Santa Barbara Superior Court Document Filing Requirements

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Transcript

An audio or video tape may not be played unless its transcript has been submitted to the court and counsel 24 hours beforehand, unless good cause is shown.

No audio or video tape shall be played unless a transcript of the audio has been submitted to the court and counsel 24 hours prior to playing the tape, absent a showing of good cause.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Proposed jury verdict forms must be submitted at the same time as proposed jury instructions.

Proposed jury verdict forms shall be submitted at the same time as the proposed jury instructions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

The proposed jury-instruction submission must include the requested CACI instructions by number, edited instruction text, and any requested special instruction with supporting authorities.

a list of the parties’ requested CACI instructions, by number, a document containing the edited text of each CACI Instruction as the party wants it given, and the text of any requested special jury instruction, with supporting authorities as ordered in the TRIAL CALL ORDER.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Witness list

Each lead trial counsel must file, serve, and email the court a complete list of the party’s proposed witnesses within 18 hours, unless already done.

If not already done, each lead trial counsel shall, within eighteen (18) hours, file, serve and, e-mail to the court at dgeck@sbcourts.org as an e-mail attachment (Microsoft Word preferred) a complete witness list of the party’s proposed witnesses.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Audio or video tape playback

Before playing an audio or video tape, submit its audio transcript to the court and counsel at least 24 hours in advance, unless good cause is shown.

No audio or video tape shall be played unless a transcript of the audio has been submitted to the court and counsel 24 hours prior to playing the tape, absent a showing of good cause.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Trial exhibit index

Exhibits generally must be identified and described on the trial exhibit index to be marked or received in evidence, subject to the stated exceptions.

No exhibit, except an impeachment exhibit, shall be marked for identification or received in evidence if it is not identified and described on the trial exhibit index, except for good cause shown.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

Counsel must fill out only the exhibit number, party, and description columns of the exhibit list.

Instructions for counsel: Please fill out the exhibit number, party and description columns only

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial order

Each party must obtain the blank pretrial order and be prepared to argue and provide the requested accurate information at the pretrial conference on the first day of trial.

Each party shall obtain from the Department 4 Internet web page at http://www.sbcourts.org/general_info/judicial_officers/dgeck/forms.htm a blank copy of the court’s pre-trial order and shall be prepared to argue and provide the court with accurate information called for by the pre-trial order at the pre-trial conference on the first day of trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Statement of the case

The parties must submit a joint statement of the case for the jury at the pre-trial conference, or separate statements if they cannot agree.

The parties shall submit a joint statement of the case to be read to the jury (or each party shall submit a statement of the case if the parties are unable to agree) at the pre-trial conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Witness list

Witnesses may not be added to the witness list during trial absent good cause.

Witnesses may not be added to the list during trial except for good cause shown.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Evidence binder

Bring the evidence binder, with a table of contents and a numbered tab for each exhibit, to court the first morning of trial.

For example, Plaintiff/Petitioner shall use numbers 1 – 200 and Defendant/Respondent shall use numbers 201 – 400 adjusting the numbers as necessary to accommodate both parties number of exhibits and shall bring their evidence binder (binders shall be between 2 ½ and 3 inches in size) with a table of contents and numbered tab for each exhibit as ordered in the TRIAL CALL ORDER to the Court the first morning start of trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Trial submissions

Each party must file, serve, and email the listed trial materials to the court if they have not already done so.

Each party, if they have not already done so, shall forthwith file, serve and, e-mail to the court at dgeck@sbcourts.org as an e-mail attachment (Microsoft Word preferred) the following: 1. The table of contents of the party’s evidence binder 2. A complete witness list of the party’s proposed witnesses; 3. The party’s trial brief; 4. Any in limine motions offered by the party.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Each lead trial counsel must file and serve the jury instructions and email them to the court as an attachment within 18 hours.

If not already done, each lead trial counsel shall, within eighteen (18) hours, file, serve and, e-mail to the court at dgeck@sbcourts.org as an e-mail attachment

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibit table of contents

Each lead trial counsel must file, serve, and email a table of contents of the party’s evidence-binder exhibits.

If not already done, each lead trial counsel shall forthwith file, serve and, e-mail to the court at dgeck@sbcourts.org as an e-mail attachment (Microsoft Word preferred) a table of contents of that party’s exhibits in the evidence binder.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

Witness lists must be e-filed for use at the outset of voir dire, using the specified filing code and description.

Witness lists must be e-filed to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org at least five (5) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Witness List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte documents

File family-law ex parte documents without a hearing date inserted.

We DO NOT provide hearing dates for ex parte family law matters prior to the judicial officer’s review. You must file your documents without a hearing date inserted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

File a joint exhibit list when possible, or separate lists otherwise, using the specified filing code and description.

A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Zoom appearance request

A request for a remote appearance based on extenuating circumstances must be filed on local Form SC-2073.

If extenuating circumstances exist that require a remote appearance, the court requires the filing of local Form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing date for the court’s review and consideration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert witness materials

Counsel must provide the court copies of their Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses and Response to that Demand.

