LOCAL RULES OF
THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
Effective: December 1, 2009
Revised: April 8, 2026
I. SCOPE OF THE RULES – ONE FORM OF ACTION ........................................................ 1
LR1.1 Scope of the Rules ........................................................................................................... 1
LR1.2 Amendments to the Local Rules ...................................................................................... 2
II. COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACTION .............................................................................. 3
LR3.1 Civil Cover Sheet ............................................................................................................. 3
LR3.1.1 Patent, Trademark and Copyright Cases.......................................................................... 4
LR3.1.2 Divisional Filing of Civil Actions or Proceedings........................................................... 4
LR3.2 Assignment of Cases to Judges ........................................................................................ 5
LR4.1 Service of Process ............................................................................................................ 7
LR4.2 Payment of Fees by In Forma Pauperis Litigants ........................................................... 8
LR4.4 Prepayment of Fees .......................................................................................................... 9
LR4.5 When Fee Not Included ................................................................................................. 10
LR5.1 General Format of Papers Presented for Filing.............................................................. 11
LR5.2 Filing and Service by Electronic Means ........................................................................ 12
LR5.3 Filing of Discovery ........................................................................................................ 13
III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS.......................................................................................... 14
LR7.1 Motion Practice .............................................................................................................. 14
LR7.2 Motion Disposition ........................................................................................................ 15
LR7.4 Citation of Authority ...................................................................................................... 16
LR7.5 Resolution of Dispositive Motions by Magistrate Judge ............................................... 17
LR9.1 Social Security Cases ..................................................................................................... 18
LR9.3 Petitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus .............................................................................. 19
LR9.4 Rule Applicable to Death Penalty .................................................................................. 20
LR12.1 Extensions of Time to Respond ....................................................................................... 21
LR15.1 Form of a Motion to Amend and Its Supporting Documentation .................................... 22
LR16.1 Pretrial Orders and Conferences in Civil Actions ........................................................... 23
LR16.2 Pretrial Conferences in Criminal Cases ........................................................................... 24
LR16.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution........................................................................................ 25
LR16.4 Federal Mediation Program ............................................................................................. 26
LR16.5 Federal Arbitration Program ............................................................................................ 31
IV. PARTIES ............................................................................................................................... 45
LR23.1 Designation of "Class Action" in the Caption ................................................................. 45
LR24.1 Procedure for Notification of Any Claim of Unconstitutionality .................................... 46
V. DISCOVERY......................................................................................................................... 47
LR26.1 Multiparty or Complex Litigation.................................................................................... 47
LR26.2 Sealing of Court Records ................................................................................................. 48
LR33.1 Interrogatories .................................................................................................................. 49
LR34.1 Inspections Made Pursuant to Court Order...................................................................... 50
LR37.2 Form of Discovery Motions............................................................................................. 51
VI. TRIALS ................................................................................................................................ 52
LR38.2 Continuances .................................................................................................................... 52
LR38.3 Difficult Questions of Law or Evidence .......................................................................... 53
LR43.1 Taking of Testimony - Witnesses .................................................................................... 54
LR43.2 Taking of Testimony - Character and Expert Witnesses ................................................. 55
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LR43.3 Exhibits ............................................................................................................................ 56
LR43.4 Stipulations ...................................................................................................................... 57
LR48.1 Contact with Jurors .......................................................................................................... 58
LR51.1 Suggested Charges to the Jury ......................................................................................... 59
LR52.1 Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law ....................................................... 60
VII. JUDGMENT ........................................................................................................................ 61
LR54.1 Taxation of Costs ............................................................................................................. 61
LR54.2 Attorneys’ Fees and Nontaxable Expenses ...................................................................... 62
LR58.2 Satisfaction of Judgment .................................................................................................. 63
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS ........ 64
LR67.1 Deposit of Funds Into Court ............................................................................................ 64
LR68.1 Settlements ....................................................................................................................... 67
