Court Rules
Magistrate Judge

Judge Christine L. Stetson

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Eastern District of Texas

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Deposition

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • Prior To Final Pretrial Conference

Exhibits

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • On Date Objections To Pretrial Order Are Due

Binding: Three Ring Binder

Joint Pretrial Order

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • On Day Of Filing

Binding: Tabbed Three Ring

Proposed Findings Conclusions, Memoranda Of Law

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • Upon Filing

Communication

Phone

Clerk

(409) 654-7000
Technical IssuesScheduling
Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsMemorandaEvidence/WitnessesJPTOTRO/InjunctionJuryCourtroom Conduct

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

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Cases before United States District Judge Marcia A. Crone - Limit of twelve (12) spectators, sitting six (6) feet apart. No persons under 18 years of age will be permitted in the courtroom; and

Summary: Judge Crone's courtroom limits spectators to 12, requires 6-foot distancing, and prohibits those under 18.

Spectator

Lufkin Divisional Standing Order 2022-2 1 · Mar 2022 · p. 2
|SecCases before United States District Judge Marcia A. Crone

Document Format Requirements13 rules

Formatting

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Cases before United States Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson - All spectators who do not reside in the same household must sit six (6) feet apart, and all spectators must wear a face mask at all times.

Summary: Judge Stetson requires 6-foot distancing between non-household spectators and masks for all spectators.

Lufkin Divisional Standing Order 2022-2 1 · Mar 2022 · p. 2
|SecCases before United States Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson
Formatting

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Each person must maintain appropriate distancing from others in the Courthouse, to include sittin at the location assigned by a member of the court staff. Each person must follow the instructions of the court staff and court security officers ( CSOs ) to aid in maintaining distance in the Courthouse;

Summary: All persons must maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.

Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:6"
Left:6"
Right:6"
Bottom:6"
Formatting

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The offering party shall mark his or her own exhibits before trial to include the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit, unless joint exhibits are to be used and marked accordingly. If an exhibit has multiple pages, each page must be numbered consecutively.

Summary: Exhibits must be marked with party name, case number, and exhibit number; multi-page exhibits must have consecutive page numbering.

Formatting

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Courtroom No. 3 - Limit of twelve (12) spectators, sitting six (6) feet apart. No persons under 18 years of age will be permitted in the courtroom;

Summary: Courtroom 3: max 12 spectators, 6 feet apart, no one under 18.

Formatting

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Courtroom No. 4 - All spectators who do not reside in the same household must sit six (6) feet apart, and all spectators must wear a face mask at all times;

Summary: Courtroom 4: non-household spectators 6 feet apart, all must wear masks.

Formatting

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Each person must use the hand sanitizer furnished at the front door upon entering the Courthouse;

Summary: Use hand sanitizer at front door upon entering Courthouse.

Formatting

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Any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the prior five (5) days is prohibited from entering the Courthouse during the CDC recommended quarantine and isolation period.

Summary: Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in past 5 days are prohibited from entering Courthouse.

Formatting

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Each person must maintain appropriate distancing from others in the Courthouse, to include sitting at the location assigned by a member of the court staff. Each person must follow the instructions of the court staff and court security officers ( CSOs ) to aid in maintaining distance in the Courthouse;

Summary: Maintain appropriate distancing in the Courthouse as directed by staff.

Formatting

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If the parties cannot agree on a particular instruction or issue, however, such disagreement and alternate requests must be submitted on separate pages and will be resolved at the final pretrial conference or at a charge conference;

Summary: Disputed jury instructions and alternate requests must be submitted on separate pages.

Formatting

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assembled in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with a numbered sticker on each document for use by the court. Such number shall also appear on a tab extending beyond the right side of the notebook. Each notebook shall be labeled on the outside cover with the name of the offering party, the case style, and the case number. Each notebook shall not exceed three (3) inches in depth. Unless only joint exhibits are used, the notebooks of each party must be of a different color, any agreed exhibits must be proceeded by a red tab page.

