Case Management Procedures
Chief Judge Staci M. Yandle
Contents
• Civil Cases
o Conflicts of Interest
o Mandatory Mediation Conference
o Disclosure of Interested Parties
o Rule 26 Disclosures
o Rule 16 Conferences
o Discovery Disputes
o Settlement Conferences
o Motion Practice
o Final Pretrial Order
o Mandatory Exhibit List
o Witness List
o Jury Selection
o Trial Procedure
o Jury Instructions
o Bill of Costs
o Pretrial Checklist
• Criminal Cases
o Motion Practice
o Final Pretrial Conference
o Jury Selection
o Trial Procedure
o Mandatory Exhibit List
o Witness List
o Jury Instructions
o Correspondence with the Court
• Miscellaneous
o Court Technology Features and Usage Guidelines
o Courtroom Demeanor
o Disclaimer and Notice
o Electronic Case Filing System
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Civil Cases
Conflicts of Interest
In order for Chief Judge Yandle to quickly identify potential conflicts of interest, all counsel for
non-governmental parties must disclose interested parties and affiliates in accordance with Federal
Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1.
Counsel shall provide updated information as necessary throughout the pendency of the action.
Additionally, for all cases other than class actions, counsel shall list all parties in the caption of
pleadings so Chief Judge Yandle can assess whether any possible basis for disqualification exist.
Disclosure of Interested Parties
Any non-governmental corporate party must file (and, where applicable, supplement) a corporate
disclosure in compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1.
Mandatory Mediation Program
The Court has adopted a Mandatory Mediation Plan (“Plan”). See SDIL-LR 16.3(a);
Administrative Order No. 301. Under the Plan, non-exempt civil cases are referred to the Court’s
Mandatory Mediation Program (“Program”) when a trial date is assigned. Other cases may be
referred into the Program in the discretion of the presiding Judge or magistrate Judge.
Rule 26 Disclosures
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 shall be strictly enforced. Counsel should keep in mind the
following:
• Rule 26(a)(1) specifies initial disclosures and these disclosures must be supplemented
pursuant to Rule 26(e).
• Rule 26(a)(2)(A) refers to all expert disclosures and, again, these disclosures must be
supplemented pursuant to Rule 26(e).
• Rule 26(a)(2)(B) addresses retained or specially employed experts. Again, Rule 26(e)
requires supplementation.
• Rule 26(a)(3) pertains to pretrial disclosures (not discovery) which must be made at least
30 days before the first day of trial. Objections are due 14 days after the disclosures are
made. Disclosures (and any objections) shall be filed electronically with the Clerk of
Court. Counsel should bring their Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures and any objections to the Final
Pretrial Conference.
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Rule 16 Conferences
The purpose of the Rule 16 conference is to identify and address novel or difficult discovery issues.
The parties are required to meet and confer, in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
26(f), at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the Rule 16 Scheduling and Discovery Conference. At
least seven (7) days prior to the scheduling conference, the parties must submit a Joint Report of
Parties and Proposed Scheduling and Discovery Order (“Joint Report”) to the Court via e-mail at
[email protected]. The Joint Report should be submitted using one of the following
forms: (1) Joint Report for Cases Referred to Mandatory Mediation; (2) Joint Report for Cases not
Referred to Mandatory Mediation; or (3) Joint Report for Class Actions. These forms are also
available on the “Forms” page of the District Court’s website
(https://www.ilsd.uscourts.gov/forms-0). The report must be jointly submitted – one report bearing
the original signature of each attorney of record. At the Court’s discretion, the conference may be
cancelled after the Court’s review of a timely-submitted Joint Report.
The scheduling and discovery conference will be telephonic. The Court will instruct the parties
by a docket text order on how to participate in the telephonic conference. The attorney who is
most familiar with the case should participate in the conference.
Discovery Disputes
All discovery disputes that cannot be informally resolved shall be brought to the Court’s attention
through written motion. The motion shall be no longer than 10 pages and shall state “DISPUTED”
in the title. Responses shall be filed within 7 days and shall be no longer than 10 pages. No reply
briefs shall be filed. Only material directly related to the motion shall be attached to the motion
(i.e. if the only dispute is about Interrogatory 15, only that interrogatory and answer (and those
related) shall be attached to any motion or response). Disputed discovery motions will be referred
to a Magistrate Judge for disposition in accordance with his/her standard procedures.
