Judge John A. Kazen
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All filings
- Upon Filing
Courtesy copies
- Promptly
Letter
- Hand Delivery • Prior To Or At Filing
Adjournments
- Motions to extend Scheduling Order deadlines or cut-off dates are not classified as emergencies.
- Deadline extension and continuance motions must be filed before the controlling deadline; granted only at the Court's discretion.
- Agreed extensions/continuances require submission of an agreed motion and proposed order; joint agreements are not binding on the Court.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Letter via ECF
Clerk
Letter via ECF
Chambers
Clerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins unless leave of court is granted.
Memorandum Of Law
25 pages
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point type font, double-spaced, with 1" margins.
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point double-spaced font, and 1-inch margins.
Memoranda Of Law
25 pages
Document Format Requirements9 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed Conclusions of Law (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: Proposed Conclusions of Law must be filed electronically in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed Findings of Fact (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: Proposed Findings of Fact must be filed electronically in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel shall include in their filings their email addresses.
Summary: Counsel must include their email addresses in all filings.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
identified as “SEALED” in the title of the document. For example, a motion for summary judgment filed under seal must be docketed as “MOTION for Summary Judgment (SEALED).” No pleading may be filed for docketing simply as “SEALED DOCUMENT” without advance permission of the Court.
Summary: Sealed documents must include 'SEALED' in the title, be docketed with '(SEALED)' suffix, and cannot be docketed as 'SEALED DOCUMENT' without court permission.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The proposed charges must also be submitted electronically on a CD in Microsoft Word.
Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be submitted on a CD in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed Conclusions of Law (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: Proposed Conclusions of Law for Non-Jury Trials must be filed in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed Findings of Fact (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: Proposed Findings of Fact for Non-Jury Trials must be filed in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties must provide the Court with a complete printed set of exhibits for use at trial in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.
Summary: Parties must provide the Court with a complete printed set of exhibits in a tabbed, indexed notebook for trial use.
Paper
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Do not append copies of cases and the relevant parts of authorities that are cited in a brief, memorandum, or motion unless the authorities are not published or reasonably available through Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis.
Summary: Do not append copies of cited authorities to briefs/motions unless they are unpublished or unavailable via Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis.
Document Filing Requirements40 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Letters to the Court may be hand-delivered, sent by First Class Mail to Chambers, or transmitted by email, with copies to all parties served prior to or at the time of filing. See addresses above. Letters concerning discovery and scheduling matters must be filed in the docket.
Summary: Letters to the Court require copies to all parties served prior to or at filing; discovery/scheduling letters must be filed in docket.
Document Type
Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Agreements or joint motions among counsel for deadline extensions or continuances are not binding on the Court. Parties must notify the Court of agreed continuances by submitting an agreed motion and proposed order.
Summary: Agreed extensions/continuances require submitted agreed motion and proposed order to be binding on Court.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If the motion presents issues of fact, it shall be supported by affidavit or declaration that sets forth with particularity the material facts at issue.
Summary: Motions with factual issues must be supported by affidavit/declaration detailing material facts.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions must conform with CrLR12.2 and contain a certificate verifying that opposing counsel was consulted but no agreement could be reached. An unopposed motion and its order must be indicated prominently in the caption.
Summary: Motions must include certificate of conference with opposing counsel; unopposed motions must note this in caption.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions for admission pro hac vice shall include the attorney-applicant’s averment that he or she has familiarized him/herself with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures applicable to criminal cases before Judge Kazen. See attached form, also available at the Court’s website.
Summary: Pro hac vice motions must include averment of familiarization with Local Rules and these Procedures.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any memorandum that has more than ten (10) pages of argument must contain the following items. 1) A table of contents setting forth the page number of each section, including all headings designated in the body of the brief or memorandum. 2) A table of citations of cases, statutes, rules, textbooks, and other authorities, alphabetically arranged. 3) A short statement of the nature and stage of the proceeding. 4) A statement of the issues to be ruled upon by the Court and, with respect to each issue, a short statement (supported by authority) of the standard of review. 5) A short summary of the argument. 6) Succinct headings dividing the argument into separate points. 7) A short conclusion stating the precise relief sought. 8) Proposed orders.
