Judge Huey P. Cotton
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Communication
Phone
Chambers, Clerk
Page & Word Limits4 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A two (2) page summary of the dispute should be delivered to the Court twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled IDC.
Summary: The Informal Discovery Conference summary of the dispute is limited to two pages.
Informal Discovery Conference Summary
2 pages
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Except in extraordinary cases, trial briefs should not exceed twenty (20) pages in length.
Summary: Trial briefs should not exceed 20 pages in length, except in extraordinary cases.
Trial Brief
20 pages
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Except in extraordinary cases, trial briefs should not exceed twenty (20) pages in length.
Summary: Trial briefs are limited to 20 pages except in extraordinary cases.
Trial Brief
20 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
A two (2) page summary of the dispute should be delivered to the Court twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled IDC.
Summary: Informal Discovery Conference dispute summaries are limited to 2 pages.
Idc Summary
2 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Document Format Requirements5 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The notice of case resolution shall be prepared on 28-lined legal paper to include caption, title, and case number.
Summary: The notice of case resolution must be prepared on 28-lined legal paper.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All requested instructions shall be submitted on perforated paper so as to allow for separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.
Summary: Requested jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper so the instruction identification can be separated from the instruction text for the jury's reference during deliberations.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Each motion must be numbered sequentially (Plaintiff s Motion in Limine No., 1, Defendant’s Motion in Limine No.1).
Summary: Each motion in limine must be numbered sequentially (e.g., Plaintiff's Motion in Limine No. 1, Defendant's Motion in Limine No. 1).
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The notice of case resolution shall be prepared on 28-lined legal paper to include caption, title, and case number.
Summary: Notice of case resolution must be prepared on 28-lined legal paper.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All requested instructions shall be submitted on perforated paper so as to allow for separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.
Summary: Jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper to allow separation of instruction ID and text.
Document Filing Requirements14 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The notice of case resolution shall be prepared on 28-lined legal paper to include caption, title, and case number.
Summary: The notice of case resolution must include the caption, title, and case number.
Document Type
Notice Of Case Resolution
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and must include: 1.) A brief description of the claims and defenses presented and the issues to be decided. 2.) Statement of ultimate facts or issues to which you will stipulate. 3.) Those facts established by admissions in pleadings; admissions by discovery and/or stipulation of counsel. 4.) All contested issues of fact . 5.) All contested issues of law, together with points and authorities supporting the position of counsel. 6.) A list of major evidentiary issues anticipated and any relevant points and authorities in support of a position o f counsel. 7. ) A detailed statement of the relief claimed including a breakdown of the elements of damages claimed. 8.) Any other information that will assist the court
Summary: Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and must include a description of claims/defenses, stipulated and admitted facts, contested issues of fact and law with supporting authorities, major evidentiary issues, and a detailed statement of relief with a damages breakdown.
Document Type
Trial Brief
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each motion in limine, for the purpose o f precluding the mention or display of inadmissible and prejudicial matter in the presence of the jury, shall be accompanied by a declaration in compliance with the requirements of Rule 3.57 of the LACCR.
Summary: Each motion in limine seeking to preclude inadmissible or prejudicial matter in the presence of the jury must be accompanied by a declaration complying with LACCR Rule 3.57.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any party objecting to any listed exhibit, either as to foundation or admissibility, must file the objection in writing, together with 3 brief statement of the ground for objection. Any objections not so stated as per the foregoing shall be deemed waived except upon a showing of good cause.
Summary: Objections to listed exhibits must be filed in writing with a brief statement of the grounds; objections not made in writing are deemed waived absent a showing of good cause.
Document Type
Exhibit Objection
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Jury instructions shall be submitted as follows: (Note: Jury instructions not submitted in this format will be returned.)
Summary: Jury instructions must be submitted in the court's specified format; instructions not submitted in that format will be returned.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
1.) A jointly submitted packet of all requested and properly and fully edited CACI jury instructions to which there is objection (LACCR. Rule 8.25) (Note: Counsel are advised to make all edits necessary to eliminate duplicate instructions and inconsistencies.) 2.) Each counsel may submit specifically requested and properly edited instructions not requested by any opposing counsel. These instructions shall be inserted into the aforementioned packet of the jointly submitted jury instructions, all to be considered and discussed by the Court at an appropriate time during the pendency of the trial.
