Court Rules
Judge

Judge Dana K. Caudill

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Ventura Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Idc Request
5 pgs
Trial Brief
5 pgs
Motion In Limine
5 pgs
Joint Request For IdcCourt-wide
8 pgs
Statement Of CaseCourt-wide
1 pgs
In Limine MotionCourt-wide
3 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Summary Judgment Motions

  • Two Weeks Before Hearing

Witness List, Exhibit List, Trial Brief, Motion In Limine, Proposed Jury Questionnaire

  • Day After Email

Courtesy copies

Court-wide
  • Email • Upon Filing

Joint Request For Idc

Court-wide
  • Email

Communication

Email

Chambers

courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

SchedulingStatus Inquiries
Phone
Court-wide
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsDiscoveryConferencesMemorandaBinders/TabsTRO/InjunctionCourtroom Conduct

Page & Word Limits3 rules

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

IDC requesting papers may not exceed five pages, excluding exhibits, and exhibits must contain only information necessary to explain the discovery dispute.

Requesting papers shall not exceed 5 pages in length, excluding exhibits, and exhibits shall include only such information as is necessary to explain the discovery dispute.

Idc Request

5 pages

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 3|SecIV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)
Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Trial briefs may not exceed five pages, must be served on all parties, and must be emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

Trial Briefs: Trial briefs shall be no more than 5 pages and shall be served on all parties and emailed to courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov at least three (3) court days before trial.

Trial Brief

5 pages

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 5|SecVI. Trial Rules & Procedures
Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Motions in limine may not exceed five pages.

Motions in limine shall not exceed 5 pages.

Motion In Limine

5 pages

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 5|SecVI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Document Format Requirements6 rules

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A party presenting slides to the jury must provide printed copies to all other parties and the court clerk at least 15 minutes before the presentation.

Any party showing a PowerPoint or similar presentation to the jury in opening statements or closing arguments shall provide a printed hardcopy of the slides to all other parties and the Court clerk at least 15 minutes prior to the presentation.

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 8|SecVI. Trial Rules & Procedures
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Exhibits supporting or opposing a motion must be consecutively numbered at the bottom of each page, and exhibit references in briefs or declarations should include page numbers.

Exhibits submitted in support of or in opposition to a motion must consecutively numbered at the bottom of the page and references to exhibits in briefs or declarations should include the page number.

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecV. Law & Motion Procedures
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

With court approval, abbreviated opening statements may be presented for no more than two minutes per party and must contain only neutral, non-argumentative descriptions of claims and defenses.

Any party may request court approval to provide abbreviated opening statements in accordance with CCP 222.5(d). Abbreviated statements shall not exceed 2 minutes per party and shall include only neutral non-argumentative descriptions of each party’s claims and defenses.

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 7|SecVI. Trial Rules & Procedures
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

Exhibits should be tabbed at the bottom of the pleadings.

department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecV. Law & Motion Procedures
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

For an exhibit longer than five pages, the relevant portions should be highlighted.

If an exhibit is more than five (5) pages, please highlight the relevant portions of the exhibit.

Applies When:Page Threshold > 5
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecV. Law & Motion Procedures
Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All exhibits, including impeachment materials, shall be pre-marked using numbers, with each party assigned a unique number range to avoid duplication. The parties shall agree on a master set of exhibits, excluding impeachment materials, and shall place such exhibits into numerically tabbed binders. The binders shall not be more than two inches, and the spine of the binder shall be labeled to indicate the number range of the exhibits contained in each binder. The parties are responsible to ensure that each party has a complete set of exhibits.

Summary: Exhibits must be numerically pre-marked, organized in tabbed binders no more than two inches thick, labeled by exhibit number range, and provided as a complete set to each party.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Tabbed Three Ring
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 6|SecVI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Document Filing Requirements6 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

An informal discovery conference must be requested jointly and in writing by all parties.

All requests for an IDC must be made jointly by the parties in writing.

Document Type

Idc Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 3|SecIV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Exhibits must be identified and authenticated by a supporting declaration.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecV. Law & Motion Procedures
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The parties must meet in advance to prepare a joint ADR Status Conference Statement.

The parties must meet in advance of the ADR Status conference for the purpose of preparing a joint ADR Status Conference Statement.

Document Type

Joint Adr Status Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 3|SecIII. Alternative Dispute Resolution Status Conferences (“ADR Status Conference”).
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

A tentative-decision submission email must use a subject line containing “SUBMISSION ON TENTATIVE,” the case number, title, and party.

with a subject line that includes “SUBMISSION ON TENTATIVE”, Case Number, Title and Party.

