Court Rules

District of New Jersey Document Format Requirements

54 rules from official source documents

0 of 54 checked against the court's document. Each rule says how far it was checked. A value with a question mark is not in the court's wording on its card.

Font, margin, spacing, and file format requirements for court filings. This page is scoped to District of New Jersey; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

All documents must be filed electronically in the proceeding as PDFs fourteen (14) days before the hearing

Summary: Exhibits must be filed in PDF format.

Bankruptcy Andrew B. Altenburg, Jr.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

The exhibits must be clearly identified so that the exhibits can be easily located during trial.

Summary: Exhibits must be clearly identified for easy location during trial.

Bankruptcy Andrew B. Altenburg, Jr.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with trial participants.

Summary: Exhibits must be marked with page numbers for quick access during screen sharing.

Bankruptcy Andrew B. Altenburg, Jr.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

In the hardcopy set of exhibits to be delivered to the Court, the confidential documents should be provided in separate sealed envelopes marked as confidential.

Summary: Hardcopy confidential exhibits must be in sealed envelopes marked confidential.

Bankruptcy Andrew B. Altenburg, Jr.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Summary: Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copies in binders, and clearly identified via PDF file name or binder tab.

Bankruptcy Christine M. Gravelle

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

Summary: Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers for easy reference during Zoom proceedings.

Bankruptcy Christine M. Gravelle

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Summary: Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab.

Bankruptcy John K. Sherwood

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

Summary: Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate Court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.

Bankruptcy John K. Sherwood

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Summary: Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copy binders, clearly identified by PDF filename or binder tab.

Bankruptcy Michael B. Kaplan

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

Summary: Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.

Bankruptcy Michael B. Kaplan

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

properly hyperlinks and bookmarks the location of each exhibit within that PDF. The Court will strike electronic submissions that fail to comply with this rule.

Summary: Electronic submissions containing exhibits must properly hyperlink and bookmark each exhibit within the PDF or be stricken.

Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

All filed papers shall be in a text-searchable PDF format as required by Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).

Summary: All filed papers must be text-searchable PDF format per Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).

Judge Edward S. Kiel

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The exhibits themselves are to be pre-marked and must include exhibit stickers.

Summary: Exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The list shall be divided into three columns: the first column will identify the exhibit; the second column will state the opponent’s objection and contain a short statement citing the relevant rule and/or concept that supports the objection; the third column will contain the proponent’s rationale for admissibility.

Summary: Exhibit list must have three columns with specific content requirements

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
DOCX ?

Please submit to the Court—in hard copy and in Word Format—a consolidated/combined joint exhibit list to minimize the duplication of the exhibits. The list should be a chart separated into three columns. Column 1 will list the exhibit. Column 2 will contain the opponent’s objection (a very short statement containing the relevant rule and/or concept). Column 3 will contain the proponent’s rationale for admissibility (e.g., the relevance rationale or on-point hearsay exception).

Summary: Submit consolidated joint exhibit list in Word format with three-column chart showing exhibits, objections, and admissibility rationales.

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced and include citations to specific authority using footnotes. Proposed instructions without citations to specific legal authority will not be considered. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a pinpoint page reference should be provided.

Summary: Jury instructions must be double-spaced with citations in footnotes; uncited instructions will not be considered.

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Please note that all cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are prohibited in this Courtroom, so if you have them, please turn them off.

Summary: Cell phones, cameras, and electronic devices are prohibited in the courtroom.

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

When submitting a USB drive, litigants may coordinate with the Courtroom Deputy to submit USB exhibits. Litigants should provide the USB in a folder that is labeled with the case name, case number, and the docket entry numbers that correspond to the files saved on the USB drive. All USB files should be clearly organized and labeled as the files are named in the briefs.

Summary: USB drives submitted to chambers must be in a labeled folder with organized, clearly named files.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required
Always ?
Format
PDF

Judge Padin also requires compliance with Local Rule 5.1(h) that all PDF filings be text searchable and at a minimum 400 dpi.

Summary: All PDF filings must be text searchable and at least 400 dpi.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
DOCX ?

The parties must submit, at least one week prior to trial—in hard copy and in Word Format—a consolidated/combined joint exhibit list to minimize the duplication of the exhibits. The list should be a chart separated into three columns: (1) the exhibit; (2) the opponent’s objection (a very short statement containing the relevant rule and/or concept); and (3) the proponent’s rationale for admissibility (e.g., the relevance rationale or on-point hearsay exception).

