Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings (Motion For Summary Judgment, Opposition, Reply)
Required • Binding: Stapled
Filings (Motion, Brief)
Required
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
Filings (All filings)
Required • Binding: Tabbed
Adjournments
Must Include
- 1Relief From Scheduling Order
Communication
Remote Appearance
Chambers
Notice
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Technology Resources
Court
Letter Ecf
Court Reporter
Detailed Drafting Rules
Joint Appendix of Facts must have exactly 4 columns.
The JAF table shall contain four columns.
MSJ opening briefs limited to 25 pages; replies limited to 10 pages.
Each separately represented party shall be limited to twenty-five (25) pages, exclusive of tables of contents and authorities. Replies shall not exceed ten (10) pages.
MSJ must use Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt font.
Times New Roman font must be no less than 14 point; Courier font must be no less than 12 point.
Footnotes must use same font and size as main text.
Footnotes shall be in the same font and the same size as the body of the memorandum.
All MSJ documents must be converted to searchable PDF format.
Counsel shall adhere to Local Rule 5-4.3 with respect to the conversion of all documents to .pdf format so that when a document is electronically filed, it is in proper size and is .pdf searchable.
Reply memorandum limited to 10 pages, due 7 days after Joint Brief filing and 21 days before hearing.
No later than seven (7) days after the Joint Brief is filed and no later than twenty-one (21) days before the scheduled hearing date, the moving party may separately file a reply memorandum of points and authorities, not exceeding ten (10) pages in length.
Remote appearances require good cause and application.
Remote appearances are not permitted absent good cause. The Court strongly prefers counsel to appear in person for MSJ hearings. If exceptional circumstances exist, counsel may file an application to appear remotely detailing such circumstance.
Remote Appearance
- Advance Notice Requiredapplication with good cause
- Status Inquiries
Notify Court 2 weeks before hearing if settlement may moot motion; immediate notice if settled.
Counsel must notify the Court at least two weeks before the scheduled hearing if the parties are conducting settlement discussions that may render the motion moot and must notify the Court immediately if a settlement is reached. A belated notice of settlement wastes scarce judicial resources.
Notice
- Advance Notice Requiredat least two weeks before hearing
Each party is limited to 25 pages for summary judgment briefs, excluding tables of contents and authorities.
Each separately represented party shall be limited to twenty-five (25) pages, exclusive of tables of contents and authorities.
Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages.
Replies shall not exceed ten (10) pages.
Times New Roman must be at least 14 point, Courier at least 12 point; footnotes must match body font and size.
Times New Roman font must be no less than 14 point; Courier font must be no less than 12 point. Footnotes shall be in the same font and the same size as the body of the memorandum.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text.
Counsel shall adhere to Local Rule 5-4.3 with respect to the conversion of all documents to .pdf format so that when a document is electronically filed, it is in proper size and is .pdf searchable. Further, all documents shall be filed in a format so that text can be selected, copied, and pasted directly from the document.
Reply memorandum for summary judgment motions is limited to 10 pages and must be filed 7 days after Joint Brief but at least 21 days before hearing.
Reply Memorandum. No later than seven (7) days after the Joint Brief is filed and no later than twenty-one (21) days before the scheduled hearing date, the moving party may separately file a reply memorandum of points and authorities, not exceeding ten (10) pages in length.
Reply brief must be filed within 7 days after Joint Brief and at least 21 days before hearing; no sur-replies or supplemental briefing permitted.
Reply Memorandum. No later than seven (7) days after the Joint Brief is filed and no later than twenty-one (21) days before the scheduled hearing date, the moving party may separately file a reply memorandum of points and authorities, not exceeding ten (10) pages in length. The moving party may not use this filing to supplement the Joint Appendix of Facts or the Joint Appendix of Evidence in any way. No additional briefing or filing in support of or in opposition to the MSJ is permitted.
Pre-Motion Conference
Check specific requirements before filing.
Briefing Schedule
Opp: d • Reply: 7d
Remote appearances for summary judgment hearings are prohibited absent good cause; in-person appearance is strongly preferred.
Remote appearances are not permitted absent good cause. The Court strongly prefers counsel to appear in person for MSJ hearings. If exceptional circumstances exist, counsel may file an application to appear remotely detailing such circumstance.
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