Summary: Exhibit notebooks must be looseleaf three-ring, with numbered stickers and tabs, labeled, max 3 inches, different colors per party, red tab for agreed exhibits.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

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Portions of designations to which a party has objected should be underlined.

Summary: Portions of deposition designations that are objected to should be underlined.

Formatting

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Each party must use a different color binder. Agreed exhibits must be proceeded by a red tab page.

Summary: Each party must use a different color binder; agreed exhibits must be preceded by a red tab page.

Formatting

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Each party shall use a different color highlighter (yellow and blue are recommended for the parties and green for overlapping designations).

Summary: Parties must use different highlighter colors: yellow and blue recommended for parties, green for overlapping designations.

Document Filing Requirements51 rules

Filing Requirements

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Each person must use the hand sanitizer furnished at the front door upon enterin the Courthouse;

Summary: All persons must use hand sanitizer upon entering the Courthouse.

Document Type

Entry

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel shall submit as part of the joint pretrial order two (2) copies of the party’s witness list, listing the witnesses in the order in which they will be called and stating the estimated time for examination, on a form substantially similar to that attached.

Summary: Counsel must submit two copies of the witness list as part of the joint pretrial order, with witnesses in order and estimated examination time, on the prescribed form.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Use of video depositions is permitted if they are edited to remove sidebar remarks and testimony to which objections are sustained.

Summary: Video depositions are permitted only if edited to remove sidebar remarks and testimony with sustained objections.

Document Type

Video Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Before trial, counsel must provide the court administrator with two copies of any deposition to be used at trial with the relevant portions highlighted.

Summary: Counsel must provide the court administrator with two copies of each deposition to be used at trial, with relevant portions highlighted.

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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List all facts in controversy necessary to the final disposition of the case.

Summary: The contested issues of fact section must list all facts in controversy necessary for disposition.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Give a brief statement of the case to inform the court and/or jury of the salient facts, which the court may read to the jury panel to ascertain whether any panelists are familiar with the facts or parties involved in the case. Include names, dates, and places. The statement should not exceed one paragraph per party.

Summary: The statement of the case must be brief, include names, dates, places, and not exceed one paragraph per party.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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List all facts that require no proof.

Summary: The admissions of fact section must list all facts that require no proof.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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List any pending motions.

Summary: The motions section must list any pending motions.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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State concisely in separate paragraphs what each party claims.

Summary: The contentions section must state each party's claims concisely in separate paragraphs.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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List the parties, their respective counsel, and the physical addresses, email address, and telephone numbers, including cell phone numbers, of counsel in separate paragraphs.

Summary: The appearance of counsel section must list parties, counsel, addresses, email, and phone numbers in separate paragraphs.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Briefly set out why the court has full and complete jurisdiction of the subject matter and the parties. If there is an unresolved jurisdictional question, state the problem.

Summary: The jurisdiction section must state the basis for subject matter and personal jurisdiction, and note any unresolved questions.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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All counsel requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within three (3) business days after the exhibit is made available. Failure to object in writing concedes authenticity.

Summary: Authentication objections must be made in writing within 3 business days after exhibit is made available; failure to object concedes authenticity.

Document Type

Exhibit Authentication

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Include a statement as to the status of settlement negotiations, and, if applicable, that all settlement efforts have been exhausted. State the current settlement demand and offer and whether the case can reasonably be expected to settle.

Summary: The settlement section must include status of negotiations, whether efforts exhausted, current demand and offer, and likelihood of settlement.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel shall submit a written summary of the qualifications of each expert witness.

Summary: Counsel must submit a written summary of each expert witness's qualifications.

Document Type

Expert Witness

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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State briefly the disputed issues of law.

Summary: The contested issues of law section must briefly state the disputed issues of law.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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State the legal principles governing this case that are not in dispute.

Summary: The agreed propositions of law section must state undisputed legal principles.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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If a witness is to appear by deposition, cite the inclusive pages and lines to be read. Objections to those portions (citing pages and lines) with supporting authority shall be filed by the date set forth in the scheduling order.