Summary: Memoranda with more than 10 pages of argument must include table of contents, table of authorities, case nature/status, issues/standard of review, argument summary, headings, conclusion, and proposed orders.
Document Type
Memorandum Of Law
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions to Suppress must be pleaded with specificity and not filed solely for discovery. They must also be in compliance with the Local Rules. Motions not in conformity therewith will be struck.
Summary: Motions to Suppress must be pleaded with specificity, not filed solely for discovery, and comply with Local Rules; non-compliant motions will be struck.
Document Type
Motion To Suppress
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must ensure that any filing prepared with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence (e.g. ChatGPT, Harvey.AI, or similar tools), is thoroughly reviewed for factual and legal accuracy prior to submission. These tools are capable of producing content that may be factually incorrect or legally unsound. The Court will hold attorneys and self-represented litigants fully accountable for all content submitted under their name or signature, regardless of whether it was drafted in part by generative AI. The Court will not accept the excuse that such content was prepared by AI, staff, or others when assessing potential sanctions. The Court adopts and incorporates by reference Chief Judge Randy Crane’s General Order 2025-04 on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Court Filings.
Summary: Filings prepared with generative AI must be reviewed for accuracy; filers are accountable for all content regardless of AI use; General Order 2025-04 on generative AI is adopted.
Document Type
Filing
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Exhibit List (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website).
Summary: Exhibit lists must use the attached form, also available on the Court’s website.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each proposed conclusion of law will contain citation to legal authority supporting the conclusions.
Summary: Proposed Conclusions of Law must include citation to legal authority for each conclusion.
Document Type
Proposed Conclusions Of Law
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Legal objections to the PSI Report require citations to supporting and contrary authority. When filing objections, counsel must note if the issue has been decided by binding or non-binding precedent and/or if the objection is being filed merely to preserve the issue for further appellate review.
Summary: Legal objections to PSI reports must include citations to supporting/contrary authority and note binding/non-binding precedent or if filed to preserve appeal.
Document Type
Objection
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel shall also file, within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving the PSI Report, any sentencing memorandum with any pertinent attachments—such as letters and photographs—for consideration of grounds for departures under the Sentencing Guidelines or variances under 18 U.S.C. §3553(a). Requests for departures and/or variances must be supported by a factual basis and cite supporting legal authority.
Summary: Sentencing memoranda must include pertinent attachments for departure/variance grounds; departure/variance requests require factual basis and supporting legal authority citations.
Document Type
Sentencing Memorandum
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If more than five (5) business days are needed, a motion to extend time to file objections should be immediately filed. A sample proposed order is attached and is available on the Court’s website.
Summary: Motions to extend PSI objection deadlines beyond 5 business days require a proposed order.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
*I understand that the Court requires strict compliance with the Local Rules for the Southern District of Texas and the Court Procedures for District Judge Kazen, which are applicable to cases assigned to Judge Kazen. The rules are available by visiting the Court’s website.
Summary: Pro hac vice admission motions require a signed certificate of compliance with Local Rules and Judge Kazen's procedures.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Ex parte applications for restraining orders will not be entertained by the Court unless the requirements of FED. R. CIV. P. 65(b) have been satisfied.
Summary: Ex parte restraining order applications must satisfy FRCP 65(b) to be considered by the Court.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application Restraining Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions for admission pro hac vice shall include the attorney applicant’s averment that he or she has familiarized him/herself with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures applicable to civil cases before Judge Kazen.
Summary: Pro hac vice motions must include an averment that the applicant is familiar with Local Rules and these Procedures.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Such applications shall be presented to the Court by the Case Manager following counsel’s affirmation that the opposing party has been contacted and that both parties can be available for a conference before the Court, or an explanation of why such contact is not legally required.
Summary: Restraining order applications must include affirmation of opposing party contact and availability for conference, or explanation of why contact is not required.
Document Type
Application For Restraining Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Every non-dispositive motion must contain a certificate of conference. Failure to comply may result in the party’s filing being denied or stricken.
Summary: All non-dispositive motions must include a certificate of conference; failure may result in denial or striking.