LR68.2 Taxation of Costs in Late-Settling Cases ......................................................................... 68
LR68.3 Judicially-Hosted Settlement Conferences ...................................................................... 69
LR69.1 Application for Writ of Execution ................................................................................... 71
LR69.2 Money Paid Pursuant to Execution.................................................................................. 72
LR72.2 Magistrate Judges - Duties ............................................................................................... 73
LR 72.3 Magistrate Judges - Civil Proceedings............................................................................ 74
LR72.4 Magistrate Judges - Criminal Proceedings ...................................................................... 75
IX. DISTRICT COURTS AND CLERKS ................................................................................ 77
LR77.1 Legal Advice by Court Personnel .................................................................................... 77
LR79.1 Removing Case Files ....................................................................................................... 78
X. GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................................... 79
LR 83.1 ELECTRONIC DEVICES ............................................................................................ 79
LR83.2 Public Statements by Attorneys ....................................................................................... 82
LR83.3 Courtroom Decorum ........................................................................................................ 85
LR83.4 Appearance and Withdrawal of Counsel .......................................................................... 86
LR83.5 Bar Admission ................................................................................................................. 88
LR83.6 Rules of Professional Conduct ......................................................................................... 91
LR83.7 Attorney Discipline .......................................................................................................... 92
LR83.9 Sentencing Proceedings ................................................................................................... 98
LR83.10 Mandatory and Standard Conditions ........................................................................... 100
LR83.11 Real Property Bonds in Criminal Cases ...................................................................... 104
LR83.12 Release of Juror Information ....................................................................................... 106
LR83.13 Parties not represented by counsel (pro se) ................................................................. 107
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I. SCOPE OF THE RULES – ONE FORM OF ACTION
LR1.1 Scope of the Rules
(a) Title and Citation. These rules shall be known as the Local Rules of the United States
District for the Eastern District of Tennessee. They may be cited as "E.D. Tenn. L.R. ." 1
(b) Effective Date; Transitional Provision. These rules become effective on March 1, 1994,
and shall govern all actions and proceedings pending on or commenced after they take effect,
except to the extent, in the opinion of the judge to whom the case is assigned, their application in
an action or proceeding pending on that date would not be feasible or would work an injustice.
(c) Scope of Rules; Construction. These rules supersede all previous rules promulgated by
this Court or any judge of this Court and supplement the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Civil Justice Reform Act plan for the Eastern District
of Tennessee, and shall be construed so as to be consistent with those rules and to promote the just,
efficient, and economical determination of every action and proceeding. The construction of these
rules shall, as far as applicable, be governed by 1 U.S.C. §§ 1-5.
(d) Reference to Clerk. The term "Clerk" as used herein refers to the Clerk of the Court,
unless specifically stated otherwise.
1
These rules are numbered to conform with the Uniform Numbering System for Local
Rules approved by the United States Judicial Conference. In some instances, there are no local
rules that pertain to the Uniform Numbering System and those numbers have been omitted.
1
LR1.2 Amendments to the Local Rules
When amendments to these rules are made, notice of the amendments shall be provided on
the public bulletin board in each divisional office of the Clerk and on the Court’s website for a
reasonable period of time.
2
II. COMMENCEMENT OF THE ACTION
LR3.1 Civil Cover Sheet
Every complaint or other document initiating a civil action shall be accompanied by a
completed civil cover sheet, on a form (JS-44) available from the Clerk. This requirement is solely
for administrative purposes, and matters appearing only on the civil cover sheet have no legal
effect in the action. If any related case has previously been filed, counsel shall call it to the Court's
attention in the "Remarks" portion of the civil cover sheet.
Persons filing civil cases pro se are exempt from this requirement.
3
LR3.1.1 Patent, Trademark and Copyright Cases
In cases in which jurisdiction is invoked in whole or in part under 28 U.S.C.§1338,
plaintiff's counsel shall prepare and electronically file the Report on the Filing or Determination
of an Action Regarding a Patent or Trademark (AO-120) in patent and trademark cases and the
Report on the Filing or Determination of an Action or Appeal Regarding a Copyright (AO-121) in
copyright cases.
LR3.1.2 Divisional Filing of Civil Actions or Proceedings
a. Divisions. The Eastern District of Tennessee is comprised of four divisions:
1. The Northeastern Division is comprised of Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen,
Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.
2. The Northern Division is comprised of Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne,
Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and
Union Counties.
3. The Southern Division is comprised of Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn,
Marion, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties.
4. The Winchester Division is comprised of Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy,
Lincoln, Moore, Van Buren, and Warren Counties.
b. Division of Filing. Unless federal law provides otherwise, a plaintiff shall file a civil action
or proceeding (1) in a division in which a defendant resides; or (2) a division in which a
substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial
part of property that is the subject of the action is situated; or (3) if neither (1) nor (2)
applies, a division in which a plaintiff resides.
c. Transfer of Division. This rule does not establish a right to any specific venue. The Court
may, however, in its sole discretion, transfer any civil action or proceeding from the division
in which it is pending to any other division for any reason, including the convenience of the
Court, parties, or witnesses, or in the interest of justice.