Summary: Deposition designations must cite pages and lines; objections with supporting authority must be filed by scheduling order deadline.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Include in this paragraph the following: (a) Whether trial will be jury or non-jury;

Summary: The trial paragraph must state whether trial will be jury or non-jury.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Include in this section the following statement: In the event there are any other witnesses to be called at the trial, their names, addresses, and the subject matter of their testimony shall be reported to opposing counsel as soon as they are known. This restriction shall not apply to rebuttal or impeachment witnesses, the necessity of whose testimony cannot reasonably be anticipated before the time of trial.

Summary: The witness section must include a statement about reporting additional witnesses and the exception for rebuttal/impeachment witnesses.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel shall make the exhibits available for examination by opposing counsel on or before the date the joint pretrial order is due.

Summary: Exhibits must be made available for examination by opposing counsel by the pretrial order due date.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Each counsel shall attach to the joint pretrial order two (2) copies of a list on a form substantially similar to that attached of all exhibits expected to be offered.

Summary: Each counsel must attach two copies of an exhibit list to the joint pretrial order.

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

Filing Requirements

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MEMORANDA OF AUTHORITIES MUST BE FILED TO ADDRESS EACH OF THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE CASE.

Summary: Memoranda of authorities must be filed to address each contested issue of law that affects the case.

Document Type

Memorandum Of Authorities

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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The court will admit into evidence all exhibits listed in the final pretrial order unless opposing counsel files written objections with authorities by the date set forth in the scheduling order. The filing should include copies of the disputed exhibit and relevant authority.

Summary: Written objections to exhibits with supporting authorities must be filed by the scheduling order deadline; objections must include copies of disputed exhibit and relevant authority.

Document Type

Exhibit Objection

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Each counsel shall attach two (2) copies of a list in a form substantially similar to that attached setting forth the names and addresses of each witness (not counsel’s address) who will or may be called at trial in the order of his or her appearance, including a brief statement of the subject matter and substance of his or her testimony, as well as the estimated time for his or her examination.

Summary: Each counsel must attach two copies of a witness list with names, addresses, order of appearance, subject matter, and estimated examination time.

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

Filing Requirements

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(a) Liquids, aerosols, or gels. This includes bottles of water.

Summary: Liquids, aerosols, gels (including water bottles) prohibited without judicial approval

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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(d) Vape pens.

Summary: Vape pens prohibited without judicial approval

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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(b) Laser Lights / Pointers.

Summary: Laser lights/pointers prohibited without judicial approval

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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With respect to electronic communication devices, in addition to the restrictions provided in General Order 18-6, impaneled petit and grand jurors may check such devices into the Clerk s Office and access them during breaks in the judicial proceedings.

Summary: Impaneled jurors may check electronic devices into Clerk's Office during breaks

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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(c) Cigarette Lighters.

Summary: Cigarette lighters prohibited without judicial approval

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Visitors and guests to the Courthouse are not per itted to bring any of the following items into the Courthouse without prior approval from a District or Magistrate Judge:

Summary: Visitors must get prior judicial approval to bring prohibited items into courthouse

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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A statement of the exact issues presented for review, set forth in separate numbered paragraphs.

Summary: Brief must include numbered statement of exact issues presented for review

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Social Security Standing Order 0 · Jan 2023 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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A short conclusion stating the relief sought. The issues before the court are limited to the exact issues properly raised in the briefs. Any issue raised in the briefs but not discussed at oral argument, if one is held, will be deemed abandoned.

Summary: Brief must include short conclusion stating relief sought; issues not discussed at oral argument are abandoned

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Social Security Standing Order 0 · Jan 2023 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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An argument. The argument may be preceded by a summary. The argument shall be divided into sections separately treating each issue and must set forth the contentions of plaintiff with respect to the issues presented and reasons therefor. Each contention must be supported by specific reference to the portion of the record relied upon and by citations to statutes, regulations, and cases supporting plaintiff's position. Cases from other districts and circuits should be cited only in conjunction with relevant cases from this jurisdiction or if authority on point from this jurisdiction does not exist. Citations to unreported district court opinions must be accompanied by a copy of the opinion.