Summary: Joint exhibit list must be in hard copy and Word format, as a three-column chart, submitted at least one week prior to trial.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced and include citations to specific authority using footnotes. Proposed instructions without citations to specific legal authority will not be considered. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a pinpoint page reference should be provided.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, include footnoted citations to specific authority, and accurately quote cited authorities with pinpoint references.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

If a model jury instruction is submitted, for instance, from the Third Circuit Model Instructions at http://www.ca3.usCourts.gov/modeljuryinstructions.htm, Devitt & Blackmar, Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, or Sand, Modern Federal Jury Instructions, the submitting litigant shall state whether the proposed jury instruction is unchanged or modified. If a litigant modifies a model jury instruction, additions should be bolded and underlined and deletions should be noted with strikethrough font.

Summary: Submitting parties must state if model jury instructions are unchanged or modified; modified instructions require bolded/underlined additions and strikethrough deletions.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Applies to
Proposed findings conclusions ?

The Court will generally require litigants to submit a joint submission of proposed findings of fact in column format as follows: (1) in each column, litigants must provide consecutively numbered paragraphs with headings and subheadings to indicate issues and sub-issues; (2) litigants must indicate which facts are agreed upon; and (3) litigants must include specific reference to testimonial or documentary evidence in support of the proposals.

Summary: Proposed findings of fact must be submitted jointly in column format with numbered paragraphs, agreed facts indicated, and references to supporting evidence.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

Pleadings, motions, and letters must be filed in searchable PDF format.

Summary: Pleadings, motions, and letters must be in searchable PDF format.

Judge Georgette Castner

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

The Joint Claim Construction Chart, in Word format, shall be e-mailed simultaneously with filing to steve_taronji@cit.uscourts.gov. The text for the Joint Claim Construction Chart shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

Summary: Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format, 14-point Times New Roman, and emailed to chambers simultaneously with filing.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

The parties shall submit simultaneously with filing each of the foregoing four documents in Word format to the Chambers of Judge Choe-Groves.

Summary: Jury instructions, voir dire, and special verdict forms must be submitted to chambers in Word format simultaneously with filing.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required
Always ?
Format
PDF

All parties, with the exception of pro se litigants, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, electronically via CM/ECF. All papers electronically filed shall be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format to the extent possible.

Summary: All parties except pro se must file electronically via CM/ECF in text-searchable PDF format.

Judge Julien Xavier Neals

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Judge Neals requires compliance with the page limitations and format requirements for briefs outlined in Local Civil Rule 7.2.

Summary: Summary judgment motions must comply with Local Civil Rule 7.2 page and format requirements.

Judge Julien Xavier Neals

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format
PDF

All parties, with the exception of pro se parties, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, via ECF. All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: All parties except pro se must file documents via ECF in text-searchable PDF format.

Judge Karen M. Williams

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format
PDF

All papers electronically submitted, including any supporting exhibits, shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: Electronically submitted papers must be text-searchable PDF to the extent possible.

Judge Robert Kirsch

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The Joint Final Pretrial Order shall designate the assigned District Judge in the caption and shall be submitted on 8 ½ by 11 paper. Upon completion, it shall be mailed or hand delivered to: [Hon. ] United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse One John F. Gerry Plaza Fourth and Cooper Streets Camden, NJ 08101

Summary: Joint Final Pretrial Order must be on 8.5x11 paper and designate assigned District Judge in caption.

Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required
Always ?
Format
PDF

shall be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable format.

Summary: All filings must be in searchable PDF format; supporting exhibits may be non-searchable.

Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Applies to
Proposed order
Format
PDF

All motions must be accompanied by a proposed order in searchable PDF format, filed via CM/ECF.

Summary: Proposed orders accompanying motions must be in searchable PDF format.

Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Applies to
Proposed order
Format
DOCX ?

In addition to filing via CM/ECF, a copy of any proposed orders should be submitted in Word format via email to SDA_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed orders submitted via email must be in Word format.

Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

To the extent any party submits exhibits to support a motion, such exhibits shall be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed. The Court may strike a party’s submission for failure to comply with this rule.

Summary: Exhibits supporting a motion must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed; noncompliance may result in striking.

Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Required
Always ?
Format
PDF

All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: Electronically submitted papers should be in text-searchable PDF format to the extent possible.

Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
DOCX ?

Counsel for all parties must confer with each other prior to trial and submit joint requests to charge three (3) weeks before trial in hard copy form, accompanied by a USB drive containing an electronic version of the charges, in Word format.