4
LR3.2 Assignment of Cases to Judges
(a) Method. Each case, upon filing, shall be assigned to a district judge and magistrate judge,
who shall continue in the case or matter until its final disposition, except as hereinafter provided.
Magistrate judges will not be assigned bankruptcy appeals.
(b) Sequence. All initial papers in cases shall be first filed in the office of the Clerk who shall
stamp on the complaint, petition, or other initial paper of each case so filed, the number of the case
and the names of the district judge and magistrate judge to whom it is assigned. The numbering
and assignment of each case shall be completed before processing of the next case is commenced.
(c) Procedure. The Clerk shall use automated or manual means to assign new cases to district
judges in accordance with the law, Judicial Conference policy, and standing orders issued by the
Court from time to time. The Clerk shall mark the name of the assigned district judge on the first
document of the case and preserve a record of such assignments.
(d) Exceptions.
(1) Refilings. If a case is dismissed or remanded to state court and later
refiled, either in the same or similar form, upon refiling it shall be assigned or
transferred to the district judge and magistrate judge to whom it was originally
assigned.
(2) Criminal Proceedings.
A. Petitions under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2255 and 2241 shall be assigned to the district
judge and magistrate judge assigned to the original criminal case if that judge
is still hearing cases.
B. Informations filed against a defendant with a pending indictment shall be
assigned to the district judge and magistrate judge assigned to the pending case.
C. When a defendant in a transfer case pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal
Procedure 20 has a pending case in this district, the Rule 20 case shall be
assigned to the district judge and magistrate judge assigned to the pending case.
D. When new charges are brought against a defendant on supervised release,
the supervised release case shall be reassigned to the district and magistrate
judges assigned to the new case.
E. Civil in rem actions initiated by the United States against a defendant with criminal
charges pending in this Court shall be assigned to the district judge and magistrate judge
assigned to the pending criminal case.
(3) Related civil cases. Civil cases related to cases already assigned to a district judge
shall be assigned or transferred as set out below.
5
A. Definition. Civil cases are deemed related when a filed case (1) relates to
property involved in an earlier numbered case, or (2) arises out of the same
transaction or occurrence and involves one or more of the same parties as an
earlier numbered case, or (3) involves the validity or infringement of a patent
already at issue in any earlier numbered case.
B. Determination. When it appears to the Clerk that a civil case submitted for filing
may be related to a previously filed case, the submitted case shall be referred to
the magistrate judge assigned to the previously filed case to determine whether
or not the cases are related. If the magistrate judge determines the cases are
related, the magistrate judge will enter an order directing the Clerk to assign the
submitted case to the district judge and magistrate judge assigned to the
previously filed case. If cases are found to be related cases after assignment to
different judges, they may be reassigned by the Chief Judge to the judge having
the related case earliest filed.
(e) Effect. This rule is intended to provide for an orderly division of the business of the Court
and not to grant any right to any litigant.
(f) Duty of parties. In accordance with LR 3.1, counsel shall set forth on the Civil Cover
Sheet all pending related cases and any dismissed or remanded prior cases.
(g) Unavailability of judge. If it appears that any matter requires immediate attention, and
the district judge to whom the case has been assigned, or in the usual course would be assigned, is
not available, the matter shall be referred to the magistrate judge assigned to the case, who shall
decide the matter if it is within the magistrate judge's jurisdiction. If the matter can only be decided
by a district judge, the magistrate judge shall determine whether the matter can be set for a hearing
at a time when the assigned district judge is available. If the matter is determined by a magistrate
judge to require an immediate hearing before a judge, the case will be referred to the Chief Judge,
or in the Chief Judge’s absence, the next available district judge by seniority for decision or
reassignment to an available judicial officer. After disposition of this emergency matter, the case
will be returned to the originally assigned district judge.