Summary: Brief must include argument with specific record citations and jurisdictional case citations

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Legal Argument
Social Security Standing Order 0 · Jan 2023 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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A statement of the case. This statement should indicate, briefly, the course of the proceeding and its disposition at the administrative level and should set forth a general statement of the facts. This statement of the facts shall include plaintiff's age, education, and work experience; an outline of the medical evidence; and a brief summary of other evidence of record. Each statement of fact shall be supported by a reference to the page in the record where the evidence may be found.

Summary: Brief must include statement of case with facts, age, education, work experience, medical evidence, and page citations

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Social Security Standing Order 0 · Jan 2023 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)
Filing Requirements

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A party seeking to amend the scheduling order should file a motion and attach a proposed scheduling order using deadlines that are business days consistent with the bolded instructions on the sample scheduling order form and following the format of the most recently entered scheduling order in that case.

Summary: Motion to amend scheduling order must attach a proposed scheduling order following the format of the most recently entered scheduling order.

Document Type

Motion To Amend Scheduling Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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The joint pretrial order, including motions in limine and a proposed charge and interrogatories or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, shall be filed on or before the date set forth in the scheduling order. ... Joint pretrial orders must be signed by all counsel.

Summary: Joint pretrial order must include motions in limine, proposed charge and interrogatories (or proposed findings and conclusions), and be signed by all counsel.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Exhibit lists and objections; Witness lists and objections; Deposition designations and objections.

Summary: For hearings, the joint pretrial order must include exhibit lists and objections, witness lists and objections, and deposition designations and objections.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Memoranda of law on disputed issues of law;

Summary: The joint pretrial order must include memoranda of law on disputed issues of law.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Motions in limine.

Summary: The joint pretrial order must include motions in limine.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Findings and conclusions must be in a form suitable for ruling from the bench after closing arguments;

Summary: Proposed findings and conclusions must be in a form suitable for ruling from the bench after closing arguments.

Document Type

Proposed Findings Conclusions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel shall prepare three (3) additional sets of exhibit notebooks in the form described above for use (1) on the witness stand, (2) by the court reporter, and (3) by the court administrator.

Summary: Three additional sets of exhibit notebooks must be prepared for witness stand, court reporter, and court administrator.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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written objections supported by authority

Summary: Objections must be in writing and supported by authority.

Document Type

Objection

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel shall attach to the joint pretrial order two (2) copies of the list of all exhibits to be offered on a form substantially similar to that attached

Summary: Two copies of the exhibit list must be attached to the joint pretrial order.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Place the proposed interrogatories at the end of the document, after all instructions and definitions.

Summary: Proposed interrogatories must be placed at the end of the agreed charge document, after all instructions and definitions.

Document Type

Agreed Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Each requested instruction and definition should be simple, concise, and include citation of authority.

Summary: Each requested jury instruction and definition must be simple, concise, and include citation of authority.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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If joint exhibits are agreed upon, they must each be marked with the case name, case number, and exhibit number.

Summary: Joint exhibits must be marked with case name, case number, and exhibit number.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Post-trial briefs should be limited to specific issues requested by the court during or after trial.

Summary: Post-trial briefs should be limited to specific issues requested by the court.

Document Type

Post Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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If no agreement can be reached, the offering party shall mark his or her own exhibits with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit to be offered.

Summary: If no joint exhibits, each party must mark their own exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Counsel requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing

Summary: Authentication notification must be in writing.

Document Type

Other

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Court employees and other building tenants are exempt from this policy.

Summary: Court employees and building tenants exempt from prohibited items policy

Document Type

Security Policy

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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This standing order governs all actions filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and assigned to the undersigned.

Summary: Standing order applies to all Social Security actions under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Social Security Standing Order 0 · Jan 2023 · p. 1
|SecSTANDING ORDER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The agreed charge for jury trials must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

An agreed charge, including proposed jury instructions (aside from usual prefatory or boilerplate instructions), definitions, and interrogatories shall be filed on CM/ECF electronically.