Settlement Conferences
The Court will not routinely set cases for settlement conferences. The parties are strongly
encouraged to pursue private mediation when possible. Upon joint written request of the parties,
the Court may, in its discretion, refer a civil case to a Magistrate for a settlement conference.
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Motion Practice
• Pleadings
All pleadings must be filed with the Clerk's Office via the electronic case filing (CM/ECF)
system.
• Filing Under Seal
Filing documents and pleadings under seal must be consistent with Seventh Circuit
standards. See, Jessup v. Luther, 277 F.3d 926 (7th Cir. 2002); In re Specht, 622 F.3d 697
(7th Cir. 2010); Citizens First Nat. Bank of Princeton v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., 178 F.3d 943
(7th Cir. 1999) and Goesel v. Boley Intern. (H.K.) Ltd., 738 F.3d 831 (7th Cir. 2013). Any
party wishing to file a pleading or related document under seal shall file a motion
seeking leave to do so. The motion shall address Seventh Circuit sealing standards.
• Responses & Replies
In accordance with Local Rule 7.1(b), Chief Judge Yandle allows 30 days for parties to file
memoranda responding to motions to dismiss, dispositive motions, post-trial motions, and
motions to remand. For motions other than these, Local Rule 7.1(b)(2) governs response
deadlines and supporting brief requirements.
Responsive memoranda can be no longer than 20 pages, unless written leave of Court is
obtained. Reply briefs are strongly discouraged and should be filed only in exceptional
circumstances. In that regard, any party wishing to file a reply brief shall, within three (3)
days of service of the response, file a motion for leave. The motion for leave shall set forth
the exceptional circumstances justifying a reply. If filed, reply briefs may be no longer
than 5 pages and must be filed within fourteen (14) days of obtaining leave for replies
governed by Local Rule 7.1(b) and within seven (7) days of obtaining leave for replies.
Any reply briefs filed in violation of these requirements shall be stricken and will not be
considered by the Court.
These deadlines and page limits may be altered by Chief Judge Yandle, where appropriate
or necessary in a particular case.
• Oral Argument
Chief Judge Yandle will set motions for hearing at her discretion. Counsel may file a
motion requesting a hearing if oral argument on the motion is desired.
The Court is cognizant of a growing trend in which fewer cases go to trial and in which
there are generally fewer in-court advocacy opportunities. This is especially true for
relatively inexperienced attorneys (attorneys practicing for less than seven years).
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To that end, Chief Judge Yandle encourages the active participation of relatively
inexperienced attorneys in all courtroom proceedings, particularly with respect to oral
argument on motions where that attorney drafted or contributed significantly to the briefing
on the motion. Chief Judge Yandle recognizes that there may be circumstances under
which it is not practical for an inexperienced attorney to argue a motion and draws no
inference from a party’s decision not to have a newer attorney argue any motion before
the Court. Chief Judge Yandle likewise draws no inference about the importance of any
motion, or the merits of a party’s argument regarding the motion, from the party’s decision
to have (or not to have) a newer attorney argue the motion.
• Teleconferences & Video Conferences
If the Court orders a teleconference or video conference, instructions for participating will
be included in the CM/ECF notice setting the matter. In the rare case where the Court
orders the parties to arrange a teleconference, counsel are responsible for setting up the
teleconference with a professional teleconference provider; the cost of which shall be
shared by the parties equally, unless Chief Judge Yandle orders otherwise.
• Motions in Limine
Unless the Court, by written order or notice in a particular case, has set a different deadline,
all motions in limine must be filed no later than 21 calendar days before the Final Pretrial
Conference. All motions in limine shall be filed as sub-parts within a single pleading (i.e.,
Plaintiff's MIL #1, Plaintiff's MIL #2, etc.). Any supporting exhibits shall be filed as
attachments. If necessary, supporting memoranda may be filed separately.
Responses to motions in limine must be filed no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after
service of the motion and shall also be filed in a single pleading.
Prior to the Final Pretrial Conference, the parties shall meet and confer on all motions
in limine and determine which motions, if any, are unopposed and do not need to be
heard. In the Final Pretrial Order, the parties shall: (1) list each motion in limine and
(2) state whether the motion is opposed or unopposed.
Chief Judge Yandle will hear argument on motions in limine at the Final Pretrial
Conference or she may schedule a separate hearing on motions in limine. Given the nature
of motions in limine, failure to file motions by the deadline generally will not prejudice a
party’s ability to move in limine before the jury is impaneled. Later-filed motions,
however, may be stricken if their consideration would delay the start of trial.
