Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings. Courtesy copies not required for settlement letters.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE PREPARATION

What page or word limits apply to settlement letter before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings?

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings' rule states these limits: 6 pages. Excludes exhibits. Settlement letters limited to 6 pages (excluding exhibits).

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE PREPARATION

What must be included with exhibit binder filings before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Two sets of exhibit binders with objected-to exhibits due one week before pretrial conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Final Pretrial Submissions

What must be included with final exhibit binder filings before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Two binders of final exhibits due day before trial.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. Final Pretrial Submissions

How may parties contact Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings' chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. No contact with jurors after trial without court permission.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings?

Requests should be made at least 14 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings. The request must include reason for request and affects other dates. Settlement conferences can only be rescheduled by court order with 14-day advance written motion and supporting affidavit.

View ruleSource: page 5, section F. FAILURE TO APPEAR AND CANCELLATION OF THE CONFERENCE

Does Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings require motion papers to be bundled?

Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings. Multiple motions in limine should be filed in one document.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. Final Pretrial Submissions
Complete rules summary for Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings

Two sets of exhibit binders with objected-to exhibits due one week before pretrial conference.

Two binders of final exhibits due day before trial.

Motions in limine due three weeks before pretrial conference; responses due one week before.

Parties must meet and confer on motions in limine before filing.

Multiple motions in limine should be filed in one document.

Responses to motions in limine should be filed in one document.

Parties must meet and confer on jury instructions before pretrial conference.

No recess requests before cross-examination; proceed immediately unless natural recess timing.

Juror questions allowed in civil trials; in criminal trials only if all parties agree.

Interim statements permitted for lengthy trials.

No contact with jurors after trial without court permission.

Counsel may approach witnesses without permission.

No speaking objections; only brief objections like irrelevant, asked and answered, hearsay.

No contact with jury after verdict without court permission.

Criminal defendants must attend pretrial conference unless personally waived.

Pretrial submissions due five business days before conference.

Witness identity must be disclosed at least one day before trial day.

All exhibits must be provided to opposing counsel, Court, and witnesses before trial.

Joint status report on settlement required within 14 days of minute order.

Joint status report must address 6 specific settlement issues.

Pre-conference settlement letters must be emailed to chambers on same day as opposing counsel.

Plaintiff’s settlement letter must include summary of evidence and legal principles.

Settlement letters limited to 6 pages (excluding exhibits).

Counsel must provide settlement letters to clients before conference.

Courtesy copies not required for settlement letters.

Settlement conferences can only be rescheduled by court order with 14-day advance written motion and supporting affidavit.

Telephonic rescheduling requests for settlement conferences are not allowed except in exigent circumstances.

Settlement conferences conducted remotely via video conferencing unless otherwise ordered.

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