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Page 2 | (b)(2)(A)(i)

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law filed on CM/ECF electronically.

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Page 3 | For Non-Jury Trials

For jury trials, specified documents must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

For jury trials, file the following electronically on CM/ECF AND DELIVER TWO COURTESY COPIES TO CHAMBERS: (a) Proposed questions for judge-conducted voir dire examination, if any (see above); (b) Agreed charge, including proposed jury instructions, definitions, interrogatories, and authority; (c) Memoranda of law on disputed issues of law; (d) Motions in limine.

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Page 9 | Additional Required Attachments

For non-jury trials, proposed findings/conclusions and memoranda of law must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

For non-jury trials, file the following electronically on CM/ECF AND DELIVER TWO COURTESY COPIES TO CHAMBERS: (a) Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, separating those agreed from those in dispute. The conclusions of law must include citation of authority. (b) Memoranda of law on disputed issues of law.

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Page 9 | Additional Required Attachments

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Objections to exhibits, witnesses, deposition excerpts, and responses to motions in limine must be filed by the deadline in the scheduling order.

The court will admit all exhibits listed in the joint pretrial order into evidence at the final pretrial conference unless opposing counsel files written objections supported by authority within the deadline provided in the scheduling order. Objections and responses to objections to proposed exhibits, witnesses, and deposition excerpts, as well as responses to motions in limine, shall be filed by the date set forth in the scheduling order.

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Page 4 | Exhibits

A final revised exhibit list must be submitted to the court administrator prior to the final pretrial conference.

shall submit to the court administrator prior to the final pretrial conference a final revised list of exhibits to be offered.

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Page 4 | Exhibits

Counsel requiring authentication must notify offering counsel in writing within 3 business days after exhibit is made available.

Counsel requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing within three (3) business days after the exhibit is made available for examination. Failure to do so is an admission of authenticity.

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Page 4 | Exhibits

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Counsel must assemble trial exhibits and make them available to opposing counsel on or before the date the joint pretrial order is due.

Counsel for each party shall assemble all documents, photographs, or other materials expected to be used at trial. Such documents or copies must be made available to opposing counsel on or before the date the joint pretrial order is due.

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Page 4 | Exhibits

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Two color courtesy copies of the joint pretrial order and attachments, bound in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with dividers, must be delivered to chambers on the day of filing.

ON THE DAY OF FILING, TWO (2) COLOR COURTESY COPIES OF THE JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER AND ATTACHMENTS, BOUND IN LOOSELEAF THREE-RING NOTEBOOKS WITH DIVIDERS, ARE TO BE DELIVERED TO CHAMBERS.

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Page 2 | (b)(1)

Two courtesy copies of exhibits must be delivered to chambers in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with specific formatting, on the date objections to the pretrial order are due.

Two (2) courtesy copies of the exhibits shall be assembled in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with a numbered sticker on each document for use by the court. Such number shall also appear on a tab extending beyond the right side of the notebook. Each notebook shall be labeled on the outside cover with the name of the offering party, the case style, and the case number. Each notebook shall not exceed three (3) inches in depth. Unless only joint exhibits are used, the notebooks of each party must be of a different color, any agreed exhibits must be proceeded by a red tab page. The parties shall confer on notebook colors prior to submission. THESE NOTEBOOKS SHALL BE DELIVERED TO CHAMBERS ON THE DATE OBJECTIONS TO THE PRETRIAL ORDER AND ATTACHMENTS ARE DUE.

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Page 4 | Exhibits

Two courtesy copies of marked depositions must be delivered to chambers before the final pretrial conference.

TWO (2) COURTESY COPIES OF THE DEPOSITIONS SO MARKED SHALL BE DELIVERED TO CHAMBERS PRIOR TO THE FINAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE.

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Page 5 | Use of Depositions

Unredacted witness list must be included with courtesy copies of the joint pretrial order.

include unredacted versions of the witness list with the courtesy copies of the joint pretrial order

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Page 5 | Witnesses

For jury trials, specified documents must be filed electronically on CM/ECF and two courtesy copies delivered to chambers.