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• Daubert Motions
All Daubert motions seeking to exclude expert testimony or evidence must be filed by the
dispositive motion deadline, not the motion in limine deadline. Counsel is advised that
Daubert motions not filed in accordance with this deadline will be denied as untimely filed.
• Motions to Dismiss
In any dismissal motion filed before Chief Judge Yandle, the movant must clearly state:
(1) the specific section under which dismissal is sought, i.e., not just “Rule 12(b)” but “Rule
12(b)(1)” or “Rule 12(b)(6),” etc.; (2) whether dismissal is sought of the complaint, the
entire case, or just certain parties or claims; and (3) whether dismissal is sought with
prejudice or without prejudice.
• Summary Judgment
Chief Judge Yandle does not require compliance with Local Rule 56.1(a) – (d) and (j).
Briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must contain a Statement of Material
Facts which sets forth each relevant, material fact. A material fact is one that bears
directly on a legal issue raised in the motion. Each material fact must contain specific
citation(s) to the record, including page number(s). The Court will disregard any asserted
fact that is not supported with a citation to the record.
• Trial Briefs
Trial briefs are not required. If filed, they are due fourteen (14) calendar days before the
first day of trial. Trial briefs should not be used to revisit or reassert issues previously
rejected by the Court.
• Deposition Designations
Prior to the Final Pretrial Conference, the parties shall meet and confer on all
deposition designations and objections and resolve all disputes possible. Deposition
designations, objections, and counter-designations must be submitted to Chief Judge
Yandle’s proposed document in-box no later than seven (7) calendar days before the Final
Pretrial Conference.
Final Pretrial Order
Counsel shall jointly prepare a Final Pretrial Order using Chief Judge Yandle’s approved form
(Note: separate Final Pretrial Orders submitted by the parties are not acceptable). This
form is different from Final Pretrial Orders used by other Judges. It is also mandatory.
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Local Rule 16.2(b)(1) provides that the parties shall submit a signed, joint Final Pretrial Order no
later than three (3) business days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference. If requested, however,
Chief Judge Yandle may permit counsel to submit the proposed Final Pretrial Order at the Final
Pretrial Conference. Counsel may contact chambers to determine the proper deadline for a
particular case. In either situation, counsel shall e-mail the Final Pretrial Order to Chief Judge
Yandle’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected].
Mandatory Exhibit Lists
NOTE: The parties shall identify the exhibits they intend to use at trial in the disclosures timely
made pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3). When possible, objections filed
pursuant to Rule 26(a)(3) will be resolved at the Final Pretrial Conference. The parties shall bring
their Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures and any objections to the Final Pretrial Conference.
The parties shall jointly prepare an Exhibit List using Chief Judge Yandle’s approved form. The
Exhibit List must be e-mailed to Chief Judge Yandle’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected] at least 2 business days before the first day of trial. All exhibits should
be pre-marked with arabic numerals for each exhibit. For instance, Plaintiff’s exhibits should be
numbered as Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1, Plaintiff’s Exhibit 2, et seq. Defendant’s exhibits should be pre-
marked and numbered as Defendant’s Exhibit 1, Defendant’s Exhibit 2, et seq. Duplicate exhibits
are not permitted. In other words, if an exhibit is offered by Plaintiff, Defendant should not offer
the same exhibit. The goal is to have one set of exhibits.
Other points to note when preparing the exhibit list:
• Letter should not be used to identify exhibits (i.e., use only 1, 2, 3; do not use 1, 1A, 1B,
2, 2A);
• Do not designate any exhibits as “group” exhibits;
• Designate multiple page exhibits with one exhibit number, using page numbers for further
identification;
• Do not group sets of multiple photographs. Give each photograph a separate exhibit
number;
• Do not assume that the Court will allow any exhibits to be passed among jurors.
Publication will be handled by evidence presentation technology or by use of juror
notebooks.
The parties are encouraged to assemble exhibit books for witnesses to view while being examined
and for the Court, as this expedites the examination process.
Specific questions about preparing the exhibit list should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy
Clerk, Stacie Hurst, by email message to
[email protected] or raised at the Final
Pretrial Conference.
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Chief Judge Yandle uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) to allow evidence admitted
at trial to be viewed electronically by the jury during deliberations. JERS reduces the need to
handle physical evidence while allowing the jury to view evidence multiple times, play audio and
video recordings, and zoom in on pictures and documents. JERS is NOT used by counsel during
trial to present evidence. During trial, exhibits shall be presented by a laptop connect or by
conventionally presenting exhibits using the electronic document camera. It is the responsibility
of counsel that exhibits used during trial coincide in exhibit number and image as the exhibits
electronically submitted to the court and to substitute any documents that have been altered.