Summary: Requested CACI jury instructions must be submitted as a jointly edited packet, with any counsel-specific requested instructions inserted into that packet for the Court's consideration during trial.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The jointly prepared witness list must include each witness' name, a brief description of the testimony, a time estimate on direct and cross, any potential scheduling problems, and whether he/she will be assisted by an interpreter.
Summary: The jointly prepared witness list must include each witness's name, a description of testimony, direct/cross time estimates, potential scheduling problems, and interpreter needs.
Document Type
Witness List
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Jointly prepare a short, non-argumentative written statement of the case to be read to the jury.
Summary: Counsel must jointly prepare a short, non-argumentative written statement of the case to be read to the jury.
Document Type
Statement Of Case
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel must jointly prepare and exchange a complete Exhibit List including each document and item of physical evidence. Do not attach the exhibits to the list. Do not include depositions, declarations, motions, interrogatories, responses, or pleadings as exhibits. All items so referred to on the Exhibit List must be exchanged and/or reviewed by counsel prior to the Final Status Conference.
Summary: Counsel must jointly prepare and exchange a complete exhibit list of documents and physical evidence (excluding depositions, declarations, motions, interrogatories, responses, and pleadings), with all listed items exchanged or reviewed before the Final Status Conference.
Document Type
Exhibit List
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A general verdict form is mandatory and shall be jointly prepared in draft or final form. The special verdict form shall be adapted to CACI with proper spacing, particularly noted to allow for both clarity and direction. (LACCR 3-172,3.25 (i)(8).)
Summary: A general verdict form is mandatory and must be jointly prepared, and the special verdict form must be adapted to CACI with proper spacing for clarity and direction.
Document Type
Verdict Form
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
form, which includes: a. At the top of each requested jury instruction, identification of the party/parties requesting instruction; b. Whether the instruction is to be given as requested or as modified; c. Whether the instruction is withdrawn; and d. A signature line for the Court.
Summary: Each requested jury instruction must identify the requesting party/parties at the top, state whether it is to be given as requested or as modified or is withdrawn, and include a signature line for the Court.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
A copy of the exhibit list shall be provided to each counsel, the court, and the clerk of the court. Counsel shall comply with LACCR, Rules 3.52, 3.151, 3.53, 3.149, 3.150, and 3.152.
Summary: A copy of the exhibit list must be provided to each counsel, the court, and the clerk, and counsel must comply with the specified LACCR exhibit rules.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The notice of case resolution shall be prepared on 28-lined legal paper to include caption, title, and case number.
Summary: Notice of case resolution must include caption, title, and case number.
Document Type
Notice Of Settlement
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions in limine must be in writing and shall be served (in the possession of) opposing party or counsel at least ten (10) court days before the Final Status Conference date. Any opposition to any motion in limine must be in writing and served (in the possession of opposing party or counsel) at least five (5) court days prior to the Final Status Conference. Each motion in limine... shall be accompanied by a declaration in compliance with the requirements of Rule 3.57 of the LACCR. Each motion must be numbered sequentially (Plaintiff s Motion in Limine No., 1, Defendant’s Motion in Limine No.1).
Summary: Motions in limine must be in writing, served 10 court days before FSC, accompanied by LACCR 3.57 declaration, and numbered sequentially.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All hearing dates must be reserved through the Court Reservation System (CRS) at www.LACourt.ca.gov.
All hearing dates must be reserved using the Court Reservation System (CRS) located at www.LACourt.ca.gov.
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Page 4 | LAW AND MOTION
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Ex parte applications in Department A are heard Monday through Thursday at 8:30 a.m.
EX PARTE APPLICATIONS: Ex parte applications for Department A are heard MONDAY-THURSDAY at 8:30 a.m.
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Page 1 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
All party MSC briefs must be filed five court days before the Mandatory Settlement Conference.
All party MSC briefs must be filed five (5) court days prior to the conference.
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Page 3 | ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Law and motion matters must be filed and noticed per statutory deadlines, and using CRS does not alter or extend statutory deadlines or notice obligations.
All law and motion matters shall be filed and noticed for hearing not later than as required by statute. NOTE: Use of CRS does not alter or extend any statutory deadlines or obligations, including giving notice. It is your sole responsibility to serve and file the corresponding documents pursuant to the statutory requirements.
