IN TIIE IJNITED STATES DISTRICT COTIRT
WF^qTERNDISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
In Re: CIVIL JUSTICE EXPENSEAND DEI,AY
REDUCTION PI,AN
GENE&\L ORDERNO. 24
Now comes on for considerationthe matter of adopting the Civil Justice
Expenseand Delay ReductionPlan pursuant to the Civil Justice ReformAct of 1990,
28u.s.c.s47r.
The Court, after careful consideration,hereby adoptssaid Plan in its totality,
a copyof said Plan being made a part of this order.
IT IS SOORDERED
fiis / fiffiay of November,
1993.
*S,*.h'i''Jig+T^f;fti$^-
1?lt9l
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I
I I
UNITEDSTATESDI$TRICTCOURT
FORTHE WESTERNDISTRICTOF ARI(ANSAS
CIVILJUSTICE
EXPENSEAND DEI*AYREDUCTIONPLAN
EFFECTIVEJANUARY1, 1994
t tlr:I
TAEI..EOECATTIENIS
CIVILJUSTICEREFORMACT PLAN
WESTERNDISTRICTOF ARKANSAS
PAGE
t. lntroduction 'l
il. CivilJusticeExpenseand DelayBeduction
Plan ?
A. Systematic,
Differential
Treatmentof CivilCases
for Furposesof Case-Specific
Management 4
EarlyandOngoingControlof the PretrialProcess
ThroughInvolvement
of a JudicialOfficer 5
c. Treatment
Special of Complex
Cases o
D. Encouragementof Cost-Effective
Discovery
Through
VoluntaryExchangeof Information o
E. ReasonableandGoodFaithEffortsof Partiesto
ResolveDiscovery
Disputes 7
F. Alternative
DisputeResolution I
lll, CJRALitigation
Management
andCostandDelayBeduction
Techniques
andOtherAppropriate
Matters q
A. JointDiscovery4ase
Management
Plan I
B. FretrialConferences
Attendedby AttorneysWth Authority
to Bind 10
l:l{l
PAGE
C. RequirementThat Extensionsof Time be Signedby Attorney
and Party 10
D. EarlyNeutralEvaluation 10
E. Representative
of PartyWithAuthorityto Bindto be
PresentDuringSettlementConferences 11
F. OtherAppropriate
Mattersfor Consideration 11
tv. PeriodicDistrictCourtAssessment 12
APPENDICES
A. CivilJusticeReformAct
B. AdvisoryGroupRecommendations
C. LocalRuleC-7 Motions
' LocalRuleD-4 PretrialConference
D. CourtScheduling
Order
't
li J
CIVILJUSTICEREFORMACTPI.AN
L
INTRODUCTION
In 1990the Congressenactedinto lawthe CivilJusticeHeformAct.l The Act
pursuantto Section471,thateachUnitedStatesDistrictCourtimplement
requires, a civil
iusticeexpense plan.
anddelayreduction
Accordingto the Act, "the purposesof each plan are to facilitatedeliberate
adjudicationof civil cases en the merits, monitor discovery,improve litigation
management,
andensureJust,speedyandinexpensive
resolutions
of civildisputes".
The Act also mandatesthat the districtcourts"shallconsiderand may includethe
followingprinciplesand guidelinesof litigationmanagement
and cost and delay
reduction"
in itsciviliusticeexpense plan. Summarized
anddelayreduction beloware
theprinciples
enumerated
in Section473(a)of theAct. Thefulltextof theAct is included
in AppendixA,
1. Systematic,
differential
treatmentof civil casesthat tailor case specific
management to specifiedcriteria;
Ititle I of the Judiciallmprovements
Act of 1990,pub.L.No.
101650(1gg0)
codified
at 28 U.S,C.Section471482.
1
I rt
Earlyand ongoingcontrolof the pretrialprocessby the involvement
of a
ludicialofficeri
3. Specialattentionto complexcases,with use of discoverymanagement
conferencesandothersettlementtechniques;
4. Encouragementof cost€ffective
discovery
throughvoluntaryexchangeof
information:
q
Prohibiting
considerationof discoverymotionsunlesscounselhavemade
goodfaitheffortto resolvediscoverydispute;
6. Utilization
of alternative programs,
disputeresolution
Additionally,
theAct requiresthateachdistrictcourtshallconsiderandmayincludein its
planthe followinglitigation
management
and cost and delayreductiontechniques.
Summarized
belowarethe litigation
techniques
enumerated
in Section473(b)of theAc't,
Thefulltextof theAct is includedin AppendixA.
1. Requirement thata discovery{ase planbe presented
management at initial
pretrialconference;
2. Requirement that at pretrialconferences
all partiesbe represented
by an
attorneywithauthorityto bindthe panyin all matters;
3. Requirement thatall requestsfor extension$
and continuarices
be signed
by the attorneyandpartymakingthe request;
4. Requirement programs
thatneutralevaluation be established;
Requirement thatat settlement partiesshouldbe presentwith
conferences
authority
to bindin settlement
discussions.
2
1l:l,l
Thecourt,as requiredbytheAct,specifically 472(a)anda73(a)and(b),
Sections
has consultedwith the AdvisoryGroup,has considered
the recommendations
of the
group,andhasconsidered
allof theprinciples,
guidelines
andtechniques
setforlhinthe
aboveSections473(a)and (b). Accordingly,
the UnitedStatesDistrictCourtfor the
WesternDistrictof Arkansasadoptsthe followingCivil JusticeExpenseand Delay
Reduction
Plananddirects
thatit be implemented
January1, 19S4.ThePlanshallapply
to all civilcasesfiledon or afterthatdateandmay,at the discretionof the court,apply
to casesthenpending.
Adoptionof the court'sPlanis a culmination
of overtwo years'effortsby the
advisorygroup. TheCourtis deeplygratefulto the membersof the advisorygroupwho
theirtime and effortsto this process. For this the court extendsits
havecontributed
sincere.
thanksandappreciation.
lr.
CIVILJUSTICEEXPENSEAND DEI-AYREDUCTIONPLAN
TheUnitedStatesDistrictCourlfor theWesternDistrictof Arkansasunanimously
adoptsthe followingexpenseand delayreduction
planand shallimplement
the plan
effective
January1, 1994.
I l:l'l
A. Systematic,DifferentialTreatmentol CivilCasesfor Furposesof Case'
Specific Managementz
The AdvisoryGroup recommended
to the court that a Differentiated
Case
Management in the WesternDistrict.(SeeAppendixB.) This
Programbe established
would be limitedto "complex"ca$es. The Court,after carefulconsideration
of the
recommendation,
respectfully thata DCMprogrambe established.
disagrees TheCourt
few casesfiledin this districtwouldqualityas complex.
believesthat only a relatively
Thus,it seemsunlikely justification
thattherewouldbesufficient to warranttheprocedural
changesnecessary sucha program.The Courtwill,however,on an
to administer
basis,be willingto adoptan elementof the DCMprogram:the case
experimental
management
or scheduling TheCourtagreesthatin certaincases,those
conference,
having"complex"
generally and possibleuniquelegal
e.g. numerous
characteristics,
issues,'e)densive
discoveryand greaterthan usualnumberof expertwitnesses,large
numberof partiesandextended
trialdays,the scheduling
conference
wouldbe a useful
tool,
casemanagement
whethera case would benefitfrom a
The ultimatediscretionfor determining
scheduling restswiththeCourt.Insuchcasesa scheduling
conference conference
shall
be scheduledby the presidingJudgewithinthifty(30)daysafterthe appearance
of the
pleading.The conferencemay be
defendantor from the date of the last responsive
'zB U.S.c.Section
423(aX1)
4
i li;,
or withcounselin person. Priorto the conference
conductedeithertelephonically the
shallconferand developa proposedscheduling
attorneys plan. The plan shallbe
to the courtsevenO) dayspriorto the scheduling
submitted conference.Withinseven
(7) days afterthe schedulingconference,
a schedulingorder shallbe preparedand
enteredby the Coun. Theordershallestablish
thefollowingkey intervals:
1. Disclosureof witnesses,
including experts;
2. Discoverycut-offdate;
3. Amendment of pleadingsandloinderof parties;
4. Trialdateandestimated lengthof trial;
5. Settlementconferencedate,if direEted by Court;
6. Pretrial
conferencedate,if deemednecessary by Court.