Please carefully review the instructions (JERS Exhibit List Instructions) regarding the use of JERS
for Exhibits in preparation for the upcoming jury trial. The JERS Exhibit List must be submitted
Chief Judge Yandle’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected] no later than 7
calendar days before the first day of trial.
The parties are required to submit two separate exhibit lists: (1) JERS Exhibit List (JERS Exhibit
List); and (2) Court Exhibit List (Exhibit List).
Witness List
The parties shall disclose the names of witnesses as directed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
26(a)(3) and include in the Final Pretrial Order the name of all persons who may
possibly/potentially be called at trial. The list of witnesses in the Final Pretrial Order will be read
to the jury during voir dire. Absent extraordinary circumstances, any person not included on the
list will not be permitted to testify at trial, because his/her name will not have been disclosed to
the potential jurors.
By 12:00 noon on the last business day prior to trial, counsel shall each e-mail a final list of the
witnesses they intend to call at trial in Microsoft Word format to Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Stacie
Hurst, by email message to
[email protected]. Questions regarding the Witness List
may be addressed to Stacie Hurst at (618) 439-7744.
Jury Selection
• Jury Questionnaires
Jury questionnaires are completed by each venire person before being placed on a venire
panel. The completed questionnaires are placed in binders according to venire number and
provided to each party before jury selection begins. Questionnaires must be returned to
Courtroom Deputy Clerk Stacie Hurst after the jury is selected. Questionnaires are
confidential and may not be retained by any party.
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• Voir Dire
Chief Judge Yandle conducts preliminary voir dire which includes many of the basic
questions such as residence, employment, and prior jury service. After Chief Judge Yandle
concludes preliminary questioning, each party may participate in voir dire separately.
Counsel may submit proposed voir dire questions in writing to Chief Judge Yandle up until
the day before trial begins. Counsel also may request that Chief Judge Yandle question
jurors on certain issues which a party would rather the Chief Judge ask instead of counsel.
In its discretion, the Court may conduct the voir dire without participation of counsel.
• Selection Methodology
The jury is selected outside the presence of the venire, in open court. Challenges for cause
are entertained first. Then the parties will be permitted to caucus privately before the
process begins for exercising peremptory challenges.
Generally, each side is given 3 peremptory strikes. Back-striking is not allowed. If there
are multiple plaintiffs or defendants, the parties may move for additional strikes. In its
discretion, the Court may allow additional peremptory challenges if the size of the venire
permits, after challenges for cause have been determined.
Typically, in civil cases, six jurors and two alternates will be chosen, and all remaining at
the end of closing arguments will participate in deliberations pursuant to Federal Rule of
Civil Procedure 48.
• Jurors
Jurors are permitted to take notes during trial and may refer to them during deliberations.
Jurors are paid a $50 attendance fee and reimbursed for travel to the courthouse. See the
Court’s web-site at www.ilsd.uscourts.gov for information/specifics.
• Assessment of Jury Costs
Local Rule 54.1 permits the Court to assess juror costs (including per diem and mileage
expenses) against one or more parties, if they failed to advise the Court of the settlement
of a case prior to 3:00 p.m. on the last full business day before trial was scheduled to
commence. The Court strives to keep juror costs down, and assessment of costs will be
considered if a jury is brought in unnecessarily. Nonetheless, the parties are strongly
encouraged to pursue settlement up to and throughout the trial.
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Trial Procedure (Non-Prisoner Civil Cases)
• Trial Dates
Chief Judge Yandle assigns newly filed or removed non-prisoner civil cases a Final Pretrial
Conference date and firm trial date. Continuances of the trial date will be given only in
exceptional circumstances.
• Trial Hours
Trials generally begin at 9:00 a.m., although a different time may be specified by Order or
Notice in a given case.
Especially as to jury trials, the Court makes every effort to conclude each day by 4:30 p.m.
In trials that proceed 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, an hour lunch break is taken around
noon. Typically, one 15-minute morning break and at least one 15-minute afternoon break
will be taken. Motions, jury instruction conferences, and other matters may be handled
with counsel prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., as directed by Chief Judge Yandle.
• Attorney Conference Room
A conference room is available near Chief Judge Yandle’s courtroom for attorney-client or
attorney-witness consultation. Please see Chief Judge Yandle’s Courtroom Security
Officer for access.
