Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Todd W. Robinson's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: delivery upon filing. Documents over 20 pages require courtesy copies.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions

Does Judge Todd W. Robinson require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Motions in limine must be filed 2 weeks before hearing, opposition 1 week before.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Procedures

What page or word limits apply to omnibus brief before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Motions in limine and Daubert motions must be filed as single omnibus brief (max 25 pages).

View ruleSource: page 8, section VI. Final Pretrial Conference and Motions in Limine

What page or word limits apply to opposition brief before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Oppositions to motions in limine and Daubert motions must be filed as single omnibus brief (max 25 pages).

View ruleSource: page 8, section VI. Final Pretrial Conference and Motions in Limine

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's formatting rule includes file format docx. Jury instructions must be submitted in Word format to judge's email.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Procedures

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders must be submitted with the motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

What must be included with jury instructions filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

The rule requires proposed order, final jury instructions, and preliminary jury instructions. Jury instructions due 1 week before in limine hearing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Procedures

How may parties contact Judge Todd W. Robinson's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Todd W. Robinson's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders must be emailed to Judge's official email address.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

How does Judge Todd W. Robinson handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Todd W. Robinson. Motion to seal must include description, legal standard, affidavits, and documents.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Under Seal Filing Procedures

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Todd W. Robinson?

Judge Todd W. Robinson's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request. Continuance requests must be made by email to Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

Does Judge Todd W. Robinson require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Todd W. Robinson requires bundling for covered papers. All stipulations must be filed as joint motions.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 2. Joint Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Todd W. Robinson

Email Courtroom Deputy Clerk Jessica Ortiz for docketing/scheduling matters.

More than 3 exhibits must be tabbed and listed in table.

Continuance requests must be made by email to Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

Stipulated continuances require joint motion and proposed order.

Joint motion for continuance must include original date, requested date, grounds, and Speedy Trial Act basis if applicable.

Motions must be filed at least 2 business days before hearing.

Out-of-custody defendants must file acknowledgment with continuance motion.

Proposed orders must be emailed to Judge's official email address.

Proposed orders must be submitted with the motion.

Documents over 20 pages require courtesy copies.

Motion to seal must include description, legal standard, affidavits, and documents.

Motion to seal and sealed documents must be emailed to Judge's official email.

Parties must follow Criminal Local Rule 32.1 and support sentencing guidelines with record.

Motions in limine must be filed 2 weeks before hearing, opposition 1 week before.

Jury instructions due 1 week before in limine hearing.

Jury instructions must be submitted in Word format to judge's email.

Trial briefs due 5 court days before trial.

Voir dire questions and verdict forms due on motions in limine day.

10 minutes per side for voir dire on non-complex cases.

Government must provide exhibit list to courtroom deputy on first day of trial.

All exhibits must be pre-marked on first day of trial.

Must move for exhibit admission or allow court inquiry before publishing to jury.

Counsel must refer to exhibits by number when possible.

Do not enter the well except during voir dire, opening, and closing.

All witness examinations must be conducted from the podium.

Only one lawyer per party may examine a witness and make objections.

Objections must state only legal grounds; speaking objections prohibited.

Do not talk to opposing counsel in front of jury; seek clarification from court.

Sidebar conferences disfavored; request to speak to court at recess or end of day.

Requests to see court outside jury presence at start of day or after recess generally denied.

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