Counsel shall provide the court with a copy of their Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses and their Response to Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses to assist the court in ruling on expert witness issues.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion in limine

For motions in limine, use the “Motion in Limine” e-filing code and include the trial date, motion number, and description in the Filing Description field.

Use eFiling code “Motion in Limine” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by the motion number and description.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management statement

A Case Management Statement must be filed for every CMC unless the court orders otherwise.

Case Management Statements are required to be filed for every CMC, unless otherwise specifically ordered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Proposed jury instructions and related materials must be filed using the specified code and description; nonstandard language must be labeled “Special Instruction” and supported in a separate attachment.

A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions, special findings, and verdict forms are to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date. Any proposed language that is added to and/or differs from the CACI approved language shall be identified as a “Special Instruction” in the heading with a separate attachment with any supporting points and authorities. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of the case

A joint statement of the case for the jury must be filed for reading during voir dire, using the specified filing code and description.

A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire is to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Jury trial briefs must include a separate agreed statement of the case, be e-filed at least five court days before trial, and have a courtesy copy emailed; the filing code and description must follow the stated instructions.

Trial briefs, with a separate agreed upon statement of the case, are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit packet

The first page of each exhibit packet must be an Exhibit List that numerically identifies each exhibit by number, type, and brief description.

The first page of the exhibit packet shall be the Exhibit List. The Exhibit List shall list (in numerical order) the number of the exhibit, the type of exhibit, and a brief description of the exhibit.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Non-jury trial briefs must address key controverted issues, include points and authorities, and be submitted no later than three days before trial.

Trial briefs directed at key controverted issues, complete with points and authorities, shall be submitted to the court no later than three (3) days prior to date set for trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Msc mediation requirements

The MSC/Mediation Requirements must be filed with the court one week before the scheduled MSC.

The requirements are to be filed with the court one (1) week prior to the scheduled MSC.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mini opening statement

Mini-opening statements must be submitted in writing by e-filing at least five days before trial, using the specified filing code and description.

Mini-opening statements of no more than three (3) minutes per side are allowed before jury selection. Those must be e-filed with the court in writing at least five (5) days before trial. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “opening”.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

The proposed-instruction list must identify CACI numbers and pinpoint instructions, use the specified eFiling code, and include the trial date in the Filing Description field.

A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions are to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Zoom appearance request

A person seeking a remote appearance based on extenuating circumstances must file local Form SC-2073.

If extenuating circumstances exist that require a remote appearance, the court requires the filing of local Form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing date for the court’s review and consideration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Attorney business card

Each attorney must present a set of business cards to the courtroom clerk when in limine motions are heard or, at the latest, on the first day of voir dire.

A set of business cards from each attorney shall be presented to the courtroom clerk at the time in limine motions are heard or, at the very latest, on the first day of voir dire.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and enter the trial date in the Filing Description field.

Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Trial briefs must use the “Trial Brief” eFiling code and include the trial date in the Filing Description field.

Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Joint statement of case

The joint statement must be for the jury to read during voir dire and its Filing Description must include the trial date followed by “Joint”.

A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire, is to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

File a joint exhibit list if possible, or separate lists otherwise; use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and enter the trial date in the Filing Description field.

A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mandatory settlement conference statement

Each party must submit and serve a mandatory settlement conference statement as required by the cited rules.

No later than five court days before the initial date set for the settlement conference, each party must submit to the court and serve on each party a mandatory settlement conference statement as required by CRC 3.1380(c) and Local Rule 1423.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit packet

The Exhibit List must be the first page of the packet and list each exhibit’s number, type, and brief description in numerical order.

The first page of the exhibit packet shall be the Exhibit List. The Exhibit List shall list (in numerical order) the number of the exhibit, the type of exhibit, and a brief description of the exhibit.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Msc brief

For a non-confidential MSC brief, select eFiling code “Brief” and include “MSC” and the hearing date in the filing description field.

To file a non-confidential brief, select eFiling code “Brief” and include “MSC” with the hearing date in the filing description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Zoom appearance request

If exigent circumstances require a Zoom appearance, the specified request form must be e-filed at least 10 days before trial and served on the other side.

In-person appearances of all parties, witnesses, and counsel is required. If exigent circumstances necessitate a Zoom appearance, local form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, must be e-filed for the court’s consideration at least 10-days prior to trial with service to the other side.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

File witness lists for presentation to the jury at the outset of voir dire, use eFiling code “Witness List,” and enter the trial date in the Filing Description field.

Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Witness List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management statement

A Case Management Statement must be filed for every CMC unless the court orders otherwise.

Case Management Statements are required to be filed for every CMC, unless otherwise specifically ordered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Msc brief

For a confidential MSC brief, select the “Settlement Conference Statement” eFiling code and include the hearing date in the filing description field.

If you wish an MSC Brief to be submitted confidentially, please select “Settlement Conference Statement,” as your eFiling code to ensure it is lodged confidentially. Include the hearing date in the filing description field.