Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings (Motion, Sentencing Position Paper, Trial Document)
Required
Filings (Trial Memorandum, Witness List, Exhibit List, Joint Case Specific Glossary, Joint Jury Instructions, Joint Proposed Verdict Form, Proposed Voir Dire Questions)
Required
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Technology Resources
Court
Letter Ecf
Court Reporter
Detailed Drafting Rules
Statement of Case section limited to 2 pages.
Statement of the Case: A short synopsis (not to exceed two pages) of the main claims, counterclaims, affirmative defenses, and procedural history.
Criminal motions heard Wednesdays at 9:30 AM; must be mutually agreed and not closed on calendar.
The Court hears motions in criminal actions on Wednesday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence, motions to bifurcate or sever, and motions concerning character evidence under Fed. R. Evid. 404(b), shall be noticed for a Wednesday that is mutually agreed to by counsel and that is not closed on the Court’s calendar.
Direct to: Chambers
- Hours9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Courier font required at 12 point minimum; footnotes same font/size as body text.
Courier font must be no less than twelve (12) point. Footnotes shall be in the same font and the same size as the text in the body of the document.
Calendar conflicts resolved by judge seniority; notify opposing counsel and clerk via email at least 3 business days before appearance.
Per the memorandum of understanding between the Judges of the Central District of California, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office, “when an attorney has two or more matters scheduled on the same day at the same time before two or more judges, appearances shall be based on seniority of District Judges and then Magistrate Judges.” See https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/seniority-list.pdf. Counsel are expected to adhere to this agreement. If any counsel discovers a calendar conflict with a scheduled appearance in a court of a more senior district judge, as soon as possible and not later than three (3) business days before the scheduled appearance, counsel must inform opposing counsel and the Courtroom Deputy Clerk via the chambers’ email address at: SPG_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Counsel should attempt in good faith to agree on a new date to accommodate the calendar conflict and should propose a new date agreed to by the parties by Stipulation and [Proposed] Order.
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice Required3 business days before scheduled appearance
Motions (except in limine) limited to 7000 words; replies limited to 12 pages.
Memoranda of points and authorities in support of or in opposition to motions (besides motions in limine) shall not exceed 7000 words. Replies shall not exceed twelve (12) pages.
Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before final pretrial conference; oppositions 14 days before; no replies unless ordered; 10-page limit.
All motions in limine must be filed at least twenty-eight (28) days before the Final Pretrial Conference. Oppositions must be filed at least fourteen (14) days before the Final Pretrial Conference. There shall be no replies, unless ordered by the Court. Motions in limine and oppositions must not exceed ten (10) pages in length.
Court provides AV equipment; parties encouraged to familiarize themselves.
The Court provides audio/visual equipment for use during trial. The parties are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this equipment. More information is available at: http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/clerk-services/courtroom-technology.
Technology Resources
Direct to: Court
- Status Inquiries
Counsel must arrange with Court Security and notify SPG_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov for external electronic equipment.
If electronic equipment must be brought into the courtroom for trial, counsel shall make prior arrangements with Court Security, and counsel must provide SPG_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Special court reporter services require 14-day advance notice to Court Reporting Services.
Any party requesting special court reporter services for any hearing, such as “Real Time” transmission or daily transcripts, shall notify Court Reporting Services at least fourteen (14) days before the hearing date.
Letter via ECF
Direct to: Court Reporter
- Advance Notice Required14_days
Counsel must use lectern, stay near microphone, and prepare all visual aids in advance.
Counsel must use the lectern and should not wander around the courtroom or away from the lectern’s microphone. Counsel should not consume jury time by writing out words and drawing charts or diagrams. All such aids must be prepared in advance.
Document Type
Trial Procedure
Counsel must notify CRD in advance for interpreter or ADA accommodations.
Counsel must notify the CRD in advance if a witness requires an interpreter or an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (or for any other reason).
Letter via ECF
Direct to: Intake Unit
- Advance Notice Requiredunspecified
- Hoursunspecified
- Status Inquiries
Parties must notify Courtroom Deputy Clerk in advance for disability accommodations.
Counsel must notify the Courtroom Deputy Clerk in advance if any party, counsel, or witness requires a reasonable accommodation based on a disability or other reason.
Letter via ECF
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice Requiredunspecified
- Hoursunspecified
- Status Inquiries