• Attorney Availability During Jury Deliberation
Counsel must give the Courtroom Deputy a telephone number where they can be reached
when the jury indicates it has reached a verdict or has a question. Counsel should be able
to arrive in the courtroom within 10 minutes after being contacted.
• Post-Verdict Juror Interviews
Counsel may not question jurors after a verdict has been reached, without prior approval
of Chief Judge Yandle.
Jury Instructions
Unless this deadline is altered by an Order entered by Chief Judge Yandle in a specific case, the
parties must submit their entire set of proposed jury instructions in Microsoft Word format to the
Court no later than 2 business days before the first day of trial. Jury instructions are not filed
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with the Clerk of the Court. Rather, they are submitted to Chief Judge Yandle’s chambers via
email message to
[email protected].
The Court’s standard instructions may be downloaded (here) and need not be duplicated by the
parties. Each proposed instruction should be marked to designate the party offering the instruction
(e.g., “Plaintiff’s Instruction No. 1”) and the source of the instruction (e.g., “Seventh Circuit
Pattern Instruction No. 1.01”). Plaintiff is primarily responsible for the burden of proof
instructions, the damage instructions, the verdict instructions, and the verdict forms. Defendant is
primarily responsible for the cautionary instructions. The parties should work together in an
effort to produce one set of proposed instructions. If the parties are unable to agree on certain
instructions, each party may submit a version of the contested instructions. The Court will compile
a packet of proposed final instructions and give the instructions to the parties during trial before a
formal jury instruction conference is held. It is not necessary to submit both “marked” and “clean”
instructions. Once the final set of instructions has been approved, the Court will remove the
annotations from the instructions. Each juror will receive a copy of the final instructions.
In non-diversity cases, the Court prefers the Seventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions. In cases
where the Court sits in diversity, the Seventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions should be used for
the preliminary and cautionary instructions, and the IPI or comparable state instructions will be
used for the substantive law.
Bill of Costs
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(1) provides that costs (other than attorneys’ fees) shall be
allowed “as of course” to the prevailing party, unless the District Court otherwise directs. Rule
54(d)(1) further provides that such costs may be taxed by the Clerk of Court “on 14 days’ notice.”
Pursuant to Local Rule 54.2, opposing counsel will be allowed 14 days (from the date the Bill of
Costs is filed in this Court) to file any objections. If no objections are filed within that 14-day
period, the Clerk of Court will tax the appropriate costs. If objections are timely-filed, the matter
will be reviewed and resolved by Chief Judge Yandle.
Pretrial Checklist
A checklist of important pretrial deadlines for civil cases pending before Chief Judge Yandle is
available here for convenience.
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Criminal Cases
Motion Practice
When filing motions, parties should follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and adhere to
the strict deadlines set in the Order for Pretrial Discovery and Inspection issued by the Magistrate
Judge at arraignment.
• Filing Under Seal
Filing documents and pleadings under seal must be consistent with Seventh Circuit
standards. See, Jessup v. Luther, 277 F.3d 926 (7th Cir. 2002); In re Specht, 622 F.3d 697
(7th Cir. 2010); Citizens First Nat. Bank of Princeton v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., 178 F.3d 943
(7th Cir. 1999) and Goesel v. Boley Intern. (H.K.) Ltd., 738 F.3d 831 (7th Cir. 2013).
• Motion to Dismiss, Motion to Suppress, Motion in Limine
Generally, motions to dismiss indictments and motions to suppress evidence will be set for
hearing. If Chief Judge Yandle determines that a hearing is needed on other motions, the
Courtroom Deputy Clerk will notify counsel by entering an electronic notice of hearing.
Motions to dismiss indictments and motions to suppress evidence must be filed with a
supporting memorandum. The supporting memorandum may be combined with the motion
in a single pleading or filed separately.
Motions in limine may (but need not) be filed with supporting memorandum or highlighted
caselaw. As mentioned above, motions to suppress must be filed by the deadline imposed
in the Magistrate Judge’s Order for Pretrial Discovery. Counsel are cautioned that this is
an early deadline (usually, such motions must be filed within 21 days of arraignment).