Document Type
Non-Dispositive Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions, except summary judgment motions filed pursuant to FED. R. CIV. P. 56, must be accompanied by a separate proposed order granting or denying the relief requested.
Summary: All motions except FRCP 56 summary judgment motions must include a separate proposed order.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If counsel for the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the motion MUST contain a certificate of conference pursuant to SDTX LR 7.1D and Section 6.A.2 above and specify the date, time, and place of the parties’ prior out-of-court discovery or scheduling discussion(s), the names of all counsel that participated in the discussion(s), and a brief summary of the results of the discussion(s).
Summary: Motions for discovery/scheduling disputes must include a certificate of conference and details of prior discussions if counsel cannot reach agreement.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any memorandum that has more than ten (10) pages of argument must contain the following items: 1) a table of contents setting forth the page number of each section, including all headings designated in the body of the brief or memorandum; 2) a table of authorities setting forth the cases, textbooks, and other authorities that appear in memorandum; 3) a short statement of the nature and stage of the proceeding; 4) a statement of the issues to be ruled on by the Court and, with respect to each issue, a short statement (supported by authority) of the standard of review; 5) a short summary of the argument; 6) succinct headings dividing the argument into separate points; 7) a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and 8) proposed orders (except on summary judgment motions).
Summary: Memoranda of law with over 10 pages of argument must include table of contents, table of authorities, and other specified sections.
Document Type
Memoranda Of Law
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Joint Pretrial Orders must be signed by all counsel. All parties are responsible for complying with all requirements to prepare the Joint Pretrial Order. 1) Plaintiff is primarily responsible for ensuring that a complete Joint Pretrial Order is timely filed. A form Joint Pretrial Order is attached to these Procedures and is also available on the Court’s website. The Joint Pretrial Order form should be followed, but may be adapted, within reason, to accommodate for the size and nature of the case. If Plaintiff fails to file the Joint Pretrial Order, then Defendant is responsible for filing Defendant’s portions of a Proposed Pretrial Order in the Joint Pretrial Order format. 2) Failure to timely file the Joint Pretrial Order will subject counsel and the client to sanctions, including dismissal for want of prosecution and/or other appropriate relief. This applies also to parties appearing pro se.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Orders must be signed by all counsel; plaintiff is primarily responsible for timely filing, defendant files if plaintiff fails; late filing subjects all parties (including pro se) to sanctions including dismissal.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
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b. Witness List for live witnesses (see attached form, also available at the Court’s website).
Summary: Witness lists for live witnesses must be filed with the Joint Pretrial Order or by the deadline specified in the Scheduling Order.
Document Type
Witness List
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties must file a single, joint proposed jury charge, including all necessary instructions, definitions, and questions. i) Each requested instruction must be numbered and presented with authority. ii) The parties shall include in the proposed jury charge all necessary instructions or definitions. The instructions shall, at a minimum, include: (1) the prima facie elements of each cause of action and defense asserted, (2) legal definitions required by the jury, (3) items of damages, and (4) methods of calculation of damages. Counsel should use the Fifth Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions, as modified by case law or statutory amendments, whenever possible. Any deviations must be identified and accompanied with legal authorities for the proposed deviation. iii) Even if the parties cannot, after a good faith attempt, agree on all proposed instructions, definitions, and questions, the parties should nonetheless submit a single, unified charge. Each disputed instruction, definition, or question should be set out in bold type, underlined, or in italics and identified as disputed. Each disputed item should be labeled to show which party is requesting the disputed language. Accompanying each instruction shall be all authority or related materials upon which each party relies.
Summary: Parties must file a single joint proposed jury charge with numbered instructions and authority, minimum required content, deviations identified with authority, and disputed items marked and labeled by requesting party.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
e. Proposed voir dire questions.
Summary: Proposed voir dire questions must be filed with the Joint Pretrial Order or by the Scheduling Order deadline.
Document Type
Proposed Voir Dire Questions
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d. Objections, if any, to an opponent’s exhibits, witnesses, or deposition excerpts must be filed at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the scheduled trial date, or as specified in the applicable Scheduling Order. This time limit supersedes LR 46.
