Court Rules
Common questions about Judge James L. Robart's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge James L. Robart?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 100 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by chambers drop off. Courtesy copies required for documents over 100 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Courtesy Copies

Does Judge James L. Robart require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge James L. Robart's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Follow Local Rule 7(d) scheduling guidelines; improper motions may be re-noted or struck.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling Matters for Consideration

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge James L. Robart?

Judge James L. Robart's formatting rule includes binding three ring binder, each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder, and with appropriately numbered tabs. Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with numbered tabs

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING EXHIBITS

What must be included with default judgment filings before Judge James L. Robart?

The rule requires certificate of service, local rule certificate, and certificate of conference. Motions for default judgment must provide sufficient information for the court to enter judgment.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTIONS FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge James L. Robart?

The rule requires revised list filing. Revised exhibit or witness lists must be filed with the court

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING EXHIBITS

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge James L. Robart?

Judge James L. Robart's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Motions to continue trial date only allowed for exceptional circumstances.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTIONS TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE

Does Judge James L. Robart require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge James L. Robart requires bundling for covered papers. Dispositive motion cutoff is set 105 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section DISPOSITIVE MOTION CUTOFF - 105-DAY RULE
Complete rules summary for Judge James L. Robart

Motions for default judgment must provide sufficient information for the court to enter judgment.

Motions for default judgment must comply with Local Rule CR 55.

A declaration must accompany motions for default judgment.

Motions for default judgment must separately state principal claim, liquidated damages, pre/post-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees.

Motions for default judgment must include a concise explanation of how all amounts were calculated.

Motions for default judgment must provide evidence establishing the principal claim amount, including contract portions if applicable.

Motions for default judgment seeking liquidated damages must provide evidence of entitlement and amount.

Motions for default judgment must state interest rate and reasons if using a rate other than 28 U.S.C. § 1961.

Motions for default judgment must state prejudgment interest accrual date and basis.

Motions for default judgment seeking attorney’s fees must state basis and include counsel’s declaration.

Exhibit tags available from clerk at pretrial conference or Clerk's Office

Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with consecutive numbering (Plaintiff: 1+, Defendant: A-1+)

Duplicated documents cannot be listed twice on exhibit list

Once identified on exhibit list or pretrial order, any party may use the exhibit

Revised exhibit or witness lists must be filed with the court

Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with numbered tabs

Original and one copy of exhibits/depositions must be delivered to In-Court Clerk one day before trial

Training strongly encouraged for operating courtroom evidence presentation devices

Motions to continue trial date only allowed for exceptional circumstances.

Follow Local Rule 7(d) scheduling guidelines; improper motions may be re-noted or struck.

Comply with Local Rule 7(e) length restrictions; arguments beyond limits may be declined.

Courtesy copies required for documents over 100 pages.

Criminal jury will have 12 members and 1-2 alternates.

Plaintiff gets 6 peremptory challenges, defense gets 10.

Each side has limited time for voir dire questioning.

Do not waste peremptory challenges on jurors who won't be seated.

Dispositive motion cutoff is set 105 days before trial.

30 days for briefing, 45 days for court decision, 30 days for trial prep.

Schedule modification requires extraordinary basis.

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