By contrast, motions in limine in Chief Judge Yandle’s criminal cases must be filed no
later than 21 calendar days before the Final Pretrial Conference. Responses to motions in
limine must be filed within 14 days after service of the motion. Cognizant of the Seventh
Circuit’s concerns regarding the issuance of rulings on motions in limine on the morning
trial commences, see e.g., United States v. Buckner, 91 F.3d 34 (7th Cir. 1996), Chief Judge
Yandle will attempt to rule on such motions in advance of trial. At times, however, it may
be necessary to reserve ruling on motions in limine. The Court will set a hearing where
helpful or necessary to resolve issues raised by the motions in limine.
• Motions to Continue (Criminal Cases)
Any motion to continue trial should delineate a sufficient basis for the Court to determine
whether the ends of justice served by the requested continuance clearly outweigh the
interests of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial, so as to toll the “clock” under the
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Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. 3161(h). Whenever possible, a motion to continue should
address whether opposing counsel (including, in multi-defendant cases, counsel for any
non-moving defendant) object(s) to the requested continuance. Motions to continue may
be filed under seal, where appropriate.
Final Pretrial Conference
A Final Pretrial Conference will be set 2-3 weeks before the trial date. At the Final Pretrial
Conference, the parties may address any issues relevant to the trial, including the anticipated length
of trial, any anticipated evidentiary issues with respect to witnesses or exhibits, and/or issues
relating to the jury instructions.
If the defendant elects to enter a plea of guilty, the plea will be taken at the Final Pretrial
Conference, or the parties may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Stacie Hurst, at
[email protected] or (618) 439-7744 to arrange for a change of plea hearing at
another time.
Jury Selection
• Jury Questionnaires
Jury questionnaires are completed by each venire person before being placed on a venire
panel. The completed questionnaires are placed in binders according to venire number and
provided to each party before jury selection begins. Questionnaires must be returned to
Courtroom Deputy Clerk Stacie Hurst after the jury is selected. Questionnaires are
confidential and may not be retained by any party.
• Voir Dire
Chief Judge Yandle conducts preliminary voir dire which includes many of the basic
questions such as residence, employment, and prior jury service. After Chief Judge Yandle
concludes her preliminary questioning, each party may participate in voir dire separately.
Counsel may submit proposed voir dire questions in writing to Chief Judge Yandle prior
to the trial, either at the final pretrial conference or by close of business the day before the
start of trial. Counsel also may request that Chief Judge Yandle question jurors on certain
issues which a party would rather the Chief Judge ask instead of counsel.
• Selection Methodology
The jury is selected outside the presence of the venire, in open court. Challenges for cause
are entertained first. Then the parties will be permitted to caucus privately before the
striking process begins. Generally, in a noncapital felony case, the government will be
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given 6 peremptory challenges, and the defendant or defendants jointly shall have 10
peremptory challenges. See Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 24(b). Additional
peremptory challenges will be permitted if/and depending on the number of alternate jurors
are seated. In its discretion, the Court may allow additional peremptory challenges if the
size of the venire permits, after challenges for cause have been determined.
Typically, twelve jurors will be chosen, and one or two alternate jurors will also be selected,
depending on the length of the trial.
• Jurors
Jurors are permitted to take notes during trial and may refer to them during deliberations.
Jurors are paid a $50 attendance fee and reimbursed for travel to the courthouse. See the
Court’s web-site at www.ilsd.uscourts.gov for information/specifics.
Trial Procedure
• Firm Trial Dates
The Court sets and enforces firm trial dates in criminal cases. If a criminal case is not
reached for trial on the date originally set, a new firm trial date will be set in compliance
with the Speedy Trial Act. The Court places upon the Government the obligation to
determine includable and excludable days in making Speedy Trial Act calculations
and to notify the Court of any potential Speedy Trial problems.
• Trial Hours
Trials generally begin at 9:00 a.m., although a different time may be specified by Order or
Notice in a given case. Especially as to jury trials, the Court makes every effort to conclude
each day by 4:30 p.m., so the jurors may travel back to their homes. In trials that proceed
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, an hour lunch break is taken around noon. Typically, a 15-
minute morning break and at least one 15-minute afternoon break will be taken. Motions,
jury instruction conferences, and other matters may be handled with counsel prior to 9:00
a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., as directed by Chief Judge Yandle.
• Courtroom Audio System
Chief Judge Yandle's courtroom transmits live audio/video from the courtroom to Chief
Judge Yandle's chambers. Attorneys, witnesses, and anyone attending court proceedings
should be aware that, unless the microphones near them are deactivated, their statements
may be heard in chambers.
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Note: For information regarding Courtroom Technology System in Chief Judge
Yandle’s courtroom, see “Miscellaneous” section below.