The scheduling
conference
may also serueas an opportunity
to discussthe
appropriateness
of consenting judge.Additionally,
to a magistrate the conference
may
to a justdetermination
serveas a meansto discussothermattersrelevant af the action.
B. Early and Ongolng Control of the Pretrial Process Through
lnvolvementof a Judicialofficer3
TheAdvisoryGroupdid not makea specificrecommendation
for this principle.
The Coun,aftercarefulconsideration
of the principles
outlinedin 28 U.S.C.
of the Act,declines
S473(a)(2)(AXB)(CXD) to makeany specificchangesto the case
policiesandprocedures
management of thiscourt. Theoneexception,
however,is the
'28 U.S.C.
s473(ax2)
I lii,
scheduling procedureset out in SectionA of the Planhereln. The Court
confurence
believesthat the presentcasemanagement
policiesand proceduresemployedin this
andadhereto theprinciples
districtaresound,aresuccessful, outlined
in $473(a)(?)
of
bythisdistrict'spastandpresentcircuitandnationalworkload
theAct. Thisis evidenced
rankings.
C. SpecialTreatmentof ComplexCasesa
to the Court(Appendix
TheAdvisoryGrouprecommended B) that deference
be
grantedto "complex"casesby way of a Differentiated
Case Management
Program.
(Section
A of Plan.)TheCourt,as outlinedin SectionA, declines
to establish
sucha
program,but doesadopta policywherebyscheduling
conferences
may be heldin
complexcases.
D. Encouragementof Cost-EffectiveDiscoveryThrough Voluntary
Exchangeof Informations
The AdvisoryGrouprecommended
to the Court (AppendixB) that the Coun
"refrainfrom makingany substantive
changesto discoveryprocedureuntilafterthe
proposedamendments
to the FederalRulesof CivilProcedure
areapproved,modified,
a2Bu.s.c.$a7s(a)(B)
seeu,s.c.$423(aX4)
o
I (i .
or relectedby the UnitedStatesCongress".Further,theAdvisoryGrouprecommended
that in the eventthe proposedrule changesare adopted,the Couft have sufficient
experienceunder the new discoveryrules beforeexaminingthe districtdiscovery
procedures.
TheCourt,aftercarefulconsideration
of the AdvisoryGroup'srecommendations
andthe principles
outlinedin s473(a)(4)
of theAct,agreeswiththeAdvisoryGroupand
changesto this district'sdiscoveryproceduresuntil
declinesta adoptany substantive
afterthe proposalsare approvedby the Congressandaftersufficient
experience
under
theapproved
rules.
Reasonableand Good FaithEffortsof Partiesto ResolveDiscovery
DisputesE
to the Court(SeeAppendixB)thatthe "court
TheAdvisoryGrouprecommended
continueto be sensitiveto discoverydisputes (includingdisputes as ta the
of hourly rates chargedby expertwitnessesfor giving discovery
reasonableness
depositions)
andestablish,
if necessary,
a meanswherebydisputescouldbe reasonably
resolved hours".TheAdvisory
duringor afterbusiness Grouprecognized
thatnationwide
costs,in largepaft,area majorcontributor
discovery to theoverallcostof litigation.The
thatthis problemexistsin thisdistrict,but nat significantly.
AdvisoryGrouprecognized
6z8u.s.c.s473(aXE)
7
ili+i
TheCourt,aftercarefulconslderation
oftheAdvisory
Group'srecommendation
and
theprinciple
setoutin s473(a)(5),
declines
to establish andpolicies
anynewprocedures
whichwouldaddressissuesof discovery
disputes.TheCourtbelieves
thatat thistime
LocalRulec-7(0(S)Motionscontainssufficient
authorityfor the Courtto enforceand
resolvediscoverydisputesin thisdistrict.(SeeAppendixC.) LocalRuleC*7requiresa
movingpartyto filea statement
thatthepartieshaveconferredin goodfaithandthatthey
areunableto resolvetheirdisagreement
withoutcourtinteryention.
Further,
the Court
reaffirmsits commitment
to the bar and litigantsof its sensitivity
to discoverydisputes,
and,in particular,
to the issueof thehighcostof deposing
expertwitnesses.
F. AlternativeDisputeResolutionT
to the Courtthat ADR programsnot be
The AdvisoryGrouprecommended
in this district. ($eeAppendixB.) The AdvisoryGroupdid recommend,
established
however,
thatthe CourtshouldidentifyADRresources
in thedlstrictor adiacentdistricts,
andmakeavailable,
if requested, timeto exploreADRoptions.
sufficient
The Court,aftercarefulconsideration
of the recommendations
of the Advisory
Group,theADRoptionsenumerated
in s473(a)(6)(B)
of theAct,anda reviewof existing
AOHprogramsin placein stateandfederalcourts,concurswiththerecommendaticn
and
'?Bu.s.c,s473(a)(6)
I
I l l ,r
ADRprogramsin the WesternDistrictof Arkansas.
declinesto establishcourt-annexed
TheCourt,will,as recommended Group,preparea pamphlet
bytheAdvisory listingthe
variousADRresources in thisdistrictandin adjoining
andoptionsavailable districts.
ilt.
CJRA LITIGATIONMANAGEMENT
AND COSTAND DEI-AYREDUCTION
Section473(b)of the Act requireseach districtcourt, in consultation
with its
Advisory
Group,to consider
certaintechniques
ol litigation
management
andcostand
delayreduction.Thesetechniques
areas follows;
A. Joint Discovery{aseManagement
Plans
TheCourt,aftercarefulconsideration
of thistechnique,
declines
to adoptanynew
procedures thatour presentcase
or rulesto addressthis issue. TheCourtbelieves
procedures
management andpolicies
aresound,Additional to theparties
requlrements
wouldonlyincreasecostsandwouldbe counterproductive.
8eBu.s.c.
5473(b)
eaBu.s.c.s473(bx1)
I
'l-,jt.l
B. PretrialconferencesAttendedby AttorneysWithAuthorityto Bind1o
TheCourt,aftercarefulconsideration
ol thistechnique, to adoptor amend
declines
ourlocalrulewhichwouldexplicitly
require
counsel pretrial
a$ending conferences
to have
thatLocalFuleD+ PretrialConference,
bindingauthority.TheCourtbelieves which
requirestrialcounselto attendallpretrialconferences, in its presentform.
is satisfactory
C. That Extensionsof Time be Signedby Attorneyand
Requirement
partyll
TheCourt,aftercarefulconsideration
of thistechnique,
declinesto adoptsucha
Theproposal,on itsface,hasmerit.Nevertheless,
requirement. takingintaaccountthe
geographics andthefactthatpartiesarenot always
of theWesternDistrictof Arkansas,
available it wouldseemthatthe potentialcostsin dollarsand losttimefar
for signature,
exceedsthe benefit,
D. EarlyNeutralEvaluationlz
of thistechnique,
TheCourt,aftercarefulconsideration declinesto establish
such
a programin thisdistrict.Earlyneutralevaluation
as an ADBoptionwasconsidered
by
loz8u.s.c.s473(bX2)
1128u.s.c. 5473(bX3)
1?29
u.s.c.s473(bX4)
10
rt,rr
the Court alongwith otherADR techniques,The Court believesthat EarlyNeutral
Evaluation andwouldbenefitcertaincourts. TheCourtbelieves,
has someusefulness
however,that the WesternDistrict'sgeographics
and limitedpool of expertattorney
thepracticality
wouldcallintoquestion
evaluators of sucha program,andfurtherthecost
in resources
sndtime.
E. of PartyWithAuthorityto Bind to be PresentDurlng
Representative
Settlement
Conferences13
ThisCqurt,bymeansofthesettlement
conference order(SeeAppendix
scheduling
D),requiresthatat eachsettlement
conference be presentwhohasbinding
an individual
authorityto settlethat action. This shallcontinueto be a requirement
in the Western
Districtof Arkansas.
F. OtherAppropriateMattersfor Conslderatlonla
An ereaof concernldentified the failureof the
by the AdvisoryGroupconcerned
Courttopromptlyactondispositive particularly
motions, judgement.
motionsforsummary
"thattheCourtexamineitscurrent
(SeeAppendixB.) TheAdvisoryGrouprecommended
13aBu.s.c.$473(bXF)
tazeu.s.c.s473(bx6)
11
l:ltJ i:
methodsfor processing
thesemotionsandemployits besteffortsto promptlydispose
of thosemotions".
TheCourt,afterconsideration
of thisrecommendation
andcriticism,
disagrees
with
the underlyingpremise.The Courtdoesacknowledge,
nevertheless,
that an internal
motionproceduresmayproveuseful. Accordingly,
reviewof its disFositive the Court
agreesto Internallyreviewand examineits presentmethodsand proceduresfor
processing
suchmotions,andfurther,increasecourtsensitivity
to the prompthandling
of dispositive
motions.
tv.
PERIODICDISTRICTCOURTASSESSMENT15
Section475of theCivilJusticeReformAct requiresan annualassessment
of the
condition
oftheCivilandCriminal
docketto determine
appropriate
actions
thatwillreduce
practice
costand delayin civillitigationandthatwillimprovethe litigationmanagement
of the Court.
To meetthe requirements
of Section475of theAct,theCourt,throughthedistrict
clerk'$office,shallon a yearlybasis,completean assessment
of theworkof the Court.
Theassessment
shallincludean analysis data- civilandcriminal,
of allstatistical a suruey
1528
u.s.c.$+zs
12
: " { ., 11
of attorneys,litigantsand courtstaff,and an internalreviewof the casemanagement
policies
andprocedures
of theCourt.
The resultsof the yearlyassessment
shallbe transmitted
to the Advisorycroup
for commentand/oraction.TheAdvisoryGroupmay,on the basisof the results,offer
suggestions
for improvement
andotherappropriate
actionsthatwillimprovethelitigation
practicesof the Court.
management
13
: t t li
APPENDIX
A
CIVILJUSTICEREFORMACT
PUBLICI*AW101*650-DEC.
1, 1990 r04$TAT.5089
Public Law 101-650
101stCongress
An Act
To provide for tho appointmentoI additional Fnderalcircuit snd district judge8,snd D€f, r, ISS0
for oth.r purpoa€E [H.R. $3t6]
..Be it enacted_by the. Senate cnd House of Eepresenlatiuesof the
United,_Statesof America in Congressassem'bled,That this Act'may Judicisl
be cited as the "Judicial ImproveinentsAct of 1990". Impmnomcntr
Act of 1990.
Courtr,
TITLE I-CIVIL JUSTICEEXPENSEAND 28 USC I note.
Cieil Ju8tice
DELAY REDUCTIONPLANS Rofond Act of
1990.
SEc.IOI.SHORTTITLE. '
28 USC I noto,
This title may be cited as the "Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990".
sEc. r02,FINDtHcs. 28 USC{tI note.
The Congremmakesthe following findings;
-_tl) th_e problems of cost and delay in civil litigation in any
United States dfutrict court must be addressedin the context oJ
the full range of demandsmade on the district court's resources
by both civil snd criminal rnatters,
(2) The courts, the litigants, the litigants' attorneys, and the
^
uongresaEnd the ertecutiyebranch. share responsibility for cost
and delay in ciyil litigation and its impacf on acceie to the
courts,adjudication of csseson the merits, and the ability of the
civil justice systerhto provide proper and timely judiciil relief
ror aggrleved pflrtles,
(3) The solutions to problernsof cost and delay must include
si8nifrcent contributions by the courts, the lirigant-s, the liti-
gant-g'attorneys,and by the Congressand the executivebranch.
(,1)-In identifyine, .developing,snd implementing solutions to
pr.oblemsot' cost end delay in civil litigation, it is necessaryto
schleve I thethorl oI consultation so that individual iudicial
ofFtcers,litigan_ts,and litigants' attorneys who have developed
t€chniqueefor litigation managementarid coetand delsy red-uc-
tion can qffectively and promptly communicate those tech,
niques to all participants in the civil justice system,
(5) Evidencesuggeststhat an effec-tivelitigition manasement
and cost and delay reduction program shorild incorporate sev.
eral iht€rrelated principles,including-
(A) the differential treatment of casesthat provides for
individualized and specific managementaccordjnc to their
needs,complexity,driration, and plobable litigatioi careers;
(B) early,involvement ofa judiiial offricerin planning the
pr_ogress ot'a ceBe,controlling the discovery process,and
schedulinghearings,trials, and other litigstion events;
(C) regular communicationbetweena judicial officer and
attorneys during the pretrial process;and
r l . ]i ;
a0-lltO-gOlt!01
104STAT.5090 PUBLICLAW 101-650-DEC.
1, 1990
(Dl utilization of alternative dispute resolution progralns
ih apDroDriatecsses.
(6) Beiiusd the increasingvolume and completrityof civil and
criminal casesimposesincr'easinglyheavy workload burdenson
judicial officers,cierhs of court, and other court personnel,it is
irecessary to create an effective administrative structure to
ensure bngoing consultation and communication req4rding
effective litigation management and cost and delay reduction
principler and techniques.
SEC. T03.AITTENDI}IENTS TOTITLE?8.UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Ctvrt Ju$rcn Expnr'tseAxo DELAyRuoumtox Pr.rus.-Title
28, United StetesCode,is amendedby inserting after chapter 2I the
following new chapter:
"CHAPTER 23-CIVIL JUSTICE EXPENSE AND DEL,itY
REDUCTION PI,ANS
"{71. Bcquircment for I di.skict court civil
iuEtice exPen8€and dclay reduction
PlAn.
"{?e, Dc:rrclopmGnt
8nd irdpleFentEtionof a civil jurtice expen* and delay reduc'
tion Dhn.
"4?3, Coneni of civil jurtice erpcnre end delay reductionplans.
"47d. Review of district court Ection,
"l?5, PGriodlcdiEtict court aarorrmrnL
",176.Enhsnenent of judicid informatiofi diEr€mintrtion.
",17?.Modrl civil ju,cticr cxpcnrernd delsy reduction
"4?8, Advirory Plan.
eroupr.
"479, lnformation on litigatioD moDtrgement end co6tend del8y rEducLion
'1d80,Tralning pro8.r'amE.
"t181, Automsiad cla€ informEiion,
"182. Dcfnition*
"S 4?1. Requirement for a district court civil iustice exPeneeand
delay reductlon plan
"Tlrere ehall be implemented by egch United Stat€s distf,ict court'
in sccordance$tith'this title, ri civil juttice expense and delay
reduction plan. The plan may be a plan'developedby such district
court or a-ruodel plair developedby-the Judiciril Conferenceof the
Unitcd Statrs, Thi purposesof each plan are to facilitate deliberst€
adudication of civif csseson the merits, monitor discovery'improve
litligation manag.ement,s.nd ensure just, EPeedy'ald inexpensive
reaoluttonSol clvll .lrEPutts'
"$ 4?2, Developthentard implementEtionofa civil juttice exPense
end delayreductionPltn
"(a) The civil justice expenseand delay reduction plan imple
mented by a district court shall be developedor selected,ss the case
mev be, Cfter considerationof the recommendationsof an advisory
" "ttit apoointedin accordancewith section4?8of this title'
sro-uo
REporll. tti" advigory group of a United St^at* district court Ehall
aubmit to the corrrt i tepbrt, which shall be made available to the
and which shall include-
nublic "(l)
sn Essessmentof the matters referred to in subsection
(cX1)l
'(i) the basis for its recommendationthat the district court
develone plan or selecta model plan:
"(3) iecommendedmeasures,rules and
Prograrns;snd
PUBLIC LAW 101-650-DEC.r, 1990 104STAT.5091
"(4) an explanation of the manner irr which the recommended
olan comoiieswith eection4?Sof this title.
"(dxl) In developingits recommendations,the advisory group of a
diEtrict court shall promptly completea thorough Bssessment of the
Btst€ of the court's civil and criminal dockets. In performing the
e.ssossfteflt for a dfutrict court, the advisory group shall-
"(A) determine the condition of the civil and criminal dockets;
"(B) identify trends in casefilings and in the demandsbeing
placed
- "(C) on the court's resources;
identify the principal causeeof cost and delay in civil
litigation, giving considerationto such potential causesas court
proceduresand the ways in which litigants and their attorneys
-n(D) and conduct litigation; and
approach
exshine the exteit to *hich costs and delays could be
reducedby a better asoessmentof the impact of new legislation
on thc courts.
"(2) In developingits recommendations,the advisory group of a
dittrict court ehall talce into account the particular needs and
circumstgncesof the diBtrict court, litigants in such court, and the
litigants' attorneyo.
"(3) The advisory gtoup of a district court shall eneure that its
recommendedactions include si8irificant contributions to be made
by the court, the liticants, and the litiggnts' attorneys toward
reducing cost and delay and thereby facilitating accessto the courts.
"(il The chief judse of the district court shall trensmit a copy of
the plaa implemented in accordancewith subsection(a) and the
.report preparedin accordancewith subsection(b) of this sectiont,e
"(l) the Director of the Administrative Office of the United
States Courts;
"(2) the judicial council of the circuit in which the district
court is located: and
"(3) the chiefjudge of each of the bther United Statesdistrict
courts locatedin such circuit.
"S 473. Content of civil juatice expenseand delay teduction plans
"(a) In formulating the provisionsof its civil justice expenseand
delay reduction plan, each United Stetes district court, in consulta-
tion trith an advisory Eroup appointedunder section4?8of this title'
shall consider and may include the following principles and guide
lines of litigation rnanagementand co6tand delay reduction:
"(1) eystematic,differential treatment of civil cssesthat tai'
lorc the level of individualieedand casespecificmanagementto
such criteria as casecomplexity, the amount of time rea.tonably
neededto prepare the casefot trial, and the judicial afld other
resourcesiequired and available for the preparation and dis'
position of the ca5e;
"(2) early and ongoing control of the pretrial processthrough
involvement ofa judicial offrcerin-
"(A) assessingand planning the progtessof a casel
"(B)
setting early, firm trial dates,such that the trial is
scheduledto-occuf within eighteen months after the frling
complaint, unless a judicial officer certifies that-
of the "(i)
the demandsof the caseand its complexity make
such a trial date incompatible with serving the ends of
justice; or
,i{}ii
IO4STAT.5092 PUBLICLAW 101-650-DEC.1. 1990
"(ii) the trial cannot reasonablybe held within such
time because of the complexity of the case or the
number or complexityof pendingcrimin6l casesl
"(C) controlling the ext€nt of discoveryand the time for
completion of discovery, and ensuring compliance with
appropriate requesteddiscovery in a timely fashion; and
"(D) Bettins.at the earliest practicabletime, deadlinesfor
filing motionCand a time framework for their disposition;
"(3) for all cssesthat the court or an individual judicial officer
determi$esare complex and any other approFriate csEes,care'
ful and deliberatemonitoring through a discovery+asemanage'
ment conferenceot a series of such conferencesat which the
presidine oflicer-
' "(A)iudicial
exploresthe pafries' receptivity to, and the propriety
settlementor proceedingwith the litigation;
oi "(B)
identifree or formulates the principal issues in
contention and, in appropriate cases, proi'ides for the
stagedresolution or bifurcation of issuesfor trial consistent
witl Rule 42(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;
"(C) preparega discovery scheduleand plan consistent
with any presumptive time limits that a district court may
set for thC compldtion.ofdiscoveryand rvith any proceduree
a district court may developte
"(i) identify and limit the volume of discoveryavail-
able to avoid unnecessaryor unduly burdentome or
expensivediscovery;and
"{ii) phase discovery into two or more. stages;snd
"(D) eets, at the earliest practicsble time, deadlines for
filing motions and a time fiameworh for their disposition;
"(4) encouragementof cost+ffective discovery through vol'
untatf exchan8leof informalion a.uronglitigants and their sttor-
neys and through the ute of cooperative discovery devices;
t'(6) conren'ation of judicial regources by prohibiting the
considetation of discovery motions unleag accomPaniedby q
certifrcatiou that the moving Party has made a teasonable snd
good faith effort to reach egteement with opposing couneel on
the matters set forth in the motion: and
"(6) authorizstion to refer appropdete caqes to alternative
diepute
- "(A) reeolution programs that*
have bien-desienatedfor use in a district coult; or
"(B) the court may make available, including mediation,
minitrial, snd summaryjury trid.
"ft) In formulaiing the provisibni of its civil justice expenseand
delay reduction plsn, esch United StateEdistrict court, in coneulta-
tion'with an advigoryEroupappoillted under section4?8of this title'
ehall considerand may inciludi the following Iitigation managernent
and cost delay reduction techniques:
"(l)and
a requiiement that counsblfor eachparty to a casejointly
present a discovery+asemanaBemehtplar for the csEeEt the
initial pretrial cohferettce,oi explairi the reasons for their
failure to do so;
"(2) a requirement that esch partv be representcdat each
pretrial conferenceby aa attorniv wtro trai the authority to
bind that party regarding all mat-terspreviously identified by
the court for discussionat the conferehceand all reasPnably
relsted rdatt€rsi
r | l I
PUBLICLAW 101-650-DEC.]. 1990 104STAT.5093
"(3) a tequirement
. that all requeetsfor efitensioneof deed-
lines for corirpletionof discoveryoi for postponcmentof the trial
be..$iglledby the attdrney shd the party making the request;
"(4)
a neutral evaluation Drotrarn
-cssi for the Dresentationof the
legal and factual bflEisof a to a neutral court representa*
tive selectadby the court at a nonbinding conferenceconducted
early in the litigation;
"(5) a reouirement that. unon notice bv the court. representa-
tives of thri parties with auihoritv to bind them in settlement
discussionebe present or available by telephone during any
settlement conference:and
"(6) such other features
as the district court considersappro-
pridtE after considering the recommendationsof the advisory
gtoup referred to in section4?2(a)of this title.
"(c) Nothing rn a civil iustice expenseend delav reduction plan
relating to the settlement authoritj provisionsof lhis section s:hall
Elter or conflict with the authority of th6 Attorhey General to
conduct litigation on behalf of the United States,or airy delegation
of the Attorney General.
"$ 474.Reviewof dktrict
court action
"(aXl) The chief judc€6
of each district court in a circuit and the
chief judge of the coqrt of appeals for such circuit ehail, as a
comluitte6-
"(A) review eech plan
and report submitted Durguanl to
rection 472(d)of this title: etld
"(8) make such
suggesiionsfor additional ectiofls or modified
actions of tlrat district court ss the cornmitteeconsidersappre
plltatf for reducing cort and delay in civil litigation in the
llrEtnct court.
"(2) fhe chiefjudge
of a cour.tof appealsand the chiefjudge of a
di8trict court may desimat€ another iudge of such court to perform -of
the chief judge's resporribilities rirlddr paragraph (l) thie
gubaectron-
"(b) The Jqdicial
Conferenceof the United Statcs-
"(f) rhall roview each Dldh and reoort submitted by a dktrict
court putEuent to section4?2(d)of this title; and
"(2) may requegt the district court to take additional action if
the Judicial Conferencedeteffdines thet such court has not
adequatelytespondedto the conditionsrelevant to the civil and
criminal docketsof the court or to the recommendationsof the
di.etrictcourt'r advisory8toup,
"S 47S.Prrlodic district court assessment
"After developing
or selecting a civil justice expenseand delay
reduction plan. each United States district court shall assessan-
nually the condition of the court's civil and criminal docketswith a
view to determining appropriate additional actions that mdy be
taken by the court to reducecost and delay in civil litigation and to
improve the litigation mansgement practices of the court. In
performing such a.ssessment, the court shall consult with an ad-
visory gtoup appointed in accordancewith section 4?8 of this title.
"S {?G.Enhancementofjudicial information disseminntion
"(a) The Difectoi of the Administrative Office of the United States Raporu,
Courts shall prepare a semiannual report, available to the public,
that diaclosesfor eachjudicial officer-
104STAT.5094 PIIBLIC LAW 101-650-DEC.1, 1990
"(1) the rrumber.of rnotions that huu"'b*"n pending for mote
thah Bix months and the name of each csse in which such
motion has been pendinE;
"(2) the numbei of bench tritls thdt have been Eubnritttd for
hore theh ti:t rnohths and the name of esch caso in rvhich such
trials
"(3)are under submission:and
the number end names of cases that have not been
terminated within three yesiB aftrr frlinE,
"(b) To eneure uniformity of reporting, the standards for cat-
egodzation or characterizatibn ofjuilicial actions tn be prescribed in
accordancewith eection 481 of this titie shall epply to the semi-
annual report preparedunder tubeection(a).
"E 477,Modolcivit
Jurticcexpcnseand delayreductionplsn
"(aXl) Btsed on the plans developedaad implementad by the
United States district courts designatedas Early Implementstion
District Courts pursuant to section 103(c)of the Civil Justice Reform
Act of 1990. tf,e Judicial Conference of the United States may
developone or more model civil jrrstice exptneeand delay reduction
E"port. plans. Any tuch model plan thall be accompanied,by d. rePort
explaining the manner in which the plan complieslrrith Eectron{13
of ihis tide.
"(2) The Director of ttre Federal rludicial Center and the Director
of the Adminfutrative Offtce of the United States Coutts may malre
tecommendationtto the Judicial Conferenceregarding the.develop
ment of anv model civ iustice exDenseand delav reduction plan.
"ft) The birector of the Administiative Office of the United Statee
' C-ourk thall transmit to the Unitcd Statd€ district courts and to the
Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Rep
resentatives copies of any model plan and accomPanying report.
"S {78. Adviroty groups
"(a) Withia ninety days after the date of *re enactment of thi.e
chapter. the advieorv riup required in eadr United Stfltes digtrict
coufo in acio.droce'with eictioir 4?2 of this title ahall be appointed
by the ehief jrrdge of each digtrict court, after consultation with the
other ludeeeof euchcourt.
"GiTh-e advisory
Eroup of E district court EhEll be balanced and
include attornevs dnd othlr pereonswho are representativeof major
categories of litigants in such court, as deteirnined by the chief
-iudee ofguch court.
"G) SuUjectto eubsection(d), in no event thall any member of the
advisory sroup eerveionget than four years.
"(d) No-twitfutonding iubeection (c), the UniEd States Attoffiey
for a Judicial district, or his or her designee, thall be e Permanent
member of the advisorygroup for that district court,
"(e) The chief judgd of a-United States district court may des-
-each
ip:rate a reporter Tor sdviBory8rouP,who may be compensated
ii accordancewith euidelinesestablishedby the Judicial Conference
of the Unitd StatE6,
"(0 Thg membersof an advisorTgroup of a U-nitedStatesditttict
'as
court and any person designated a rriporter for such group shall
bt consideredas indep€ndentcontractorgof such court when in the
performance of official duties of the advisory gtoup and rnay notl
iolely by reaaon of service on or for the advisory group, be prohib'
itad from practicirg IEw beforesuch court.
'.
.t...1
t
I
PIJBLICI,AW 101-650_DEC.1, I99O r04STAT.5095
"$ 479. Inforrnntion
on litigation managementand cost end delay
reduction
"(a)
. Within fggr years after the date of the enactment of thiE
chapt€r, ttle .Iudicia] Conferenceof the United States shall prepare
a_compr_ehensivereport on all plans received purtuant to'sec:tion
4J2(dlof thic title. Ttre Director of the Federal iudicial
- - Centcr snd
the Director of- the Adfrinistrative Olhce ;i tiru U"itua St t",
laTlF,rujly ltral(e recommendationsregarding Euch report to the
(l)|rleb6nced-urrhgthe preparation of the repori. The Ju,
iP+qql
srsrpr LlJnrerencesheu trantuit coFiedof the report to the United
btat€E dratrrct courta and to the Committeer on the Judiciary of the
Seuateand ttre House of Repreoentativer.
"(b) the
.Iudicial Confeience of the United'states shall, on a
continuing basir-
"(l) study. ways
!o improve litigation rtranagernentsnd d.is-
pute rerolution oen'icesin the district courts; ant
"(2) ueJre. recomurendations
to the dietrici cou"t" or, *"y= ,o
irnprove euch services.
"!c{! t.te
Judicial Conferenceof the United Statesshall prepare, Govcrnnent
pe-godically reviae, and transmit to the United St"tes di"t.i"t cou# publicstionr,
d lvlanusl lbr Litigation Msuagemght ard Coet and -it DelEy Reduction.
The Director of tf,e Federal Jiaicial C"n-t"i La " n-#ector of the
Adhirristrative Office of the United States E""rli- mi.v make rec-
ommeudations regarding- the preparation of aad- any' suUiequent
revisions to the Minual-
"(2)
, Tlre.Msnual-ehall be developedafter careful evaluation of the
prarE lmplementedunder Eection472of this title, the demonstretion
. progrqln-.conduc-ted under gectiou 104 of the Ciuil J;;Iil; Rei"rm
Act of 1990,and the pilot prograrn conduciedunder iition lOE of
the Civil Justice lteform Aci of-1990.
,..itSl.fhe Matrual shall conta.ine de$cription and analysis of the
Irga?on management,_cost and d6jay reduction prinsiples and
ttcrrluq_ue€rarrd alt€r,native disprrte resolution protranns considered
moet effective-by the Judicial Conference, ttre bir"ectoi ot the Fed-
elal {rggrcial ftnter, aad the Director of the Administrative Office
of the Uuited Stetes Courts-
"S {80. Training programt
'"Iho Director
- of the Federal Judicisl Centrr and the Director of
AjsF i:trative Oflice.of the Unir€d Sts-t€sCourts ,ini a."".f"p
!!e,
and. couduct
,go.mp5ghgnqive education and traifling progranrs m
ensure.that all judicial officers,clerks of court, court-roirm teprrties,
anq o[ner approprratecourt p€rsonnelare thoroughly familiar with
\tle modt recent available information and analysis ibout litigation
rtlEnagEm6ntdnd ottrer techniques_forreducing costdfld expe-diting
!h1 reoolud3l. of civil .litiga-rioi. The curricui'um ofru.t iraininE
progran$ shall b+ periodically revisLd to reflect such informstioi
ang analyS€s.
"S 481.
Autometed caseinformation
"(a) The Director
_ of the Administrative Office of the Uhited Stareg
Courts shall ensure that each United Stat = aisirici court t"s the
altgmaFd ganability readily to retrieve inforrnation aborrt thi
srarusol eechca.sein such court.
"(bXl)
In carrying out ruboection(a),the Director shsll prescribe-
I I .,1'r'"
I
I
104STAT.5096 PUBLICLAW 101-650-DEC.
1, 1990
"(A)
the information to be recorded in district court auto. I
mated 6ystems;and
'tBt sta-ndards
for uniform categorizstionor characterization t
of judicial actions for the purposJ of recoraing intlr;at'i;'-o;
judicial aclions in the disrritt cburt automatediyst**, "---" -"
."(2)
The uniform standards prescribed
'a undli
- pu,lucr-";h (tXB) of
this subsection shall include definition of ;Gi-;;;rit,;i;; ;
dismissalof a caseand Btanddrd$for measuringrh; perj;ii fo;;lic[-
a motion has beenpendins.
Rccordr. "(c) Each
United StateJ district court shall record information as
prescribedpursuant to subsection(b) of this secuon.
"S 482.Del-rnitions
"Ar used
in_this chapter, the term ,judicial officor' tneans a
United Srates district coirrt judge or , UiriteJ-E-tatei-;"ci;1r;G.'1
?8usc {?r nora. (b) IMpr.EMENTrTrox.*(l)E*cept as provided in section IoJ of this
Act,eachunitedstaresdisrricrcburtihatt,wittriniirill v"ur, "ii*i
the dateof ,the.enactmenr
of this title, iinplemeni; ci"il XEli;;
F1p.gnqe^a1d d_elayreduction plan under s-ection471 of tiile ?9,
Unrted litates eode,as addedby subsection(a).
^^tZJ_Tfereguirembntseet forih in sectioni i?I through 4?g of title
28, United Ststes Code,as added by Eubsection(a), sh"all."r""i" ln
effect for severlyears ifter th* dafe of the enactrnentof this title.
28U$C,l7lnqtE. (c)Eenr.yfi"rnr.brdrntAtl9r,rDrsrnrCtCounrs._
(1) Any_
llnited.Ststes di5trict court that, no earlier than
June30,1991,andno tarerthan olilmEi-btll9-gi-d;rdiipi
and implementsa civil justice expenseand delay reduction plin
. under chapter 23 of tiile Zg, Uiired Stetes C.ode,as addei bv
' Bubsection-(a), shall be designatedby the Judicial Conferencedf
the Unitrd States as an Early ImpilementationDistrict Court.
(2) The_chiefjudgeof a district so designatedmay apply to the
-tcchno-
Judiciel Conferencefor additional ,esolrces, inclirdi'nl
logical and prersonnelsupport and informaiion syst;ns. nei_
essaryto implement its civil justice expenseand delay reduction
plan. The Judicial Conferencemay provide euchreroirrcesout of
funds appropriatedpurruEnt to Beitlion106(d.
R.portl. (3) Within 18 rnoiths after the date of the enactment of this
title, the Judicial Conferenceshall preparea report on the plans
deyelgnedand implemented by thi Early Impiementatio; Dis-
trict Courts.
(4) The Director of the Administrative Office of the Unitrd
StaresCourts shall transmir to the United States Aisiiittiourts
and to tle Committees on the Judiciary of the $enate and
Houseof Representativet-
(A) copiesof the plaru developedand implementedby the
Eq4l Implementation District eourts;
(B) the r.,ports submitt€d by euchdistrict courk pursuant
to Eectiondlz.(d)of title ZB,United States Code,"s idded by
subeection(a):and
(C) the,report preparedin accordancewith paragraph (B)
of this subsection.
(d) TecuNtcrr. r_r,rpCowronulNc AusxolrtENr.-The table of chap.
t€r6-for pF4 I of title !8, Unitrd States Code, is ameriaea Uf"aa-i-ris
at the end thereofthe following:
-t3. Ciyil jurtlcc
crpcnrt rhd dcl4v rtductlon { 7 t"
i, i,1
i
PUBLIC LAW r01-650-DEC. 1, 1990 104STAT.5097
$PC, IO{. DEMONSTRATIOHPROCRAM. ?8 USC,l71note.
(a),Ix GsNEs^1.-(l) During the 4-year period beginning on Janu-
ary l, 1991, the Judicial Cdnferenia of tir" U"iGa Stites ehalt
conduct a demonstrationprograrh in accordancewith subsectionft).
(Z) 4 district court participating in the demonsiraiion progTam
may also be an Early lmplementaiion District Court undei seition
103(c).
(b) Pnocnrv RtQutttr'rpr+r,*(1) The United States District Court
for the Western District of Michigan and the United States Distrjct
Court for the Northern Districl of Ohio shall exoeriment with
Ey6telrr8of differentiated cd.Bemanagehent that provide specifically
for the.asrignment of casesto applopriate processinstiacks tha'+
operate under distinct and explicit rules. irocedure]. and tiffiF
frames for the completionof discbveryand for'trial.
(Z) The United States Disrrict Court for rhe Northerb Districr of
California, the United Stdtes Disrrict Court for the Northern Dis-
trict of West Virginia, and the United States District Court for the
Wettern Dietrict of Missouri rhall experiment with various methods
of reducing gost and delay in civil litigation, inclufling alternarive
dBpute resolution, that such Ci8trict courts atld the Judicial Con-
feronceof the United Starff shall eelect.
. (c) 9ruoy or Rrsurrs.-The Judicial Conferenceof the United
States, in consultation with the Director of the Federal Judicial
Centcr and ttre Director of the Adhinistrative Offrce of the United
$lates Courts,shall rtudy the experienceof the district courts uhder
tne demonttration DtoEa$r,
_ (d) Rtponr.-Nof latlr than Decembergl, 1995,the Judicial Con-
ferenceof tho United StatesEhall rransmit tb the dommitteeoon the
Judiciary ofthe Senateand the Houseof Representativ*"" .*po.t oi
the regults of the dGhonstration program.
SEC. 105,PIUII PROCBAM, 28 USC,t?r nol4,
(s) br GrupnAr-(l) During the 4.year period besinninc on Janu-
ary I, 1991, the Judicial C6nferenie of the Unitea S6tes shall
conducts pilot program in accordancewith subsection(b).
(2) A dietrict court participating in the pilor proEram shall be
desigaatedss an Early Implementation Distiict Corrrt rrndersection
103(c).
(b) Pnocneu RrqunrvnrTs,{l) Ten dirtrict courts (in this sec-
tion referred to as "Pilot DistricLs") desienated bv the Judicial
Conferenceof the United Stat€sshall impleirent e*pinse and delay
reduction plans under chapter 23 of title'ZB, United'States C<rde(s;
added by eection 103(a)),-not ldter than December BI. 1991, In
sddition to complying with aIl other applicableprovisionsof chanter
23 of title 28, United Stares Code (as idded bi section 103(a)).'the
expenseand delay reduction Flans implemented by the pilot Dis-
tricts shall include the 6.principles irnd guidelines of litigation
rnanagement and cost end delay reduction identified in section
473(a)of title 28, United StatesCoile.
(2) At least 5 0f the Pilot Districts desiexated bv the Judicial
Conference shall be judicial districts encolmpassingmerropolitan
area6.
(3) The expense..and delay reduction plans implementedby the
_
Pilot Districts shall remajn jn effect for a period bf 3 vears, At the
end of that. E-year period, the Pilot Distiicts shall no longer be
required to include, in their expenseand delay reduction plans, the
, . :I 1 i
104STAT.5098 PUBLICLAW 101-6S0-DEC.
1, 1990
6 principles and guidelinesof litigation managementand cost and
delav reductiondescribedin parasraph(l).
(ci Pnocmru Srunv Enponr.*-(l)'Not later than December31,
1995,the Judicial Conferenceshall submit to the Committeeson the
Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representativesa report on
the results of the pilot proEram under this sectionthat includesan
assessment ofthe extent to which costsand delayswere reducedas a
result of the prograrrr.The report sha.llcomparethose results to the
impact on costsand delays in ten comparablejudiciel districts for
which the application of section 4?i(a) of title 28, United States
Code.had been discretionarv.That comparisonshall be basedon a
, $tudi conductedby an inde-pendentorginieation with expertieein
the area of Federalcourt manasement.
(2)(A)The Judicial Conferenie shall include in its report a re+
ommendationas to whether some or all district courts should be
required to include, in their e*penseand delay reduction plans, the
6 principles and cuidelines of litisation managementand cost and
delay reiluction iilentified in sectio-n4?3(d of ti-tle 28, United States
Code,
G) If the Judicial Conferencerecommendsin its report that some
ot all district courG be required to include such principles snd
euidelinesin their exDenseCnd delav reduction plans, the-Judicial
Conferenceshall initiate proceedirrgifor the prlscription of rules
iryp_lgmenlingits recommCndation,pursuant to chap6r 131of title
28,United $tates Code.
(C)If in its report the Judicial Conferencedoesnot recommendan
expansionof the pilot program under subpara$aph (A), the Judicial
Cohferenceshall-ideniifyalternative, more efTeciivecost snd delay
raduction prosrams that should be implemented in lisht of the
findings of thE Judicial Conferencein iis report, and tEe Judicial
Conferencemay initia&e proceedingsfor the prescription of rules
implementing i-tsrecommindation,iursuant to chapter 131 of title
28, Unit€d Statrs Code.