Summary: Objections to exhibits, witnesses, or deposition excerpts must be filed at least 14 calendar days before trial or by the Scheduling Order deadline, superseding LR 46.
Document Type
Objections
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
c. Designation of deposition excerpts for witnesses being called by deposition. A copy of each deposition excerpt must be provided to the Court.
Summary: Deposition excerpt designations for witnesses called by deposition must be filed, with copies of each excerpt provided to the Court.
Document Type
Deposition Excerpt Designation
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
b. Proposed Conclusions of Law (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: For Non-Jury Trials, each party must file Proposed Conclusions of Law.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
c. Memorandum of Law. The memorandum of law, proposed findings, and proposed conclusions should, at a minimum, address the following: (1) the prima facie elements of each cause of action and defense asserted, (2) legal definitions, (3) components of damages, and (4) methods of calculation of damages.
Summary: Memoranda of Law, proposed findings, and conclusions for Non-Jury Trials must address prima facie elements, legal definitions, damages components, and calculation methods.
Document Type
Memorandum Of Law
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each proposed conclusion of law shall contain citation to legal authority supporting the conclusions;
Summary: Each Proposed Conclusion of Law must include citations to legal authority supporting the conclusions.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged among counsel at the time the Pretrial Order is filed, unless a later date is agreed to by counsel.
Summary: All exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged among counsel when the Pretrial Order is filed, unless counsel agree to a later date.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Unless another deadline is specified in an applicable Scheduling Order, counsel requiring authentication of an opponent’s exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing within seven (7) days after the exhibit is identified and made available for examination. Failure to do so is an admission of authenticity.
Summary: Counsel must notify opposing counsel in writing within 7 days of an exhibit being identified if requiring authentication, unless the Scheduling Order specifies a different deadline.
Document Type
Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The offering party shall mark its name, the case number, and the exhibit number on each exhibit to be offered.
Summary: The offering party must mark each exhibit with their name, the case number, and the exhibit number.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For Non-Jury Trials, each party must file: a. Proposed Findings of Fact (electronically in Microsoft Word).
Summary: For Non-Jury Trials, each party must file Proposed Findings of Fact.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
11. The conference required by Rule 26(f) was held on _____________________________, at . Counsel / Parties who participated in the conference: for Plaintiff(s) , for Defendant(s) .
Summary: Initial Pretrial Conference Report must include Rule 26(f) conference date, location, and participant details as a certificate of conference.
Document Type
Initial Pretrial Conference Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
22. Counsel are charged with knowledge of the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which are available at: https://www.txs.uscourts.gov/sites/txs/files/LR_March_2026.pdf Have all counsel reviewed those local rules prior to completion of this Report? Counsel are also charged with knowledge of the Honorable John A. Kazen’s Court Procedures in Civil Cases, which are available at: United States District Judge John A. Kazen | Southern District of Texas (uscourts.gov) Have all counsel reviewed those rules prior to completion of this Report?
Summary: Initial Pretrial Conference Report must include certification that all counsel reviewed Local Rules and Judge Kazen’s Court Procedures prior to completion.
Document Type
Initial Pretrial Conference Report
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
1. Appearance of Counsel. List each party, its counsel, and counsel’s address and telephone number in separate paragraphs. 2. Statement of the Case. Give a brief statement of the case, one that the Judge could read to the jury panel for an introduction of the facts and parties; include names, dates, and places. 3. Jurisdiction. Briefly specify the jurisdiction of the subject matter and the parties. If there is an unresolved jurisdictional question, state it. 4. Motions. List pending motions. 5. Contention of the Parties. State concisely in separate paragraphs each party’s claims. 6. Admission of Fact. List all facts that require no proof. 7. Contested Issues of Fact. List all material facts in bona fide controversy. 8. Agreed Propositions of Law. List the legal propositions that are not in dispute. 9. Contested Propositions of Law. State briefly the unresolved questions of law, with authorities to support each. 10. Exhibits. A. Each party will attach two lists of all exhibits expected to be offered and will make the exhibits available for examination by opposing counsel. All documentary exhibits must be exchanged before trial, except for rebuttal exhibits or those whose use cannot be anticipated. B. A party requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within five days after the exhibit is listed and made available; failure to object in writing in advance of the trial concedes authenticity.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must include required sections for counsel appearance, case statement, jurisdiction, motions, party contentions, facts, legal propositions, and exhibits with objection procedures.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
14. Attachments. Each party must file as a separate document (captioned, signed by counsel, and with service certified) these required attachments in duplicate.