• Attorney Conference Rooms
A conference room is available near Chief Judge Yandle courtroom for attorney-client and
attorney-witness consultation. Please see the Courtroom Security Officer for access.
• Attorney Availability During Jury Deliberation
Counsel should give the courtroom deputy a telephone number where they can be reached
when the jury indicates it has a verdict or a question. Counsel should be able to arrive in
the courtroom within 10 minutes after being contacted.
• Post-Verdict Juror Interviews
Counsel may not question jurors after a verdict has been reached without prior approval of
the Court.
Mandatory Exhibit List
The parties shall prepare an Exhibit List using Chief Judge Yandle’s approved form. Using the
form, each party shall state the number and give a brief description of each exhibit they expect to
present at trial. The Government’s exhibits should be pre-marked and numbered as USA’s Exhibit
1, USA’s Exhibit 2, et seq. Defendant’s Exhibits should be pre-marked and numbered as
Defendant’s Exhibit 1, Defendant’s Exhibit 2, et seq. Letters should not be used to identify
exhibits, unless the letter designates a sub-part of a numbered exhibit (e.g., Defendant’s Exhibit
17A & 17B).
By 12:00 noon on the business day prior to trial, counsel shall e-mail the Exhibit List (in Word
format) to Chief Judge Yandle’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected].
Questions regarding the Exhibit List may be addressed to Stacie Hurst at (618) 439-7744.
Chief Judge Yandle uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) to allow evidence admitted
at trial to be viewed electronically by the jury during deliberations. JERS reduces the need to
handle physical evidence while allowing the jury to view evidence multiple times, play audio and
video recordings, and zoom in on pictures and documents. JERS is NOT used by counsel during
trial to present evidence. During trial, exhibits shall be presented by a laptop connect or by
conventionally presenting exhibits using the electronic document camera. It is the responsibility
of counsel that exhibits used during trial coincide in exhibit number and image as the exhibits
electronically submitted to the court and to substitute any documents that have been altered.
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Please carefully review the instructions (JERS Exhibit List Instructions) regarding the use of JERS
for Exhibits in preparation for the upcoming jury trial. The JERS Exhibit List must be submitted
Chief Judge Yandle’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected] no later than 7
calendar days before the first day of trial.
The parties are required to submit two separate exhibit lists: (1) JERS Exhibit List (JERS Exhibit
List); and (2) Court Exhibit List (Exhibit List).
Witness Lists
By 12:00 noon on the business day prior to trial, counsel shall each e-mail a final list of the
witnesses they intend to call at trial in Microsoft Word format to Courtroom Deputy Clerk Stacie
Hurst at
[email protected]. Questions regarding the Witness Lists may be addressed
to Stacie Hurst at (618) 439-7744.
Jury Instructions
The parties must submit a complete set of proposed jury instructions in Microsoft Word format to
the Court no later than 2 business day prior to the first day of trial, unless directed otherwise
by the Court in a particular case. Questions regarding the deadline for submitting proposed
instructions may be addressed to the law clerk assigned to that case. Jury instructions are not filed
with the Clerk of the Court. Rather, they are submitted to Chief Judge Yandle’s chambers via
email message to
[email protected].
Each instruction should be marked to designate the party offering the instruction (e.g.,
“Government’s Instruction No. 1”) and the source of the instruction (e.g., “Seventh Circuit Pattern
Instruction No. ____”). Counsel should designate the instruction as modified (e.g., "Seventh
Circuit Pattern No.__ MODIFIED"), if the instruction has been modified in any way whatsoever.
The parties should work together in an effort to produce one set of proposed instructions. If the
parties are unable to agree on certain instructions, each party may submit a version of the contested
instructions. The Court will compile a packet of proposed final instructions and give the
instructions to the parties during trial before a formal jury instruction conference is held. It is not
necessary to submit both “marked” and “clean” instructions. Once the final set of instructions has
been approved, the Court will remove the annotations from the instructions. Each juror will
receive a copy of the final instructions.
Correspondence with the Court
Absent exigent or special circumstances, defendants in criminal cases are not to attempt to contact,
correspond with, or send letters directly to Chief Judge Yandle. All out-of-court communication
with Chief Judge Yandle should be made through counsel via motion.
