Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jamal N. Whitehead?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Jamal N. Whitehead. No courtesy copies required.

View ruleSource: page 8, section GENERAL FILING GUIDELINES

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jamal N. Whitehead?

Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's formatting rule includes file format PDF and text searchable. All PDFs must be text-searchable.

View ruleSource: page 8, section GENERAL FILING GUIDELINES

What must be included with jury selection filings before Judge Jamal N. Whitehead?

The rule requires peremptory challenges. Government gets 6 peremptory challenges, defendants get 10 jointly; challenges recorded on strike sheet alternating starting with Government.

View ruleSource: page 5, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

What must be included with trial exhibits filings before Judge Jamal N. Whitehead?

The rule requires pre marking, physical copy, and electronic copy. Trial exhibits must be delivered 5 days before trial: 1 physical set and 1 electronic set to Courtroom Deputy.

View ruleSource: page 6, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

How may parties contact Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email grant_cogswell@wawd.uscourts.gov. Must contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue.

View ruleSource: page 7, section MOTIONS

Does Judge Jamal N. Whitehead require motion papers to be bundled?

Bundling is optional for covered papers before Judge Jamal N. Whitehead. Trial schedule may be shortened on Thursdays due to criminal in-custody hearings.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Trial Schedule
Complete rules summary for Judge Jamal N. Whitehead

All PDFs must be text-searchable.

Chambers phone number provided for contact

Courtroom Deputy phone number provided

Case Administrator phone number provided

Email address for proposed orders

Email address for general inquiries

Email chambers at whiteheadchambers@wawd.uscourts.gov and copy all counsel of record.

Trial runs Mon-Fri, may be shortened on Thursdays due to in-custody hearings.

Courtroom opens 8:15 AM, pretrial matters by 8:30 AM, trial 9:00 AM-4:15 PM.

15-min recesses at 10:30 AM and 2:45 PM, lunch 12:00-1:30 PM, counsel available by 1:15 PM.

Jury consists of 12 members plus 1-2 alternates, selected randomly before deliberations.

Court uses screening questions (yes/no) to identify hardships/conflicts; questions on court web page.

No courtesy copies required.

Motions in limine in trial briefs will be struck if filed after deadline.

Time limits for attorney-led voir dire will be set at pretrial conference; Court will cut off repetitive/irrelevant questioning.

Government gets 6 peremptory challenges, defendants get 10 jointly; challenges recorded on strike sheet alternating starting with Government.

Trial exhibits must be delivered 5 days before trial: 1 physical set and 1 electronic set to Courtroom Deputy.

Motions must be filed 28 days before trial.

Motions to continue require speedy trial waiver 30 days beyond new date.

Must contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue.

Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before trial.

Courtesy copies not required unless court orders otherwise.

Avoid substantive footnotes; present information in body text.

Court prefers in-line legal citations over citational footnotes.

Footnotes must be single spaced and 12-point font or larger.

Use slip sheets to separate and identify exhibits when filing multiple exhibits together.

All argument and witness questioning must occur from the courtroom lectern.

Contact courtroom deputy for accommodations or accessibility questions.

Share honorifics/pronouns with Courtroom Deputy or when appearing for court.

Cellphones allowed but must be turned off during court; disable digital assistants.

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