Counsel are encouraged to make an appointment with the courtroom deputy prior to a trial or hearing to become familiar with the availability, operation, and compatibility of the courtroom technology systems should they wish to use them. Failure to do so may result in the parties equipment not being available for use due to incompatibility with the courtroom system.

Laptop Connection Instructions

When filing motions with the clerk, it is not necessary to provide separate courtesy copies for the judge, but if a party files a motion in open court, a copy should be provided to the judge for his review.

Multiple motions in limine are not favored. All requests to limit evidence must be included in a single motion not exceeding 25 pages without leave of court. Responses are limited to 20 pages unless the court gives leave to exceed the limit.

Mediation is required in most cases and should be completed at least five months prior to the trial term. The parties may stipulate to a mediator in their case management report. If they do not, the court will appoint one from its list of certified mediators.

The court will notify the parties by separate notice of the pretrial conference date, normally the last week of the month before the trial term. The court will hear motions in limine and address any objections to exhibits and witnesses. Counsel should be prepared to address all pretrial matters.

The parties must file the case management report, using the standard form on the court’s website, in compliance with the parameters set forth Local Rule 3.02(b). After submission of the case management report, the court will issue a scheduling order. Certain cases are exempt from filing a case management report as set forth in Local Rule 3.02(d).

The court will not conduct a preliminary pretrial conference unless the parties request one or the court deems it necessary.

The court will distribute a trial calendar to all counsel and pro se parties for the upcoming trial term about two weeks before the beginning of the term. Normally, criminal cases are tried first, civil jury trials are called up next, and civil non-jury trials are tried last. Cases are listed in the order in which they will be tried, although experience indicates that at times cases might be called out of order. Civil cases not reached during this trial term will be placed at the beginning of the following month’s trial term after all criminal cases have been tried. For the convenience of counsel, the court provides the names and telephone numbers of all counsel so counsel may keep themselves informed of the progress of the cases listed before theirs.

Counsel and their witnesses must be available for trial on 24 hours' notice.

Counsel must advise the court promptly of any development after entry of the trial calendar that could affect the trial of the case. Changes of pleas must be entered by the last day of the month before the trial term. If a defendant does not plead guilty before then, he or she will be required to plead to the indictment without regard to any agreement with the government. In civil jury cases, if the court is not notified of settlement before a jury is called, the court will assess jury costs to the parties.

The court will conduct the jury voir dire, giving due consideration to questions proposed by the parties. The court may permit counsel to briefly supplement the court’s voir dire examination.

The court will normally be in session from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day with one hour and 15 minutes for lunch. However, this schedule might change as circumstances require.

Counsel, parties, and witnesses appearing in court must dress appropriately. Men must wear a coat and tie.

Parties who want to use the court’s evidence presentation equipment (i.e., DOAR equipment, easel, chalkboard, etc.) should advise the courtroom deputy at (407) 835-4356 as soon as possible before beginning of trial. They should also make arrangements to familiarize themselves with the operation of the equipment prior to trial.