Document Type

Tentative Decision Submission

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecV. Law & Motion Procedures
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

The Joint ADR Status Conference Statement shall be filed and served at least 5 court days before the ADR Status Conference and shall contain the following information:

Summary: The joint ADR Status Conference Statement must state the nature and causes of the case, relief and defenses, resolution efforts and remaining discovery, planned resolution steps, and trial readiness or potential court-involvement issues.

Document Type

Joint Adr Status Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 3|SecIII. Alternative Dispute Resolution Status Conferences (“ADR Status Conference”).
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Requests for an IDC should include the following:

Summary: IDC requests should describe the discovery dispute, resolution efforts, timing concerns, and willingness to modify the requests or response.

Document Type

Idc Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
department 21 rules and procedures · Jul 2026 · p. 4|SecIV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The court prohibits electronic delivery of trial documents and does not require resubmission if the trial is continued.

No E-Delivery of Trial Documents: The court does not accept e-delivery of trial documents. Once trial documents are received by the Court, they do not need to be resubmitted if the trial trails.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Ex parte moving papers must be filed by noon on the court day before the hearing; late papers may result in continuation of the hearing.

Moving papers ===== PAGE 2 ===== are to be filed no later than noon the court day prior to the hearing. If the documents are received after the filing deadline, your hearing may be continued to the next available date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | I. Case Management

Counsel must file a meaningful Case Management Conference statement at least 15 days before the hearing to avoid sanctions.

Appearance counsel’s failure to be properly informed about the case and/or failure to file a meaningful CMC Statement at least 15 days before the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | I. Case Management

The joint ADR Status Conference Statement must be filed and served at least five court days before the conference and must state the case summary, resolution efforts, remaining discovery, planned resolution steps, and trial readiness or issues requiring court involvement.

The Joint ADR Status Conference Statement shall be filed and served at least 5 court days before the ADR Status Conference and shall contain the following information:

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | III. Alternative Dispute Resolution Status Conferences (“ADR Status Conference”).

All motions in limine must be emailed to the court three days before trial.

All motions in limine shall be emailed to courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov 3 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

A party may submit on a tentative decision by email to Courtroom 21, copying all other parties, before 8:00 a.m. on the hearing day, using a subject line that includes the specified text, case number, title, and party.

Parties may submit on the tentative decision by email, with a copy to all other parties in the matter, to courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov before 8:00 a.m. on the day set for the hearing, with a subject line that includes “SUBMISSION ON TENTATIVE”, Case Number, Title and Party.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | V. Law & Motion Procedures

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Trial briefs must be served on all parties and emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

Trial briefs shall be no more than 5 pages and shall be served on all parties and emailed to courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov at least three (3) court days before trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 5 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

A party requesting a jury questionnaire must serve and lodge the joint proposed questionnaire, including written juror instructions, by the trial-call date.

The requesting party(ies) shall serve and lodge with the judicial assistant the joint proposed jury questionnaire (including all written instructions to jurors) by the date of the trial call.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 7 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Unless otherwise agreed, the plaintiff must prepare, serve, and lodge the final jury instructions and verdict forms.

Unless otherwise agreed, the plaintiff shall prepare, serve, and lodge the final set of instructions and verdict forms.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 7 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

The court will direct the prevailing parties to serve and file a proposed judgment consistent with the jury verdict and applicable California rules.

The Court will direct the prevailing party(ies) to serve and file a proposed judgment consistent with the jury’s verdict and in conformity with the California Rules of Court and the Code of Civil Procedure.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 8 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy paper copies of all trial documents must be delivered to Courtroom 21 by 8:30 a.m. on the court day after the documents are emailed to the court.

COURTESY COPIES OF ALL TRIAL DOCUMENTS: The Court requires courtesy paper copies of all trial documents (i.e., witness lists, exhibit lists, trial briefs, motions in limine, any proposed jury questionnaires). All courtesy copies must be delivered to Courtroom 21 by 8:30 a.m. on the court day after they are emailed to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 5 | VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

Courtesy copies are required for all papers supporting or opposing a motion for summary judgment.

The Court requires courtesy copies of all papers filed in support of and in opposition to a motion for summary judgment.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | V. Law & Motion Procedures

All summary-judgment courtesy copies must be delivered to Courtroom 21 by 8:30 a.m. at least two weeks before the hearing.