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Miscellaneous
Courtroom Technology Features and Usage Guidelines
The courtroom technology system can broadcast video and audio content from a variety of
sources/devices to all areas of the courtroom. The flexibility to support a myriad of devices
and content types comes at the expense of a “plug and play” approach. In other words,
connecting your unique device and displaying your unique content may require some slight
configuration changes to your device. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you
communicate with the Court’s IT department regarding your evidence presentation
intent PRIOR to your court appearance (Counsel can call Courtroom Deputy Clerk
Stacie Hurst at (618) 439-7744 and coordinate contact with the IT department).
• Document Camera (aka “Elmo” Camera)
o The courtroom is equipped with an electronic camera (“ELMO”) that can be used
to display physical documents or objects to electronic viewing monitors disbursed
throughout all areas of the courtroom.
• Computing Devices (i.e., laptops and mobile devices)
o The courtroom is equipped with “connector inputs” at three locations (prosecution
table, defense table, and presentation cart) to facilitate the connection of any
electronic computing device having a VGA or HDMI output connector on that
computing device. Once connected, the entire screen and the audio output of the
device can be broadcast to the electronic viewing monitors and speakers disbursed
throughout all areas of the courtroom.
• Electronic Media
o The courtroom is equipped with a VHS/DVD combination unit that can be used to
broadcast VHS tape or DVD video and audio to the electronic viewing monitors
and speakers disbursed throughout all areas of the courtroom.
• Video Conferencing
o The courtroom is equipped with a video conferencing system that can be used to
connect to outside parties and simultaneously broadcast that outside parties’ image
and audio throughout the entire courtroom. NOTE: The outside party must have
access to very specific video conferencing equipment OR have a laptop with a
webcam attached along with a special software package installed that is
downloaded from the court. Participants wishing to video conference must make
arrangements in advance and conduct a test with the Court’s IT department.
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• Annotation
o The courtroom has a touch screen monitor with annotation features located at the
presentation cart and at the witness box. This device can be used to annotate “on
top of” any video image being displayed from any device connected to the system.
The annotations display to the electronic viewing monitors disbursed throughout
all areas of the courtroom.
• Audio Conferencing
o The courtroom is equipped with an audio conferencing system that can be used to
allow multiple outside parties to communicate with the courtroom via telephone.
The outside party audio can be broadcast to the entire courtroom.
Courtroom Demeanor
Attorneys may sit or stand anywhere they desire while addressing the Court, the jury, or any
witness, providing the attorney may clearly be heard. Attorneys who are soft-spoken will be
required to use a portable microphone or the microphone at the podium or counsel table. Attorneys
must only request permission to approach a witness once and need not seek permission thereafter.
Side-bar conferences are discouraged and permitted only in extraordinary circumstances,
since adequate time is available at the end of the day to discuss witness problems and other issues.
Disclaimer and Notice
To the extent Chief Judge Yandle’s preferences conflict with the Federal Rules of Criminal and
Civil Procedure, the Rules govern.
Attorneys must examine these instructions on a regular basis, since changes are made to this page
without notice.
Electronic Case Filing System
On January 20, 2004, this district court transitioned to a system of electronic filings referred to as
“CM/ECF.” That system requires electronic, rather than paper, filing of all pleadings - with a few
narrow exceptions (e.g., pleadings filed by prisoners; sealed documents in criminal cases).
Additionally, the Court’s own Orders are sent to the parties electronically rather than by regular
mail. Participation in CM/ECF is mandatory. Attorneys with questions about CM/ECF should
consult the Court’s web-site at www.ilsd.uscourts.gov, which includes the Electronic Filing Rules
and the Electronic Case Filing User’s Manual. Additionally, the web-site explains how attorneys
can register as "users" of the CM/ECF system. Depending upon the volume of requests at any
given time, it may take up to three business days to obtain a password.
NOTE 1: When a CM/ECF user files a motion electronically, the system automatically assigns a
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deadline for filing the response to that motion. That deadline appears in the docketing entry with
the filing of the motion. Be aware that the system’s automatic motion response deadline may
not be accurate if the Court, by separate Order, set a specific deadline. In other words, any Court-
imposed deadline trumps the system-generated deadline.
NOTE 2: Chief Judge Yandle and her law clerks, on a daily basis, print activity reports for their
cases. They also receive daily NEFs (notices of electronic filing) for certain cases. This system
does not always result in immediate notification as to newly-filed motions. For this reason, if an
attorney e-files an urgent or time-sensitive motion, s/he should phone the law clerk assigned to the
case and alert him/her that the motion has been filed.
NOTE 3: Sealed, ex parte motions do not show-up on case-management reports, so you must
immediately notify chambers if you have filed such a motion.
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