For jury trials, file the following electronically on CM/ECF AND DELIVER TWO COURTESY COPIES TO CHAMBERS: (a) Proposed questions for judge-conducted voir dire examination, if any (see above); (b) Agreed charge, including proposed jury instructions, definitions, interrogatories, and authority; (c) Memoranda of law on disputed issues of law; (d) Motions in limine.

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Page 9 | Additional Required Attachments

For non-jury trials, proposed findings/conclusions and memoranda of law must be filed electronically on CM/ECF and two courtesy copies delivered to chambers.

For non-jury trials, file the following electronically on CM/ECF AND DELIVER TWO COURTESY COPIES TO CHAMBERS: (a) Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, separating those agreed from those in dispute. The conclusions of law must include citation of authority. (b) Memoranda of law on disputed issues of law.

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Page 9 | Additional Required Attachments

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Personal identifiers must be redacted from the witness list before filing.

Any personal identifiers must be redacted before filing

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Page 5 | Witnesses

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.

Any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the prior five (5) days is prohibited from entering the Courthouse during the CDC recommended quarantine and isolation period.

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Page 2 | General Courthouse Requirements

Chambers Communication Rules

CSOs must deny entry to anyone violating protocols and contact Marshal for uncertain cases.

It is further ORDERED that all CSOs, following substantive guidance provided by this order and administrative guidance from the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Texas ( EDTX ), shall deny entry to anyone attempting to enter, or remain in, the Courthouse in violation of these protocols. In the event of any uncertainty as to whether a person should be denied entrance to the Courthouse, the CSOs shall immediately contact the U.S. Marshal for the EDTX or the designated Deputy Marshal for a determination, which shall control.

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Attorneys must contact judge's chambers by phone, then email if needed, before court appearances.

b. If you are an attorney scheduled to appear in court before a judge, please contact that judge s chambers directly by telephone, and if necessary, follow up by email;

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Contact Probation/Pretrial Services Office directly for meetings.

c. If you are scheduled to meet with a Probation or Pretrial Services Officer, please contact the Probation and Pretrial Services Office directly for guidance and instructions; and

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Contact Deputy Clerk's office at (409) 654-7000 for other courthouse matters.

d. For any other Courthouse matters, please contact the office of the Deputy Clerk in Charge of the Be umont Division at (409) 654-7000.

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About United States Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson

**Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson** was appointed to the Eastern District of Texas on August 31, 2021. She serves in the Beaumont and Lufkin Divisions. Before her appointment, Judge Stetson had an extensive legal practice spanning nearly three decades. She was an attorney at the Bernsen Law Firm in Beaumont from 2011 until her judicial appointment in 2021. Prior to that, she was a partner at Germer Gertz, LLP in Beaumont from 2000 to 2006. She also practiced at Gardere & Wynne, L.L.P. in Dallas and at Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox, L.L.P. in Dallas, where she focused on commercial litigation, insurance coverage, environmental, and securities matters. **Education** - Albany Law School of Union University, J.D., cum laude, 1992 (Associate Editor, Albany Law Review) **Career** - Attorney, Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox, L.L.P., Dallas, TX (1993–1999) - Attorney, Gardere & Wynne, L.L.P., Dallas, TX (2000) - Partner, Germer Gertz, LLP, Beaumont, TX (2000–2006) - Attorney, Bernsen Law Firm, Beaumont, TX (2011–2021)

**Courthouse:** Jack Brooks Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 300 Willow Street, Suite 234, Beaumont, TX 77701 **Chambers:** Suite 234 **Phone:** (409) 654-2845 **Fax:** (409) 654-6271 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: Sherre White (sherre_white@txed.uscourts.gov) - Career Law Clerk: Jennifer Fisher - Law Clerk: Bradley Kucera

Common questions about Judge Christine L. Stetson's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Christine L. Stetson?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for joint pretrial orders. Details: 2 copies, delivery on day of filing, by hand delivery. Two color courtesy copies of the joint pretrial order and attachments, bound in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with dividers, must be delivered to chambers on the day of filing.