Summary: Required attachments must be captioned.
Document Type
Attachment
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
2) Parties must mark their exhibits to include the date and case number on each.
Summary: Exhibits must include date and case number on each document.
Document Type
Exhibit
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
12. Settlements. State that all settlement efforts have been exhausted, and the case will have to be tried.
Summary: Pretrial filings must state all settlement efforts are exhausted and case must proceed to trial.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Filing & Service rules
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies required for all documents over 10 pages, including exhibits, delivered within 7 days of filing; fax/email prohibited.
The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Page 3 | Courtesy Copies of Documents
Copy of emergency motion must be sent to Chambers after electronic filing, matter brought to Court’s attention promptly.
A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after their electronic filing. Counsel should bring the matter to the Court’s attention promptly.
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Page 3 | EMERGENCIES AND TRAVEL
Exhibit and witness lists (originals plus two copies each) must be provided to the Court at evidentiary hearings.
If an evidentiary hearing is necessary, the Court will notify the parties in advance. Exhibit and witness lists (the originals and TWO (2) copies of each) shall be provided to the Court at the hearing.
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Page 5 | C. If an evidentiary hearing is necessary...
Witness lists require original filing per Local Rules and 2 courtesy copies to the Court at trial or hearing for distribution.
Witness List for live witnesses (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; two (2) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.
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Page 7 | Required Trial Materials
Courtesy copies must be promptly sent to Chambers for all documents over 10 pages including exhibits and attachments.
The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii)
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Page 2 | 2. Courtesy Copies of Documents B
Letters to Court may be hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed with copies to all parties; discovery/scheduling letters must be filed in docket.
Letters to the Court may be hand-delivered, sent by First Class Mail to Chambers, or transmitted by email, with copies to all parties served prior to or at the time of filing. See addresses above. Letters concerning discovery and scheduling matters must be filed in the docket.
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Page 2 | 2. Courtesy Copies of Documents A
Fax and email delivery of documents to Chambers are prohibited unless authorized by the Court.
Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Pleadings with personal data identifiers must comply with S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11 on personal privacy in public case files.
Any pleadings filed with the Court, including exhibits thereto, containing personal data identifiers must comply with the S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11 (available at the District’s website) on protecting personal privacy in public case files.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases
Page 5 | 5) Any pleadings filed with the Court...
Pleadings with personal data identifiers must comply with S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11 regarding personal privacy.
Any pleadings filed with the Court, including exhibits thereto, containing personal data identifiers must comply with the S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11 (available at the District’s website) on protecting personal privacy in public case files.
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Page 5
Exhibits containing personal data identifiers must comply with S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11.
Any exhibits containing personal data identifiers must comply with S.D. Texas General Order #2004-11 (available at the District website).
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Page 9 | EXHIBITS
Filing Bundling Requirements
Required attachments must be filed as separate documents, not bundled together.
14. Attachments. Each party must file as a separate document (captioned, signed by counsel, and with service certified) these required attachments in duplicate.
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Page 19 | Attachments
Discovery materials referred to in briefs should be separately filed in appendices.
Copies of supporting affidavits, deposition testimony excerpts, and other discovery materials referred to in the briefs should be separately filed in one or more appendices.
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Page 6 | B. Copies of Authorities and Other Materials Cited
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Counsel must confer with opposing counsel on all motions to reach agreement before filing.
Counsel must make serious and timely efforts to confer with opposing counsel on all motions to try to reach agreement on the relief requested by the movant.
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Page 4 | MOTION PRACTICE
Motions to Dismiss, Sever, and for Separate Trial must be specific and brought to the Court’s attention at least 30 days before jury selection.
All Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Sever, and Motions for Separate Trial must be specific and brought to the Court’s attention at least thirty (30) days before jury selection.
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Page 5 | E. All Motions to Dismiss, Motions to Sever, and Motions for Separate Trial must be specific...
Parties must conduct timely plea negotiations, review plea agreements before FPTC, and be ready to plead or proceed to trial at FPTC; monthly FPTC is held to rule on motions and conduct re-arraignments.
The Court generally holds one trial docket call each month. This docket call is the final pretrial conference (FPTC). At the FPTC, the Court may rule on all pending motions and conduct re-arraignments. The Magistrate Judge may conduct re-arraignments in felony cases as requested by the Court. The parties must engage in timely plea negotiations. Defense counsel should confer beforehand with the Government and their clients and review plea agreements prior to the FPTC. The FPTC date is NOT the date to secure a plea agreement and review it with the defendant-client. The parties must be ready to enter a plea of guilty or proceed to trial on announcement.
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Page 6 | 8. PRETRIAL CONFERENCES AND DOCKET CALLS
Counsel must confer with opposing counsel on all motions; failure to comply may result in denial or striking of the filing.
Counsel must make serious and timely efforts to confer with opposing counsel on all motions to try to reach agreements on the relief to be requested by the movant. Failure to comply may result in the party’s filing being denied or stricken.
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Page 4 | Motion Practice
Opposed motions: responses due 21 calendar days after motion filing, replies due 7 calendar days after response; considered after 28 days.
Opposed motions generally will be considered by the Court after the expiration of 28 days from the motion filing date. Responses by the non-movant must be filed within 21 calendar days of the motion. The movant’s reply must be filed within 7 calendar days after the non-movant’s response.
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Page 4 | Motion Practice
Counsel must confer in good faith to resolve discovery and scheduling disputes before filing motions.
Counsel are required to confer in good faith to resolve discovery and scheduling disputes.
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Page 5 | C. Discovery and Scheduling Disputes
Oral argument is not required for motions; the Case Manager will notify counsel if oral argument is deemed beneficial.
Because most motions will be ruled on without an oral hearing, focused and clear motion papers are very important. Requests for oral argument on motions are not necessary. The Case Manager will notify counsel should the Court determine that oral argument would be beneficial.
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Page 4 | Motion Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Extensions/continuances must be filed prior to controlling deadline, granted only at Court’s discretion; good cause exempts from rule.
Motions for deadline extensions and continuances of court settings must be filed prior to date of the controlling deadline and will be granted only at the Court’s discretion. Motions that fail to comply with this rule, absent a showing of good cause, will not be granted.
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Page 3 | DEADLINE EXTENSIONS AND CONTINUANCES
Travel requests must be submitted to Chambers 5 business days before deadline, with exceptions for medical emergencies/funerals; copy to Probation required.
Travel requests must be submitted to Chambers a minimum of five (5) business days before the controlling deadline, with exceptions only for verifiable medical emergencies or funerals. Attorneys must also furnish Probation with both the request and documentary proof within the same five (5) business day timeframe, ensuring adequate time for Probation to verify and assess the request's merits. Requests will be granted at the Court’s discretion. Failure to comply with this rule, absent good cause, will result in the request being denied.
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Page 3 | EMERGENCIES AND TRAVEL
Counsel may request up to 5 business days extension for PSI objections from Probation Office without court motion; longer extensions require immediate filing of motion to extend.
If additional time is required, counsel may request up to five (5) business days from the U.S. Probation Office without filing a formal motion with the Court. If more than five (5) business days are needed, a motion to extend time to file objections should be immediately filed. A sample proposed order is attached and is available on the Court’s website.
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Page 12 | Responses to PSI Report - Extensions
Deadline extension and continuance motions must be filed before the controlling deadline; granted only at the Court's discretion.
Motions for deadline extensions and continuances of court settings must be filed prior to the date of the controlling deadline and will be granted only at the Court’s discretion. Motions for continuance filed on or after the date of the deadline, absent a showing of good cause, will not be granted.
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Page 3 | Deadline Extensions and Continuances
Agreed extensions/continuances require submission of an agreed motion and proposed order; joint agreements are not binding on the Court.