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Page 4 | LAW AND MOTION
The two-page IDC dispute summary must be delivered to the Court twenty-four hours before the scheduled Informal Discovery Conference.
A two (2) page summary of the dispute should be delivered to the Court twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled IDC.
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Page 4 | DISCOVERY
Expert-witness depositions must be completed no later than 15 days before the initial trial date.
All expert-witness depositions arc to be completed in accordance with applicable statutes (i.e., 15 days before the initial trial date—C.C.P. § 2024.010; 2024.030).
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Page 5 | EXPERT WITNESSES
Expert witness information must be exchanged no later than 50 days before the initial trial date or 20 days after service of the demand, whichever is closer to trial, unless the court orders a different date for good cause.
Exchange of information concerning expert trial witnesses shall be made no later than 50 days before the initial trial date or 20 days after service of the demand for exchange of information, whichever is closer to the trial date, unless the Court, on motion and a showing of good cause, orders an earlier or later date of exchange [C.C.P. § 2034.230 (a)(b)]. If date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the last day shall be the next court day closer to the trial date.
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Page 5 | EXPERT WITNESSES
A written demand for exchange of expert trial witness information must be made no later than the 10th day after the initial trial date is set or 70 days before trial, whichever is closer, with weekend/holiday deadlines rolling to the next court day closer to trial.
Demand for exchange of information concerning expert trial witnesses shall be in writing and shall be made no later than the 10th day after the initial trial date has been set or 70 days before that trial date, whichever is closer to the trial date [C.C.P. §2034.2201. If the date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the last day shall be the next court day closer to the trial date.
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Page 5 | EXPERT WITNESSES
If the case settles before the Final Status Conference, no appearance is required as long as a Request for Dismissal or Notice of Settlement is filed directly with the court at least two court days before the conference.
If the action is settled or otherwise resolved before the Final Status Conference, no appearance will be necessary as long as a Request for Dismissal of the entire action or Notice of Settlement under California Rules of Court, §3.1385 is filed direedy with this court at least two (2) court days before the scheduled Final Status Conference.
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Page 7 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
Counsel must meet and confer in person at least ten days before the Final Status Conference to exchange and prepare edited jury instructions, a jointly submitted draft of final special verdict forms, and a statement of witnesses for submission to the court.
Counsel shall meet and confer in person at least ten (10) days before the Final Status Conference to exchange, discuss, and prepare for submission to this court all edited jury instructions; a jointly submitted draft of: final special verdict form(s); a statement of witnesses (see below).
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Page 7 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
The required trial documents (including motions in limine and trial briefs) must be prepared, exchanged among all counsel, and filed directly in the department at least five days before the Final Status Conference.
The following documents shall be prepared and exchanged between (in the possession of) all counsel and filed directly in this department at least five (5) days before the Final Status Conference.
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Page 8 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
In multi-party cases, counsel must supply the trial counsel list no later than the Final Status Conference date.
See attached list (for multi-party cases) to be supplied by counsel no later than the Final Status Conference date:
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Page 6 | TRIAL COUNSEL
Exhibits need not be lodged before the first day of trial unless necessary for in limine determinations.
Exhibits need not be lodged prior to the first day of trial, except as necessary for any in limine determinations.
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Page 9 | E. EXHIBIT LIST
All party Mandatory Settlement Conference briefs must be filed five court days before the MSC.
All party MSC briefs must be filed five (5) court days prior to the conference.
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Page 3 | Mandatory Settlement Conference
A Request for Dismissal must be filed within twenty-one (21) days from case resolution.
upon resolution of this case and to file a Request for Dismissal within twenty-one (21) days from case resolution.
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Page 4 | ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Request for Dismissal must be filed within 21 days of case resolution.
Counsel is requested to notify the clerk of this court immediately by phone [(818) 901-4603] upon settlement or resolution of the action and to file a Request for Dismissal within twenty-one (21) days from case resolution.
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Page 4 | Notice of Case Resolution
Motions in limine, trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists, and jury instructions must be filed 5 days before the Final Status Conference.
The following documents shall be prepared and exchanged between (in the possession of) all counsel and filed directly in this department at least five (5) days before the Final Status Conference.
