Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Filing Requirements6 rules
All visitors, except a witness while testifying, and an attorney while examining a witness or making a statement to a jury, must wear an appropriate face mask or covering while inside the Sherman Courthouses in courtrooms, jury rooms, public hallways, public restrooms, and elevators, unless excused from this requirement by the judge.
All persons must maintain social distancing and follow staff instructions in Sherman Courthouses.
Court's wording
Each person must maintain appropriate distancing from others in the Sherman Courthouses, to include sitting at the location assigned by a member of the court staff. Each person must follow the instructions of the court staff and Court Security Officers to aid in maintaining distance in the Sherman Courthouses;
Persons entering the Sherman Courthouses, other than jurors, must supply their own face mask or covering;
Each person must use the hand sanitizer furnished at the front door upon entering the . Sherman Courthouses.
Must include
- •Hand sanitizer use
Unvaccinated court employees and tenants must wear masks in Sherman Courthouses unless excused by judge.
Court's wording
for those court employees and other tenants of the Sherman Courthouses who are not fully vaccinated, the wearing of an appropriate face mask or covering while inside the Sherman Courthouses is required, unless excused from this requirement by the judge;
Fully vaccinated court employees and tenants must wear masks in Sherman Courthouses unless excused by judge.
Court's wording
For court employees and other tenants of the Sherman Courthouses who are fully vaccinated for COVID-191, the wearing of an appropriate face mask or covering while inside the Sherman Courthouses is required, unless excused from this requirement by the judge;
Filing & Service rules
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Pretrial motions in criminal cases are referred to magistrate judges, except for specific motions.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A), all pretrial motions in Sherman Division criminal cases assigned to United States District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, with the exception of motions to suppress evidence, to dismiss or quash an indictment or information made by the defendant, to continue, to . sever, and to transfer venue, are hereby REFERRED to United States Magistrate Judge Bill Davis or United States Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett, as randomly assigned by the Clerk of Court, for consideration and hearing as deemed necessary, and a determination.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Referral Order
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court recognizes a growing trend in which fewer cases go to trial and there are generally fewer opportunities for attorneys to speak in court. This is especially true for newer attorneys, that is, attorneys practicing for less than seven years (Newer Attorney(s)). 1. If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion. 2. If such a request is made, the Court will: a. Grant the request for oral argument, if it is at all practicable to do so. b. Permit sufficient additional time for oral argument beyond what the Court otherwise may have allocated were a Newer Attorney not arguing. c. Permit more experienced counsel of record to speak on the motion as well, where appropriate, during oral argument.
The Court recognizes a growing trend in which fewer cases go to trial and there are generally fewer opportunities for attorneys to speak in court. This is especially true for newer attorneys, that is, attorneys practicing for less than seven years (Newer Attorney(s)). 1. If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion. 2. If such a request is made, the Court will: a. Grant the request for oral argument, if it is at all practicable to do so. b. Permit sufficient additional time for oral argument beyond what the Court otherwise may have allocated were a Newer Attorney not arguing. c. Permit more experienced counsel of record to speak on the motion as well, where appropriate, during oral argument.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGER ATTORNEYS
Court will grant oral argument requests for newer attorneys if practicable, provide extra time, allow experienced counsel to speak, and suggest opposing counsel reciprocate.
If such a request is made, the Court will: a. Grant the request for oral argument, if it is at all practicable to do so. b. Permit sufficient additional time for oral argument beyond what the Court otherwise may have allocated were a Newer Attorney not arguing. c. Permit more experienced counsel of record to speak on the motion as well, where appropriate, during oral argument. d. Notify opposing counsel if such a request is granted and suggest opposing counsel reciprocate by permitting a Newer Attorney to make its argument.
Page 1 | 2. If such a request is made, the Court will:
If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion.
If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion.
Page 1 | 1. If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion...