Judge Christopher A. Wagner
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Motion
- In Advance
Sentencing Memorandum
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
There is a page limit on motion briefs of 20 pages, 60 pages total with exhibits.
20 pages
Motion With Exhibits
60 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Attorneys may ask for leave of court for additional pages.
Motion Brief
Document Format Requirements3 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Motions for continuances of a set trial date in civil cases must be made in writing even if both parties agree.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
A courtesy copy in a Word format should be emailed to the Staff Attorney.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Motions with more than 3 exhibits should provide a tabbed binder as a courtesy copy to the Court.
Document Filing Requirements8 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A new-media applicant must submit one of three specified forms of documentation identifying the applicant and media outlet.
Additionally, the requesting applicant must submit: (1) a copy of the media outlet’s current masthead with the media representative’s name and title appearing in it; (2) a business card with the applicant’s name, title and media outlet’s logo; or (3) an official letter of assignment from the “new media” outlet.
DocumentNew Media Access Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Finally, proof that the media outlet has, within the past six months, previously covered either the judicial branch or the case before the Court must also be provided.
DocumentNew Media Access Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
An online organization seeking new-media courtroom access must establish that it meets the new-media definition and submit links to two qualifying bylined articles published within the past six months.
It is the responsibility of the requesting online organization to show proof that it meets the definition of “new media.” In order for members of the “new media” to obtain media access to the Courtroom, links to two bylined articles clearly displaying publication titles and publication dates within the past six months must be submitted.
DocumentNew Media Access Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The parties must provide one consolidated set of civil jury materials that includes agreed matters and identifies disputed matters.
With respect to civil Jury Instructions, Jury Interrogatories, and Jury Verdict Forms, the Parties are to provide the Court with one consolidated set of Instructions/Interrogatories/Verdict Forms that includes all those to which the Parties agree and that identifies all those to which the Parties disagree.
DocumentCivil Jury Materials
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
All exhibits need to be marked in advance and a list submitted to both the Court and the court reporter (civil exhibits should be in the format of a tabbed binder see below).
DocumentExhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
The witness list needs to be provided to both the Court and the court reporter before trial.
DocumentWitness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Note
Please prove the Court and the court reporter a bench book and transcripts before trial.
DocumentBench Book And Transcripts
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Both the request for permission and the ruling on the request must be in writing and made a part of the record of the proceedings.
DocumentMedia Permission Request And Ruling
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Notices of self-defense and alibi must be filed 30 days before trial.
Notice of Self Defense and Notice of Alibi must be filed 30 days in advance of trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Trials
A Brief in Opposition is due 14 days thereafter.
Any Brief in Opposition is due 14 days thereafter.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Trials
Motions in limine must be filed at least 28 days before trial.
Motions in Limine, in accordance with Civ.R. 6, shall be filed at least 28 days before Trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Trials
The parties must file witness lists, exhibit lists, applicable joint jury materials, and stipulations at least two business days before trial.
The Court additionally orders that at least 2 business days prior to Trial, the parties are to file the following: 1) Witness Lists, 2) Exhibit Lists, 3) Joint Jury Instructions, Jury Interrogatories, and /or Jury Verdict Forms if applicable, and 4) Stipulations.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Trials
Sentencing memorandums are encouraged and should be filed no later than three days before the sentencing hearing.
Sentencing Memorandums are highly encouraged and should be filed with the Court no later than 3 days before the sentencing hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Sentencing
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A file-stamped courtesy copy of the motion should be provided to the Court in advance.
A file stamped courtesy copy of the motion should be provided in advance to the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Motion Practice
A file-stamped courtesy copy of the sentencing memorandum should be provided to the Court.
A file-stamped courtesy copy should be provided to the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Sentencing
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a discovery motion, the parties must contact the Staff Attorney as soon as possible to set an Attorney Conference with the Court.
Prior to any party filing any Discovery Motion, the parties shall contact Judge Wagner’s Staff Attorney to set an Attorney Conference either via telephone, video, or in-person with the Court as soon as possible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Discovery Civil Cases
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Discovery deadlines may be continued without court consent only if all parties agree and the extension does not interfere with the dispositive-motion or trial date.
Continuances of discovery deadlines without the Court’s consent shall be permitted as long as 1) all the parties agree and 2) the extension does not interfere with the dispositive motion date and the Trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances
A continuance past the Supreme Court deadline will be granted only for an extraordinary reason.
Continuances past the Supreme Court deadline will not be granted unless there is an extraordinary reason.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
Special criminal instructions and requested civil instructions should be emailed to the Staff Attorney before trial.
Any special criminal instructions or requested civil instructions should be emailed to the Staff Attorney in advance of trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Trials
Attorneys should contact the Staff Attorney in advance if they will be late or need to reschedule a court appearance.
If a party is going to be late or the court appearance needs to be rescheduled, attorneys should contact the Staff Attorney in advance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Courtroom Procedures