SEc. I116.AIITH ORIZATION.
(s) EARr.vIupLeMrNTefloN DIErRrcr Counrs,-There is authorized
to be appropriatednot more than $f5,000,000for fiscal yqar I99l to
csrry out the resource and pi,anning need$ necesEaryfor the iln-
plementation
- of section103(c).
(b) IMpr.svrr'lTr,rrox or Cnerrrn Z3.-There is authorired to be
appropriatednot lDorettran $5,000,000 for ftscal year 1991to impl+
ment chapter 23 of title 28,United StatesCode,
(c) Dpnoxsrrrrrox Pnocnn'1.*There is authorized to be appre
priated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year I99l to carry out the
provisionsof section104.
APPENDIXB
ADVISORYGROUPRECOMMENDATIONS
t
v.
ANPfiHIR BASES
RECOMMENDATIONS
In undertakingits responsibilitiesunderthe Clvil JusticeReformAct the
AdvisoryGroupnot onlyfocusedits attentionon the court'sstatisticalhistory,any
filingand caseloadtrends,andcourtpracticesandprocedures, but alsotook into
accountthe six principlesand guidellnesof litigationmanagement and cost and
delayreductionset forth in Section473(a)of the Clvil JusticeReformAct. The
AdvisoryGroup,after considerable discussionand analysisand data gathering,
concludedthat the westernDistrictof Arkansasis a well-managed court,one of
whichthe bar,the lltlgantsandthe generalmembersof rhepublicshouldbe proud.
The judges and court staff should all be commendedfor their leadershipand
commitmentto the principlesof caseflowmanagement.Withouttheseattributes
it is doubtfulwhetherthe WesternDistrlctwouldenloythe successesachievedto
date.
TheAdvisoryGroupin discharging its responsibilities
underthe CivilJustlce
ReformAct is requiredto "make a thoroughassessment of the stateol the court's
civil and criminaldockets',and in dolng so, "examlneand identifythe principal
causesof cost and delayin civil litigation,givingconsiderationto such potential
causesas court proceduresand ways in which litigantsand their attorneys
approachand conductlitlgation".lThe CivilJusticeRetormAct furtherrequires
thattheAdvisoryGroupsubmita reportcontainingrecommended measures, rules
andprograms,andthebasislor thoserecommendations, Theserecommendations
are to be madein the contextol the
particularneeds and circumstancesof the court, the lltlgantsand counsel.
withthatconiextin mind,theAdvisoryGroupmakesthefollowingfour
Accordingly,
recommendations.
1. The western District of Arkansas should establish a
oifferentiated
CaseManagement Program.Theprogramwould
be limitedto caseswhichfall into the categoryof "complex".
Complexwould be deflned as cases having the following
characteristics:
numerousand possiblyuniquelegalissues,
lcivil JusticeReformAct,?8 U.s.c.a72(c)(1)(G)
1
l l r
t
b. extensivediscovery,
greaterthan usual numberof expertwitnesses,large
numberof partlesand extendedtrial days.
Casetypes may include:antitrust,patentInfrlngement, class
actions,malpracticeactions,environmental lssues,
mass torts,
securities,tax suits and product liability. The primary
componentof the programwould be the case management
conlerence.The conferencewould be scheduledwithin 120
days of the issuesbeingloined,or lrom the date of the last
responsivepleading. The purposeof the conterenceis two-
fold: the conferencewouldbringtogether,eithertelephonically
or in person,counselandthe coufito establishkeyintervalsin
thecase- extentof discovery, settingof discoverycut{ff dates,
settingof deadlinesfor filing motions,and the settingof trial
dates,Second,the conference wouldalsoserveas a forumfor
counselto voluntarilydisclosediscoveryinformation, including
key documentsand witness identification. (The proposed
amendments to Rule26 of the FederalRulesof CivilProcedure
requiremandatorypre-discovery disclosure.)
The basisfor thls recommendation is thatthe AdvisoryGroup
receiveda numberof commentsfromWesternDistrictattorneys
expressing concernwiththe schedulingpraEtices of theludges
of thls court. Membersof the bar voicedcomplaintsthat the
judgeswereinsensitive to scheduling, particularly
in complex
cases. Schedulingordersweretoo oftenunrealistic.Another
complaintwasthatthe courtwasinflexibleIn scheduling.Once
the schedulingorder was establishedit was impossibleto
change.An additionalcommentwas there was generallyno
consultation between the court and counsel regarding
establishingkey datesanddeadlines.
Intheviewof theAdvlsoryGroupthereis no quesiionwherethe
responsibility
for casemanagement lies. Decisionsof caseflow
management, schedulingand the peceof litigationare,to be
sure, a ludicialfunctlon. Nevertheless, the AdvisoryGroup
2
lllqi
complexcasesthereshould
bellevesthatlntermsof scheduling
be communicatlon betweenthe court and counsel. The case
management cQnlerencewouldservethat purpose.
TheAdvlsoryGrouprecognizes thatnationwide discoverycosts
are a malor contributorto the high cost of litigation. The
AdvisoryGrouprecognizes, too, that this is a problemin the
Western District of Arkansas,but not a significantone.
Nonetheless, the AdvisoryGrouprecommendsthat the court
continue to be sensitiveto dlscoverydisputes (including
disputesas ta the reasonableness of hourlyrateschargedby
expert witnesses for giving discovery depositions) and
establlsh,lf necessary,a meanswherebydisputescould be
reasonably resolvedduringor afterbusinesshours.Further,the
AdvisoryGrouprecommends thatthe courlrefralnfrom making
anysubstantive changesto discoveryprocedureuntilafterthe
proposedamendments to the FederalRulesof CivilProcedure
are approved,modified,or relected by the United States
Congress.Further,the AdvisoryGrouprecommends that lf the
proposalsare adopted,the court reexamlnethe district's
discoveryFrocedures onlyafterit hashadsufficientexperience
underthe amendedrules.
3. Oneof the prlncipalconcernsmentionedmostfrequentlyby the
attorneysFurveyedin the westernDistrictof Arkansaswasthe
complaintthatmotionsfiledwiththe couriwerenot disposedof
pramptly. Principally,the complalnts centered around
dispositivemotlons and particularlymotions for summary
ludgments.lt is the consensus of theAdvisoryGroup,basedon
its own experiences and the commentsof attorneys,that the
WesternDistrictshould examineits methodsfor proce$sing
dispositivemotions,and employits best effortsto promptly
dispose of those motions. This recommendation applles
equallyto civil and criminal.
4. The AdvlsoryGrouprecommends that the WesternDistrictof
Arkan$asIg! establishmandatory
alternative
dlsputeresolution
(ADR)programs. The court should, however,identifyADR
3
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resqurcesin this district or adlacentdlstrlcts, and make
if requestedby the parties,adequatetime to explore
available,
ADRoptionsand othersettlementpossibilities.
A minorityview is expressedin a letterfrom memberLeroyAutrey
datedMarch18,1993whichis attachedas AppendixG.
ln vlew of the handful of recommendationsthe Advisory Group
recommendsthat the district court develop its own plan. The plan
shouldspecificallyaddressthe followingissues:
Adoptionof a differentlated
casemanagement planfor complex
cases,with particularattentionto schedulingand the case
management confErence.
b. Heightened sensitivityby ludgesto dlscoverydisputesand to
the costsassociatedwiththe deposingof expertwitnesses.
Helghtenedsensitivityby ludges and staff to the prompt
handling motions.Measures
of dispositive mayincludeInternal
reviewandexaminationol presentmethodsandprocedures for
processingsuch motlons.
4
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APPENDIXC
LOCALRULESC-7 AND D-4
, r : :I
RULEC-7
(
MOTIONS
(a) (dl shallbeaccompanied
All motionsexceptthosEmentionedin paragraph
by a briefconsistingof a concissstatementof relevantfacts andapplicablelaw, Both
docum€ntsshallbe filedwith the Clark,and copiesshallbo servedon all otherpsrties
affectodby th6 motion.