All courtesy copies must be delivered to Courtroom 21 at 8:30 a.m. at least two weeks in advance of the hearing date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | V. Law & Motion Procedures

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Trial dates are firm, continuances are disfavored, and continuance requests must comply with CRC 3.1332.

Trial dates are firm. Requests for continuances are disfavored and any such requests must adhere to CRC 3.1332.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | I. Case Management

Chambers Communication Rules

A request for an IDC must be sent by email to Courtroom 21, copied to all attorneys and self-represented litigants, and use the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.”

To request an IDC, requesting papers with the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC” must be emailed to Courtroom 21 at Courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov and copied to all attorneys and self- represented litigants.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 3 | IV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 368 rules apply across Ventura Superior Court. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 160
  • Applies to
    Health care provider note

    A current jury-duty medical excuse must identify the juror by full name and badge number and state that the juror cannot currently serve jury duty; no diagnosis is necessary.

  • Applies to
    Health care provider note

    A permanent medical-excuse note must include the juror’s full name and badge number and state that the juror has a permanent physical or mental disability or impairment.

  • Applies to
    Civil action or proceeding

    A qualifying civil action or proceeding must be accompanied by the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum, Local Form VN278, signed by counsel for the plaintiff or the self-represented plaintiff.

Service

All 55
  • Applies to
    Notice of case assignment and mandatory appearance

    The filing party must serve a copy of the Notice of Case Assignment and Mandatory Appearance on all named defendants or respondents with the complaint or petition, and with any cross-complaint or complaint in intervention naming a new party.

  • Applies to
    Civil case cover sheet addendum

    A copy of the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum must be served with the summons and complaint or petition.

  • Applies to
    Mediators notice of acceptance or recusal

    The assigned mediator must serve the Mediator’s Notice of Acceptance or Recusal within 10 days after receiving the Notice of Assignment of Mediator.

Filing Timing

All 44
  • Deadline
    2 court days

    Interpreter requests for Spanish must be submitted at least two court days before the hearing, and requests for all other languages, including ASL, must be submitted at least ten court days before the hearing.

  • The interpreter request form should be returned to the clerk in one of the listed offices as soon as possible.

  • Deadline
    15 calendar days

    In complex cases, the parties must file a joint complex status report in pleading format at least 15 calendar days before the first case management conference.

Adjournments

All 37

  • A motion, RFO, or MSC continuance request must be submitted no less than two court days before the currently scheduled date.

  • An evidentiary hearing or trial continuance request must be filed more than 30 days in advance when based on good cause, or less than 30 days in advance when extraordinary circumstances are set forth in the declaration; the request must state the number of prior continuances.

  • A mediation continuance requires obtaining a new mediation date or dates from Family Court Services before submitting the continuance form.

More categories

View all Ventura Superior Court rules
About Judge Dana K. Caudill

- **Press release:** Judge Dana K. Caudill Takes the Bench - **Press release date:** February 26, 2024

- **Department:** 21 - **Courtroom:** Courtroom 21 - **Assignment:** Civil Trials, Law & Motion - **Title:** Judge - **Address:** Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 - **Department public phone:** (805) 289-8705 - **Email:** Courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov - **Judicial secretary phone:** (805) 289-8705 - **Ex parte applications:** heard each court day at 8:30 a.m. with a limit of 2 per day - **Ex parte reservation deadline:** 10 a.m. the court day before the hearing - **Rules document:** Department 21 Rules and Procedures, Revised July 1, 2026

Common questions about Judge Dana K. Caudill's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for summary judgment. Details: delivery two weeks before hearing. Courtesy copies are required for all papers supporting or opposing a motion for summary judgment.

View ruleSource: page 4, section V. Law & Motion Procedures

What page or word limits apply to idc request before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Judge Dana K. Caudill's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Excludes exhibits. IDC requesting papers may not exceed five pages, excluding exhibits, and exhibits must contain only information necessary to explain the discovery dispute.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Judge Dana K. Caudill's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Trial briefs may not exceed five pages, must be served on all parties, and must be emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Judge Dana K. Caudill's formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring, pre-mark all exhibits, including impeachment materials, with exhibit numbers and assign each party a unique number range., place the master set of exhibits, excluding impeachment materials, in numerically tabbed binders., binders must not be more than two inches thick., label each binder spine with the number range of exhibits contained in it., and ensure that each party has a complete set of exhibits..

