Continuances

Continuances and extensions will be granted if reasonably possible with the understanding that all cases should be resolved within the time frame and guidelines of the Rules of Superintendence. Requests for continuances should be presented to the Court a minimum of five (5) days prior to the court date. Agreed requests are preferred. Motions must specify whether the request is agreed or opposed.

Decorum

Proper courtroom etiquette must be observed. The courtroom is a place in which everyone will be treated in a respectful and courteous manner as to provide an environment where all parties feel justice is being served. Litigants, counsel for the parties and witnesses must be respectful to one another and to all parties in the courtroom. Examinations need not be conducted at the lectern. Counsel should ask permission to approach a witness. Cell phones and wireless devices must remain off or in silent mode while in the courtroom. No video recording is permitted in the courtroom without prior approval from the Court or such devices may be confiscated.

Motions and Briefs

Motions must be submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Motions may be ruled on without oral hearings, unless requested. All motions are to be submitted to the Court at least five (5) days before trial date. It is the practice that all motion hearings, in any case that one is requested, will be done in a liberal and relaxed manner.

Status Conferences

Status Conferences are held only on request or if the Court feels it is needed. Parties should be prepared to discuss preliminary matters including but not limited to discovery issues, preliminary motions, etc. Status conferences may be held by phone or a virtual hearing if parties agree or the Court requests. If a virtual hearing is requested, parties must provide the Court correct contact names and emails for all parties three (3) days prior to the virtual conference.

Motions & Briefs

All motions and briefs are to be submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Courtesy copies delivered to the Judge will expedite rulings. Parties should request a hearing when necessary. Collaboration with parties and the Court is appreciated. Proposed Orders should be submitted along with any pertinent motion.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Pretrial conferences are set in all cases for discussion of the case, discovery and complex issues. All parties should have authority to act on behalf of litigants, as it is not necessary for the actual litigants to be present at the pretrial. Litigants with attorneys appearing on their behalf must be available by telephone for consultation.

Counsel are required to confer before the hearing pursuant to Local Court Rule 6.01, making a sincere effort to settle the case and to agree on evidentiary matters about which there is no genuine dispute. Request for telephone or virtual pretrials should be submitted by motion and opposing parties must be contacted regarding the request. The party requesting the continuance must initiate the conference call and contact the Court at the designated time. If a virtual hearing is requested, parties must provide the Court correct contact and emails for all parties three (3) days prior to the virtual conference. Pretrial Statements must be provided according to Local Court Rule 6.01 at all second pretrials.

Other

If a resolution has been reached by the parties, prior to the court date, Plaintiff’s counsel is to notify the bailiff by email/fax of the resolution prior to the court date.

General

The assigned prosecutors are encouraged to meet with the attorneys to discuss the cases. If further guidance is needed, the Court shall be available. Discovery must be requested prior to pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery. Prosecutors' Courtroom Assignments  

Motions & Briefs

All motions and briefs are to be submitted timely and served on opposing parties. Parties should request a hearing when necessary. Collaboration with parties and the Court is appreciated. Hearing dates for motions will not be scheduled until a motion is filed.

Discovery

Discovery must be requested prior to pretrial date via the Columbus City Attorney's Matrix application. Contact the courtroom prosecutor directly to discuss any issues with discovery.

Pretrial/Status Conferences

Criminal defendants must be present at all pretrial hearings unless the parties or Court agrees in advance. Virtual hearings are available and can be arranged through the Bailiff. Counsel should be prepared to discuss their case with the Prosecutor and attempt to terminate the matter at the pretrial conference if at all possible.The Judge will consider all recommendations concerning plea arrangements that involve sentencing.

General

Continuances will be granted when requested – if it is within the rule, preferably one (1) week prior to trial. Opposing parties must be contacted regarding requests.

The Judge expects to treat everyone in a respectful and courteous manner in order to make the courtroom a place where all parties feel justice is being served. The only request is that the litigants, counsel for the parties, and the witnesses be respectful to one another and to the other parties in the courtroom. Examinations need not be conducted at the lectern. Counsel should ask permission to approach a witness. 

Exhibits should be marked ahead of time with copies available for the Court, jurors, and the parties with the originals maintained by the court reporter. Trial notebooks must be exchanged in accordance with the pretrial memorandum for civil cases. Qualifications of experts should be confirmed in accordance with the law and the rules.

Dates

Continuances may be granted when requested if it is within the rule, at least one (1) week prior to trial. Opposing parties must be contacted regarding requests.

Jury Procedures

The Court will conduct preliminary questions and the counsel conducts voir dire for the entire pool of jurors. Peremptory challenge procedures are by the rules. Jurors are permitted to inspect exhibits at trial and in the jury room. The Court generally seats two alternates in addition to the sworn jurors. Jurors are permitted to ask questions in writing. The jury is instructed by the Judge. Counsel is permitted to talk to the jurors after the verdict is read.