I would prefer the parties settle any issues (especially procedure issues) without the need to contest them before the Court. However, motions are set by contacting my staff. I will review the filed documents and determine if a hearing is necessary or whether the issue can be ruled on without a hearing. I prefer to set motions at 1:00 or 1:30 p.m.

I like to be very active in the settlement of all cases before the Court. Anyone can raise the issue of settlement, if not suggested by the parties, the Court certainly will suggest it. When settlement conferences are set, an agent with authority to settle should be available.

If a party seeks a continuance they should first contact opposing counsel. Then contact either my bailiff, Gary Rutz (criminal) or my law clerk (civil) with some proposed dates for the continuances. They are usually scheduled at 15-minute intervals between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

I require that all who appear in my Courtroom conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Attorneys can stand anywhere they like as long as the Judge, Jury and Court Reporter can hear them. Witnesses may be approached as long as it is done in a professional manner.

Upon entering the Courtroom please contact either the bailiff (criminal) or law clerk (civil). If the Court is in progress with a trial, please try to gain the attention of the bailiff or law clerk and they will meet you in the hall to discuss any matters.

If you need to use any equipment such as a VCR, chalkboard, overhead, etc. please contact the Courtroom one-day in advance. This allows the staff to have the items available without disrupting the Court proceedings.

I strongly encourage parties and attorneys to be on time and prepared. If an attorney is going to be late, a phone call to the courtroom is advised.

I schedule a pretrial in every case that is set for a Trial. A formal pretrial statement is required prior to the pretrial hearing. Although I do not have a form, the usual issues must be discussed in the pretrial statement (legal issues, witness list, etc) I would like the statement presented to the Court a week prior to the pretrial date. A person or agent with authority to settle the case must be available on the date of the pretrial hearing.

Generally this Court prepares it=s own jury instructions in Criminal cases. However if you have an issue which is outside the OJI, please present the proposed instruction at pretrial so it may be discussed with all parties.

In Civil Jury Trials the attorneys are required to prepare and agree to complete jury instructions including interrogatories. These should be presented to the Court on the day of Trial.

For the most part I allow attorneys to try their own cases as long as they conduct themselves appropriately and within the boundaries set out by the rules of civil and criminal procedure. Depending on the nature of the case I will suggest arbitration or mediation very early in the proceedings before the Court.

I do not allow jurors to take notes. If the jurors are amenable to speaking with the attorneys after the close of the case I will allow it.

Dates and identification are set in the case management order.