit tabs, possibly in separate binders) only in traditional mandamus cases.

The trial notebook shall be in a one or three-inch, three-ring binder as appropriate and lodged with the court when the reply brief is filed. The trial notebook shall contain only copies of the bates- stamped agency decision, the parties’ briefs, and any requests for judicial notice. The documents should be separated by labeled tabs. Except in traditional mandamus cases, documentary evidence should not be included in the trial notebook. In traditional mandamus cases, the trial notebook shall have documentary evidence with exhibit tabs, which may be in a separate three-ring binder(s) if voluminous.

CRITICAL

The parties' joint statement of the case must be concise and not exceed two paragraphs.

The parties shall submit a concise— not to exceed two paragraphs—neutral statement of the case.

CRITICAL

All trial exhibits must be exchanged and pre-numbered, except exhibits anticipated in good faith for impeachment or rebuttal.

all exhibits must be exchanged and pre-numbered, except for those anticipated in good faith to be used for impeachment or during rebuttal

CRITICAL

Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.

Documentary exhibits consisting of more than one page must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.

CRITICAL

Counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare four sets of properly marked exhibits, tabbed, internally paginated by document, and numerically organized in three-ring 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”).

CRITICAL

Documentary exhibits must be copied one-sided.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

CRITICAL

Exhibits longer than one page must be internally paginated.

Note: Any exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.

CRITICAL

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided, conformed copies organized in numerical order in three-ring binders, with each motion’s opposition and reply directly behind it and separated by colored sheets.

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.

CRITICAL

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents; for court trials without a jury, it includes only Tabs A, B, C, H, and I.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I):

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs, and specified attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.

Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form. Attachments to primary documents including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief must be bookmarked and hyper linked.

CRITICAL

Every document associated with a motion must display the reservation number associated with that motion.

All parties to a motion must place the reservation number associated with the motion on each document associated with that motion.

CRITICAL

All motions must comply with the California Code of Civil Procedure and California Rules of Court as to format and filing, and noncompliance may result in denial and/or sanctions.

The court expects counsel and self-represented parties to be familiar with and abide by the California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Rules of Court with respect to the format and filing of all motions. Failure to comply with the relevant sections or rules may result in denial of the motion and/or sanctions.

CRITICAL

Bulk exhibits such as voluminous medical records are not permitted; specific items within them must be separately marked and identified.

Bulk exhibits, e.g., voluminous medical records, will not be permitted. Counsel must separately mark and identify the specific items within a bulk exhibit.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

All jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

All instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

E-filed documents must be PDF text searchable when technologically feasible.

Documents must be electronically submitted in PDF text searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document’s image.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Accompanying documents must be submitted as separate PDF digital documents.

Accompanying documents must be electronically submitted as a separate digital document in PDF format.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be printed on one side only, one instruction per page.

Jury Instructions (Joint and Contested) – The parties/counsel shall prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions, printed on one side only, with one instruction per page, editing all proposed California Civil

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

E-filed documents must be submitted in PDF text-searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document's image.

Documents must be electronically submitted in PDF text searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document's image.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals and multi-page exhibits must have sequentially numbered pages, per Local Rules 3.52 and 3.53.

Pursuant to Local Rules 3.52 and 3.53, the exhibits must be pre-marked using Arabic numerals and in instances where exhibits consist of multiple pages, each page must be numbered sequentially.

CRITICAL

Table of contents for any submitted document must be bookmarked.

The table of contents for any document submitted must be bookmarked.

CRITICAL

Electronic documents (declarations, proofs of service, exhibits) must be bookmarked with links to first page and descriptive titles.

Electronic documents, including but not limited to declarations, proofs of service, and exhibits or attachments, must be bookmarked within the document pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1110(f)(4). Electronic bookmarks must include links to the first page of each bookmarked item (e.g., exhibits, declarations, deposition excerpts) and with bookmark titles that identify the bookmark item and briefly describe the item.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be a complete full-text set printed one side only, one instruction per page, with irrelevant material edited out.

The parties/counsel shall prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions, printed on one side only, with one instruction per page, editing all proposed California Civil irrelevant material.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Proposed orders must be submitted in PDF and Word formats, with Word as a separate document in the same electronic transaction.

Proposed Orders must be in both PDF and Word versions. The Word version must be submitted as a separate document in the same electronic envelope/transaction. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1312.)

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Proposed orders must be submitted in both PDF and Word versions, with the Word version filed as a separate document in the same electronic envelope.

Proposed Orders must be in both PDF and Word versions. The Word version must be submitted as a separate document in the same electronic envelope/transaction.

CRITICAL

Writs and abstracts must be submitted in a separate electronic envelope.

Writs and abstracts must be submitted in a separate electronic envelope.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals, page numbered, exchanged 5 days before FSC, lodged first day of trial, 5 tabbed/paginated sets required.

Pursuant to Local Rules 3.52 and 3.53, the exhibits must be pre-marked using Arabic numerals and in instances where exhibits consist of multiple pages, each page must be numbered sequentially. The exhibits must be exchanged at least five (5) calendar days before the FSC and lodged with the Court on the first day of trial. At least five sets of exhibit binders – tabbed and paginated – are required on the first day of trial: a complete set each for the Court, the judicial assistant, and the witness. Counsel must also supply an exhibit binder to each opposing party, and one for counsel themselves.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be organized behind Tab F in a specified order (agreed-upon instructions first, then plaintiff's requested instructions objected to by defendant, then defendant's requested instructions objected to by plaintiff), with each group labeled by cover sheets.

The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions into groups behind Tab F in the following order (labeled by cover sheets): (1) the agreed-upon instructions; (2) plaintiff’s requested instructions to which defendant objects; and (3) defendant’s requested instructions to which plaintiff objects.