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Page 8 | Final Status Conference Required Documents
IDC dispute summaries must be delivered to the Court 24 hours before the scheduled conference.
A two (2) page summary of the dispute should be delivered to the Court twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled IDC.
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Page 4 | Discovery - Informal Discovery Conference
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Motions in limine must be in writing and served on (in the possession of) the opposing party or counsel at least ten court days before the Final Status Conference.
All motions in limine must be in writing and shall be served (in the possession of) opposing party or counsel at least ten (10) court days before the Final Status Conference date.
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Page 8 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Oppositions to motions in limine must be in writing and served on (in the possession of) the opposing party or counsel at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.
Any opposition to any motion in limine must be in writing and served (in the possession of opposing party or counsel) at least five (5) court days prior to the Final Status Conference.
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Page 8 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Filing Fees and Waivers
The party demanding a jury trial is responsible for posting jury fees in accordance with C.C.P. § 631.
Jury is demanded by _____________________________________ who shall be responsible for posting jury fees in accordance with applicable statute (i.e., C.C.P. §631).
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Page 2 | JURY/NON-JURY
Filing Bundling Requirements
In limine motions must be submitted in discrete packets — a separate packet for each motion containing the moving, opposition, and reply papers.
In Limine motions shall be submitted in discrete packets (i.e. a separate packet for each motion) including the moving, opposition, and reply papers.
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Page 8 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Motions in limine must be submitted in separate packets per motion; bundling multiple motions is prohibited.
In Limine motions shall be submitted in discrete packets (i.e. a separate packet for each motion) including the moving, opposition, and reply papers.
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Page 8 | Motions in Limine
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Counsel must meet and confer on all motions in limine, and boilerplate form motions in limine are disfavored.
Boilerplate of form motions in limine are disfavored. Counsel shall meet and confer on all motions in limine.
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Page 8 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial dates are firm and will not be continued absent a showing of good cause under C.R.C. Rule 3.1332, and counsel must avoid conflicting engagements.
Notice: Counsel are respectfully requested not to become engaged in any matter that would interfere with the above trial date. Trial dates are firm and will not be continued absent a showing of good cause in accordance with C.R.C, Rule 3.1332. The parties will comply with the C.R.C., Rule 3.1332 with respect to continuances.
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Page 2 | TRIAL DATE
Stipulated continuances of Trial, FSC, or MSC dates are not permitted.
Stipulated continuances of Trial, FSC, or MSC dates will not be permitted.
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Page 2 | TRIAL DATE
Changing any case management order date requires a court order sought by ex parte application or noticed motion.
A court order is required to change any dates in the case management order. Any request to change trial dates must be made by ex parte application or by noticed motion.
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Page 2 | TRIAL DATE
Continuances of trial, FSC, or MSC dates require good cause, CRC Rule 3.1332 compliance, a court order, and must be made via ex parte application or noticed motion; stipulated continuances are prohibited.
Trial dates are firm and will not be continued absent a showing of good cause in accordance with C.R.C, Rule 3.1332. The parties will comply with the C.R.C., Rule 3.1332 with respect to continuances. A court order is required to change any dates in the case management order. Any request to change trial dates must be made by ex parte application or by noticed motion. Stipulated continuances of Trial, FSC, or MSC dates will not be permitted.
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Page 2 | Trial Date Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
Department A courtroom is located at 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, and may be reached by telephone at (818) 901-4603 during courtroom hours of 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Courtroom Information: 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Department A, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Telephone number: {818) 901-4603 Courtroom hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Page 1 | Courtroom Information
For Further Discovery Motion dates or when otherwise directed, parties may contact the Clerk at (818) 901-4603.
For Further Discovery Motion dates, or if otherwise directed to do so, you may contact the Clerk in this court at (818) 901-4603.
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Page 4 | LAW AND MOTION
Counsel are requested to immediately notify the clerk by phone at (818) 901-4603 upon settlement or resolution of the action.
Counsel is also requested to notify the clerk o f this court immediately by phone [(818) 901-4603] upon settlement or resolution of the action.
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Page 7 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
Department A courtroom can be contacted via phone at (818) 901-4603 during posted courtroom hours for permitted purposes.
Telephone number: (818) 901-4603
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Page 1 | Courtroom Information