Summary: Jury charges must be submitted in hard copy with an electronic Word version on a USB drive.

Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
DOCX ?

Counsel for all parties must confer with each other prior to trial and submit a joint verdict sheet three (3) weeks before trial in hard copy form, accompanied by a USB drive containing an electronic version of the verdict sheet, in Word format.

Summary: Verdict sheet must be submitted in hard copy with an electronic Word version on a USB drive.

Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?

This form is to be retyped in full (including all instructions) and all material inserted in proper sequence and not by means of attached riders except as provided below.

Summary: The final pretrial order must be retyped in full, with material inserted in proper sequence, and no attached riders except as provided.

Judge Brian R. Martinotti

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?

PLEASE NUMBER ALL PAGES

Summary: All pages of the final pretrial order must be numbered.

Judge Brian R. Martinotti

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

All exhibits shall be clearly labeled, tabbed and bound. Paperclips, binder clips and rubber bands will not be accepted.

Summary: Exhibits in courtesy copies must be clearly labeled, tabbed, and bound; paperclips, binder clips, and rubber bands are not accepted.

Judge Christine P. O'Hearn

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
PAPER ?

Motions for judgment as a matter of law in jury trials and motions for an involuntary dismissal in non-jury trials should be in writing where possible.

Summary: Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) should be in writing where possible.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?

Submissions should be tabbed and spiral bound (not Velo-bound).

Summary: Jury trial submissions must be tabbed and spiral bound, not Velo-bound.

Judge Jamel K. Semper

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required
Always ?
Format
DOCX ?

The materials should also be sent to the Court on a disc in Microsoft Word format.

Summary: Jury trial materials must be submitted on a disc in Microsoft Word format.

Judge Jamel K. Semper

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Format
DOCX ?

The text for the Joint Claim Construction Chart shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

Summary: Joint Claim Construction Chart must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface and be in DOCX format.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

The text for each brief shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

Summary: Claim construction briefs must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

The text for each statement shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

Summary: Concise statements must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.

Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

To the extent any party submits exhibits to support a motion, such exhibits shall be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

Summary: Exhibits must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

Judge Karen M. Williams

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Each party shall submit, by email to AME_orders@njd.uscourts.gov, a confidential settlement memorandum of no more than five double-spaced pages no later than five business days before the conference.

Summary: Settlement memoranda must be double-spaced.

Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
PDF

In addition to filing via CM/ECF as an editable PDF, a copy of any proposed order should be submitted in Word format via email to CF_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed orders must be filed as editable PDF via CM/ECF and also submitted in Word format via email to CF_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Magistrate Judge Cari Fais

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Format
PDF

Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed orders filed on CM/ECF shall be filed in searchable, editable PDF format. See, e.g., L.Civ.R. 5.2. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable format.

Summary: Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed orders filed on CM/ECF must be in searchable, editable PDF format; exhibits may be non-searchable.

Magistrate Judge Cari Fais

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required
Always ?

The trial day typically will be from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., so that the early morning and late afternoon periods can be used for addressing matters outside the presence of the jury.

Summary: Trial day scheduled 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM for jury matters.

Judge Esther Salas

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

When letters are attached to a sentencing memorandum, those letters should be grouped together as attachments to a single document.

Summary: Letters attached to a sentencing memorandum should be grouped as a single document.

Judge Evelyn Padin

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Format
PDF

Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable PDF format.

Summary: Supporting documents like exhibits may be non-searchable PDF.

Judge Georgette Castner
Common questions about District of New Jersey document format requirements

What formatting rules apply to filings in District of New Jersey?

Bankruptcy Christine M. Gravelle's formatting rule includes file format PDF, binding three ring binder, exhibits must be clearly identified via pdf file name or binder tab, and exhibits may be submitted electronically as pdfs or as hard copies in binders to chambers. Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copies in binders, and clearly identified via PDF file name or binder tab. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section Generally

Bankruptcy Andrew B. Altenburg, Jr.'s formatting rule includes file format PDF. Exhibits must be filed in PDF format. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 5, section 11. Documents/Exhibits

Bankruptcy John K. Sherwood's formatting rule includes file format PDF, binding three ring binder, electronic exhibits must be in pdf format, hard copy exhibits must be submitted in binders, and exhibits must be clearly identified via pdf file name (electronic) or binder tab (hard copy). Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section Generally

37 more rules answer this question in the list above.