Agreements or joint motions among counsel for deadline extensions or continuances are not binding on the Court. Parties must notify the Court of proposed agreed continuances by submitting an agreed motion and proposed order.
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Page 3 | Deadline Extensions and Continuances
Scheduling Order deadlines may only be modified with court leave and good cause; modification requests must include a proposal adjusting all subsequent dates in the order.
The Scheduling Order will govern throughout the case. The Scheduling Order deadlines shall not be modified except by leave of this Court upon a showing of good cause. 3) If a modification to an existing Scheduling Order is requested, the parties shall submit a proposal for adjusting all dates in the Scheduling Order that follow the date the parties seek to modify.
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Page 7 | Initial Pretrial Conference and Scheduling Orders
Trial continuances generally not granted due to witness unavailability.
A trial generally will not be continued because of the unavailability of a witness.
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Page 3 | DEADLINE EXTENSIONS AND CONTINUANCES
Trial continuances are not granted for witness unavailability; counsel must use depositions or stipulations to present testimony.
A trial will not be continued because of the unavailability of a witness. Counsel are expected to anticipate such possibilities and should be prepared to present testimony by written deposition, videotaped deposition, or by stipulation.
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Page 3 | Deadline Extensions and Continuances
Motions to extend Scheduling Order deadlines or cut-off dates are not classified as emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines or cut-off dates in the Scheduling Order are not emergencies. (See Section 4 below.)
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Page 3 | Emergencies
Chambers Communication Rules
Faxing documents to the Court is prohibited without express prior permission from the Court.
The documents may not be faxed without express prior permission of the Court.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Status inquiries must be directed to CM/ECF/PACER systems or the Clerk’s Office, not the Case Manager.
Information about the status of documents, entry of orders, or docket entries should be obtained from the CM/ECF or PACER Systems, or if absolutely necessary, from the United States District Clerk’s Office at (956) 723-3542.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
All documents must be filed through the CM/ECF electronic case filing system.
The Court requires that parties file documents through the District Court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) System. See Southern District of Texas Local Rule 5.1 (LR5.1) and the District's Administrative Procedures for CM/ECF (as amended and available at www.txs.uscourts.gov).
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Service copies of all documents must be sent to all counsel of record simultaneously with or before transmission to the Court, using the same method.
Service copies must be transmitted to all counsel of record simultaneously with (or prior to) and in the same manner as the document is transmitted to the Court.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Urgent documents may be sent via First Class Mail to Chambers or the Case Manager, with copies to all parties, and service copies must be sent simultaneously to all counsel.
Copies of urgent documents (including letters) may be sent by First Class Mail, emailed, or hand-delivered to Chambers (see Emergencies, § 3 below) or to the Court’s Case Manager, with copies to all parties. Service copies must be transmitted to all counsel of record simultaneously with (or prior to) and in the same manner as the document is transmitted to the Court. The documents may not be faxed without express prior permission of the Court.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Case-related telephone inquiries must be limited to procedural matters, directed only to the Case Manager, not to the Court’s secretary or law clerks, and casual status inquiries are prohibited.
Case-related telephone, letter, and email inquiries are strictly limited to procedural matters and should be made only to the Case Manager. Inquiries should not be made to the Court’s secretary or law clerks. The Court’s caseload does not allow the Case Manager to respond to casual telephone inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Letters to the Court must not address substantive issues, and copies of all letters must be filed.
Do not address substantive issues in letter or email form. The parties must file copies of all letters. Email correspondence with the Court should copy all other counsel appearing in the case and will be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Case-related correspondence must be addressed to the Case Manager at the provided mailing address or email.
Case-related correspondence should be addressed to: Jessica Rodriguez, Case Manager to U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen, 1300 Victoria St., Ste. 2317, Laredo, TX 78040. Or by email: Jessica_Rodriguez@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 2 | 1. CONTACT WITH COURT PERSONNEL
Urgent documents may be sent via mail, email, or hand delivery to Chambers with copies to all parties; service copies to all counsel simultaneously; no fax without prior permission.