View ruleSource: page 2, section (b)(1)

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

Judge Christine L. Stetson's formatting rule includes margins top 6 inches, bottom 6 inches, left 6 inches, right 6 inches. All persons must maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.

View ruleSource: page 2, section General Courthouse Requirements

What must be included with entry filings before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

The rule requires sanitization. All persons must use hand sanitizer upon entering the Courthouse.

View ruleSource: page 2, section General Courthouse Requirements

What must be included with joint pretrial order filings before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The trial paragraph must state whether trial will be jury or non-jury.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Trial

How may parties contact Judge Christine L. Stetson's chambers?

CSOs must deny entry to anyone violating protocols and contact Marshal for uncertain cases.

View ruleSource: page 2

How does Judge Christine L. Stetson handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Christine L. Stetson's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Personal identifiers must be redacted from the witness list before filing.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Witnesses

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.

View ruleSource: page 2, section General Courthouse Requirements

Is electronic filing required before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The agreed charge for jury trials must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

View ruleSource: page 2, section (b)(2)(A)(i)

What filing deadlines does Judge Christine L. Stetson set?

Objections to exhibits, witnesses, deposition excerpts, and responses to motions in limine must be filed by the deadline in the scheduling order.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Exhibits

What rule applies to service for exhibits before Judge Christine L. Stetson?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. Counsel must assemble trial exhibits and make them available to opposing counsel on or before the date the joint pretrial order is due.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Exhibits
Complete rules summary for Judge Christine L. Stetson

All persons must maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.

All persons must use hand sanitizer upon entering the Courthouse.

Judge Stetson requires 6-foot distancing between non-household spectators and masks for all spectators.

Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.

Judge Crone's courtroom limits spectators to 12, requires 6-foot distancing, and prohibits those under 18.

Two copies of the exhibit list must be attached to the joint pretrial order.

The trial paragraph must state whether trial will be jury or non-jury.

Two color courtesy copies of the joint pretrial order and attachments, bound in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with dividers, must be delivered to chambers on the day of filing.

The agreed charge for jury trials must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

Authentication notification must be in writing.

Joint pretrial order must include motions in limine, proposed charge and interrogatories (or proposed findings and conclusions), and be signed by all counsel.

Motion to amend scheduling order must attach a proposed scheduling order following the format of the most recently entered scheduling order.

Proposed interrogatories must be placed at the end of the agreed charge document, after all instructions and definitions.

Each requested jury instruction and definition must be simple, concise, and include citation of authority.

Disputed jury instructions and alternate requests must be submitted on separate pages.

The joint pretrial order must include memoranda of law on disputed issues of law.

The joint pretrial order must include motions in limine.

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be filed electronically on CM/ECF.

Proposed findings and conclusions must be in a form suitable for ruling from the bench after closing arguments.

Post-trial briefs should be limited to specific issues requested by the court.

For hearings, the joint pretrial order must include exhibit lists and objections, witness lists and objections, and deposition designations and objections.

Joint exhibits must be marked with case name, case number, and exhibit number.

If no joint exhibits, each party must mark their own exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.

Counsel must assemble trial exhibits and make them available to opposing counsel on or before the date the joint pretrial order is due.

Counsel requiring authentication must notify offering counsel in writing within 3 business days after exhibit is made available.

A final revised exhibit list must be submitted to the court administrator prior to the final pretrial conference.

Objections to exhibits, witnesses, deposition excerpts, and responses to motions in limine must be filed by the deadline in the scheduling order.

Objections must be in writing and supported by authority.

Two courtesy copies of exhibits must be delivered to chambers in looseleaf three-ring notebooks with specific formatting, on the date objections to the pretrial order are due.

Exhibit notebooks must be looseleaf three-ring, with numbered stickers and tabs, labeled, max 3 inches, different colors per party, red tab for agreed exhibits.

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