View ruleSource: page 6, section VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

What must be included with idc request filings before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. An informal discovery conference must be requested jointly and in writing by all parties.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Exhibits must be identified and authenticated by a supporting declaration.

View ruleSource: page 4, section V. Law & Motion Procedures

How may parties contact Judge Dana K. Caudill's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Dana K. Caudill's chambers. The rule lists email Courtroom21@ventura.courts.ca.gov. A request for an IDC must be sent by email to Courtroom 21, copied to all attorneys and self-represented litigants, and use the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.”

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDC”)

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Trial dates are firm, continuances are disfavored, and continuance requests must comply with CRC 3.1332.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Case Management

Is electronic filing required before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. The court prohibits electronic delivery of trial documents and does not require resubmission if the trial is continued.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. Trial Rules & Procedures

What filing deadlines apply to CMC statement filings before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

Counsel must file a meaningful Case Management Conference statement at least 15 days before the hearing to avoid sanctions.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Case Management

What rule applies to service for trial brief before Judge Dana K. Caudill?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by email, recipient: all parties, timing: 3 court days before hearing. Trial briefs must be served on all parties and emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. Trial Rules & Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Dana K. Caudill

Counsel must file a meaningful Case Management Conference statement at least 15 days before the hearing to avoid sanctions.

Trial dates are firm, continuances are disfavored, and continuance requests must comply with CRC 3.1332.

Ex parte moving papers must be filed by noon on the court day before the hearing; late papers may result in continuation of the hearing.

The parties must meet in advance to prepare a joint ADR Status Conference Statement.

The joint ADR Status Conference Statement must be filed and served at least five court days before the conference and must state the case summary, resolution efforts, remaining discovery, planned resolution steps, and trial readiness or issues requiring court involvement.

The joint ADR Status Conference Statement must state the nature and causes of the case, relief and defenses, resolution efforts and remaining discovery, planned resolution steps, and trial readiness or potential court-involvement issues.

An informal discovery conference must be requested jointly and in writing by all parties.

A request for an IDC must be sent by email to Courtroom 21, copied to all attorneys and self-represented litigants, and use the subject line “REQUEST FOR IDC.”

IDC requesting papers may not exceed five pages, excluding exhibits, and exhibits must contain only information necessary to explain the discovery dispute.

IDC requests should describe the discovery dispute, resolution efforts, timing concerns, and willingness to modify the requests or response.

Courtesy copies are required for all papers supporting or opposing a motion for summary judgment.

All summary-judgment courtesy copies must be delivered to Courtroom 21 by 8:30 a.m. at least two weeks before the hearing.

Exhibits supporting or opposing a motion must be consecutively numbered at the bottom of each page, and exhibit references in briefs or declarations should include page numbers.

Exhibits should be tabbed at the bottom of the pleadings.

Exhibits must be identified and authenticated by a supporting declaration.

For an exhibit longer than five pages, the relevant portions should be highlighted.

A party may submit on a tentative decision by email to Courtroom 21, copying all other parties, before 8:00 a.m. on the hearing day, using a subject line that includes the specified text, case number, title, and party.

A tentative-decision submission email must use a subject line containing “SUBMISSION ON TENTATIVE,” the case number, title, and party.

The court prohibits electronic delivery of trial documents and does not require resubmission if the trial is continued.

Courtesy paper copies of all trial documents must be delivered to Courtroom 21 by 8:30 a.m. on the court day after the documents are emailed to the court.

Trial briefs may not exceed five pages, must be served on all parties, and must be emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

Trial briefs must be served on all parties and emailed to the court at least three court days before trial.

Motions in limine may not exceed five pages.

All motions in limine must be emailed to the court three days before trial.

Exhibits must be numerically pre-marked, organized in tabbed binders no more than two inches thick, labeled by exhibit number range, and provided as a complete set to each party.

With court approval, abbreviated opening statements may be presented for no more than two minutes per party and must contain only neutral, non-argumentative descriptions of claims and defenses.

A party presenting slides to the jury must provide printed copies to all other parties and the court clerk at least 15 minutes before the presentation.

Unless otherwise agreed, the plaintiff must prepare, serve, and lodge the final jury instructions and verdict forms.

A party requesting a jury questionnaire must serve and lodge the joint proposed questionnaire, including written juror instructions, by the trial-call date.

The court will direct the prevailing parties to serve and file a proposed judgment consistent with the jury verdict and applicable California rules.

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