Copies of urgent documents (including letters) may be sent by First Class Mail, emailed, or hand-delivered to Chambers via the Court’s Case Manager, with copies to all parties. (See Emergencies, Section 3 below.) Service copies must be transmitted to all counsel of record simultaneously with or prior to transmission to the Court and in the same manner as transmitted to the Court. The documents may not be faxed without express prior permission of the Court.
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Page 2 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel D.3
Case-related inquiries limited to procedural matters, directed only to Case Manager via letter or email, prohibited to judicial staff and for status inquiries via phone.
Case-related telephone and email inquiries are strictly limited to procedural matters and should be made only to the Case Manager. Inquiries should not be made to the Court’s judicial assistant or law clerks. The Court’s caseload does not allow the Case Manager to respond to casual telephone inquiries about the status of motions or cases. All inquiries to the Case Manager should be by letter sent or delivered to Chambers, or by email. See Section 1.D below.
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Page 2 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel B
All court correspondence must be sent to Chambers via mail to specified address or email to Case Manager.
Correspondence with the Court must be delivered or sent to the Court’s Chambers: 1) Case-related correspondence should be addressed to: Jessica Rodriguez, Case Manager to District Judge John A. Kazen, 1300 Victoria St., Ste. 2317, Laredo, TX 78040. Or by email: Jessica_Rodriguez@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 2 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel D.1
Substantive issues prohibited in letters/emails to Court; all letters must be filed; email correspondence docketed at Court’s discretion.
Do not address substantive issues in letter or email form. Parties must file copies of all letters. Email correspondence with the Court will be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
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Page 2 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel D.2
Restraining order and immediate relief applications must be filed via CM/ECF with all communications routed through the Case Manager.
Applications for restraining orders or for other immediate relief shall be filed electronically through the CM/ECF system and all related communications with the Court must be through the Case Manager.
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Page 3 | Emergencies
Parties providing their own trial equipment must arrange with the Case Manager prior to the trial day.
Parties also may provide their own equipment, but special arrangements must be made with the Case Manager prior to the day of trial.
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Page 10 | EQUIPMENT
Counsel must contact the Case Manager in advance to access the courtroom outside normal hours for setup.
Should counsel require access to the courtroom to set up equipment or exhibits before or after normal hours of Court, counsel must contact the Case Manager in advance to make the appropriate arrangements.
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Page 10 | COURTROOM PROCEDURES
Judge’s staff will not take messages for counsel, and counsel are prohibited from requesting use of telephones in Chambers.
The Judge’s staff generally will not take messages for counsel, and counsel shall refrain from requesting use of telephones in Chambers.
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Page 11 | Contact with Court Personnel
Parties must advise the Court by letter if a pending motion requires expedited resolution.
If a pending motion requires resolution on an expedited basis, please advise the Court by letter.
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Page 5 | B. Submitted Motions – Need for Expedited Decision
Counsel should contact Case Manager at (956) 726-2332 for immediate attention matters.
Counsel should contact the Case Manager at (956) 726-2332 for matters requiring immediate attention.
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Page 3 | EMERGENCIES AND TRAVEL
Letters to the Court may be hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed; copies to all parties required, discovery/scheduling letters must be filed in docket.
Letters to the Court may be hand-delivered, sent by First Class Mail to Chambers, or transmitted by email, with copies to all parties served prior to or at the time of filing. See addresses above. Letters concerning discovery and scheduling matters must be filed in the docket.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Status inquiries should be made via CM/ECF/Pacer, or via phone to District Clerk’s Office if necessary.
Information about the status of documents, entry of orders, or docket entries should be obtained from the CM/ECF or Pacer Systems, or if absolutely necessary, from the United States District Clerk’s Office at (956) 723-3542.
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Page 2 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel C
Counsel must contact the Case Manager via email to test trial equipment prior to trial.
Counsel seeking to test the equipment prior to trial shall contact the Case Manager by e-mail, letter, or phone to make arrangements.
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Page 10 | EQUIPMENT
Easels are available for courtroom use upon request to the Case Manager prior to trial.
Easels with writing pads are available for use in the courtroom, upon request to the Case Manager prior to trial.
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Page 10 | EQUIPMENT