(bl Within Blsvondays from thg df,t€ copiesof s motion and supporting
papershave beenservedupon him. any party opposinga motionshallserveand fils
with th6 Glerk a concisestatementin oppositionto the motion with supporting
authorities.Forcauseshown,the courtmay by ordershortenor lengthsnthe time for
the filing of r€sponses,
(cl of facts not appearingof r€cord.the
If a motionrequiresconsideration
partiesmay $€rveand filq copie$of all photographs,documents,or other evidenco
daomadnecessaryin support.ofor in oppositionto the motion,in additionto 8tfidavits
requlredor p€rmitt€dby the FsderalRulosof Civil Proceduro.
(dl No brisf is requiredfiom any party, unlessotherwisedirectedby thB
Court,with rssp€ctto the f ollowingmotionB:
(1) To extendtime for the performance
of an oct requitedor
allowodto b6 done,providedrequestis madebefor€ths €xpirationof the
. periodoriginallyprescribed,
or as BxtBnd6dby previousorder.
(21 To obtain leavo to file supplementaloI amendsd
pleadings,
(31 To appoint8n sttorneyor guardianad litem.
{41 To permitsubstitutionof p€rtiesor Ettorneys.
(e) Pretrialmotionsfor temporaryrestrsiningolders,motionsfor preliminary
injunctions,and motionsto dismiss,shallnot be takenup snd consideredunlessset
forth in s separatopleadingsccompaniodby a soparatebrief.
(f) Thefailureto timelyrespondto anynondispositive
motion,as requiredby
the FedetalFulesof CriminalProcedure,
the F€dsralRulesof CivilProceduro, or by any
localrule, shallbe fln adequat€basis,without more,for grantingthe reliofsoughtin
saidmotion.
(S) All motions to compel discoveryand all other discovery-enforcsment
m0tion$and all motionsfor protectiv€ord€r$shallcontainf, $tat6m6ntby the moving
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t
party that the partieshavs conferredin good faith on th6 spocificissueor issuesin
L dispute and that they are not able to resolve their disagreemBnts
without the
interuBntion
of the Court, lf any suchmotionlackssucha statement,that motionmay
be dismissedsummarilyfor failureto comply with this rule. Repeatedfailuresto
complywill bo consideredsn adequatebasisfor the impositionof sanctions.
(s) through{d} Adopt6dand effectiveMay t, 198O
(b) ^Amendsd
to changeto slev€ndays effectiveJuly 1, 1988
(el Adoptedand effectiveJuly 14, 1986
(f) Adopt€dand eff€ctiveJuly 1, 1988
(g) EffectiveApril 15, lg8s
AmendedJanuary2. I 990
t_
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RULED-4
PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
(a) Generally. Any party may request that a cas6 be set for pretrial
conference,The requestshallspecifyth6 purpo$osto be accomplished
and must bs
approvedby the Court. Tho Court,on its own motion,may designateany ca$Bfor
pretrialconf€renc€,
(b) InformationSheet Filing. Sevendays beforethe dst€ s6t for pretrial
conference,eachpany shall{ile with the Clerka completedpretrialinformationsheet
in the form which followsthis Rule. Copiesshallbe sentto the Judgewith a copy to
all other panies,
(cl ConductingConferences;
Prossnceof Counseland Partiss.The protrial
confsrsncewill be conductedby the Judgewho is scheduledto prssidoat tho trial.
However,th€ Judg€may referspecificcasesto be pre-triedby a full-timemagistrate
judge. . The trial counsel.shallattend the pretrial conference. Farties or their
representativesshall also attend when so directed by the Court. All pretrial
conferencesshallbe conductEdin accordancowith Fed.R. Civ. P. 16.
Adoptedand Bff€ctivsMay 1, 1980
_
l* l
OUTLINEFORPRETRIAL
CONFERENCE
L INFORMATION
SHEET
Th€ Pretri8lConfersncsInformationShB€t$hallcontain:
(l ) Th€ id€ntity0f the partysubmittinginformation,plscoandtime of pr€trial
confslencs.
(2) The namos,addt€ss,andtelephondnumbersof all counselfor the party.
(3) A briof summaryof claimsand reliefsought.
(4) for settlement,if Eny' {Note:ThBGourtexpectsFttolneysto
ProspEcts
conf€r8nd axplorethe possibitityof settlementpriorto answeringthese
inquiries).
(51 The basisfor jurisdiction0r obiectionsto jurisdiction.
(6) A list of pendingmotions,
(7) A concisesummaryof facts,
(8) All p.oposedBtipulations,
(9) The issuesof fact €xpect€dto be contested,
(10) Ths issuesof law expectedto bs contosted'
(11) A list and brief descriptionof €xhibitsthat will be offeredin evidence-
(12l A tistand briefdescriptionof charts,graphs.modols,schematicdiagrams
snd similsrobjEctswhich will bo used in openingstatem€ntor closing
. argumFntwhetheror not they will be off6redin evidenco.
andtelephonenumbet$0f witnesseswho will be
(13) The name$,addresses,
called,excludingwitnBssB$ or r€butta'.
to beusedsolelyf or impeachment
(lndicatethg nf,tursof ths t€stimonyto be given by each witness,i'e'
liability,e*pert, prop€rtydamages.painand suffering,etc'l
(141 Any requsstto amendpleadings.
. (151 Th6 currentstatus of discovery,fl precisestatementof thg remaining
1-. . discbveryand 8n sstimat€of the time requiredto compl€tediscovery.
(16) Suggestionsfor expeditingdispositionof tho action.
(171 An B$timatoof ths lengthof trial'
(18) ThEsignatureo{ th6 sttorn€y,
(191 Proofof service,
L Adoptedand sff€ctiv€MaY 1, 1980
D-5
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APPENDIXD
COURTSCHEDULING
ORDER
IN fHE I]NITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERNDISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
FORT SMITH DIVISION
PLAINTIFF
CaEe No.
DEFENDANT
ORDERAETTING AETTI.,ET,IENT
CO.trTEBENSE
This case has been referred to the underslgned for a
settlement conference. AlL parties and their lead counsel are
hereby ORDERED
TO APFEARbefore the undersigned at the U.S. PoEt
office and courthouse, 6th & RogerE, Fort Smith, Arlcansas, in Room
2 2 9 a t 3 ! 0 0 P . M , o n F r l d a y . N o v e m b e r1 9 r 1 9 9 3 . An insured party
shall appear by a representative of the insurer who ls authorized
to discuBs and lflalce reconnendations relating to settlement. An
uninsured corporate party ehall appear by a representative
au€horized to discuss and make recoruflendatJ.ons relating to
settLement.
Each party sha1l, before arrivlng at the eettlement
conference, ascertain in good faith the best settlement propoaal
that such party can nalce and be prepared. if asked by the
undereigned, to communicate that settLenent proposal to the
undersigned in confidence. If no settlenent discuEsions have
talcen place, the court encourages an exchange of demandt and
offers prior to the settlement conference.
Each party FhalL provide the undersigned, in confidence, a
concise statement of the evidenc€ th6 party expects to produce at
trial at least 3 days before the conference,
'ji!
AO 72A t
(Rev.8/82)
The purpoBe of the settlenent conference is to preolpitate
settlenent of this case, if that is appropriate. It will be
conducted ln such a nanner as not to prejudica any party In the
event settlenent ls not reached. To that end, aII natterE
comrnunicated to the undersigned in confidence HlIL be kept
confidentiaL by her, and wlLL not be dlsclo6ed to any other party,
or to the trlal Judge. The undersigned, of course, wiLL not serve
a6 the trial judge in this case,
At the settlehent conference the parties, by counsel, shall
glve a brief (5 ninute) presentation outlining the factual and
Iegal highlights of their case. Then separate, confldential
caucureE will be held with each party and the party's
representatlve 1s1 .
The request for partie8' personal appearance is intended to
increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Fettlement
co4ference by reducing the time for comnunication of offers and
expending the ability to explore options for settlement.
IT Is so oRDEREDthis 21st day of october 1993.
HON. BEVERLYR. STITES
I'NITED STATES MAGI STRATE iIUDGE
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