6
LR4.1 Service of Process
(a) Preparation of Summons. Any attorney filing a complaint or any other pleading that
requires the issuance of a summons shall prepare and submit the summons using Form AO 440 to
the Clerk. Upon approval, the Clerk shall issue the summons in accordance with Rules 4 and 4.1
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b) Preparation of Subpoenas for Witnesses. The United States Marshal will not serve
subpoenas for witnesses in civil cases unless required to do so by these rules, Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure 45, or by order of the Court. When an attorney delivers subpoenas for witnesses
in civil cases to another individual for service, he or she should do so in accordance with the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, at least 10 days prior to trial, and should advance any funds that
may be required. If the foregoing requirements have not been complied with, no motion for
continuance for failure of a witness to appear shall be granted except upon a showing of
extenuating circumstances.
In criminal cases, the United States Attorney shall endeavor to deliver subpoenas for
witnesses to the United States Marshal 10 days prior to trial.
7
LR4.2 Payment of Fees by In Forma Pauperis Litigants
Depending on the amount of funds available to the petitioner, the Court may require the
petitioner to pay a portion of the filing fee.
8
LR4.4 Prepayment of Fees
The Clerk shall require advance payment of fees before any civil action, suit or proceeding
(other than those authorized to be brought in forma pauperis) is filed. Once a filing fee has been
paid, it may not be returned to counsel for any party, or to any unrepresented party, except by order
of the Court.
9
LR4.5 When Fee Not Included
When a pleading is received for filing and is unaccompanied by either the required filing
fee or an application to proceed in forma pauperis, the Clerk shall file the pleading in a
miscellaneous case and enter a deficiency notice. The deficiency notice shall inform counsel or
the party who submitted the pleading that the Court is in receipt of the pleading but that to proceed,
counsel or the party must pay the required filing fee or submit an application to proceed in forma
pauperis. The matter will be administratively closed if the deficiency is not cured within twenty
days from the filing of the deficiency notice.
10
LR5.1 General Format of Papers Presented for Filing
All pleadings, motions, and other papers presented for filing shall be on 8 ½ x 11 inch
white paper of good quality, flat and unfolded, unbound, stapled only in the top left corner, and
shall be plainly typewritten, printed, or prepared by a clearly legible duplication process, and
double-spaced, except for quoted material, and shall contain the name, address, and telephone
number and Board of Professional Responsibility Number of the attorney filing the document.
Each page shall be numbered consecutively at the bottom. In the event a case is removed from
state court, documents originally prepared on 8 ½ x 14 inch paper must be reduced to 8 ½ x 11
inch size before filing. All exhibits to pleadings shall be paginated and shall also show an exhibit
number or letter.
Font size (for footnotes as well as the body of the document) shall be no smaller than 12.
Lines must be double-spaced, except that: (1) quotations may be indented and single-spaced; and
(2) headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. Margins must be at least one inch on all four
sides. Page numbers may be placed in the bottom margin, but no text may appear there.
Documents submitted for electronic filing in PDF format must meet the requirements of
this rule.
11
LR5.2 Filing and Service by Electronic Means
(a) Electronic Filing. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5(d)(3) and Federal Rule
of Criminal Procedure 49(b)(2)(A), the Clerk’s Office will accept documents filed, signed, or
verified by electronic means that are consistent with technical standards, if any, that the Judicial
Conference of the United States establishes. A document filed by electronic means constitutes a
written paper for the purposes of applying these rules and the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal
Procedure.
(b) Use of Case Management/Electronic Case Files system. All attorneys practicing in the
Eastern District of Tennessee must register as Electronic Filing Users and file their pleadings
electronically through the Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system, or show
the presiding judge good cause to file and serve documents in the traditional manner. The Court
may also order that all cases of a particular type or description be filed electronically.
(c) Filing by Facsimile. Documents may not be filed by facsimile transmission except with
permission of the Court, in which case an original shall be promptly substituted.
(d) Electronic Service. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5(b)(2)(E) and Federal
Rule of Criminal Procedure 49(b)(2)(A), the Notice of Electronic Filing generated by the Court's
Electronic Case Filing System (CM/ECF) shall constitute service of the electronically filed
document on persons who are registered with the Court’s Electronic Case Filing System
(CM/ECF).
(e) Electronic Case Filing Rules and Procedures. All civil, criminal and miscellaneous
cases are governed by the Court’s Electronic Filing Rules and Procedures. 2
2
To assist CM/ECF users, the Clerk’s Office provides a User Guide which can be found on
the Court’s website, www.tned.uscourts.gov.
12
LR5.3 Filing of Discovery
Disclosures under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(1) and (2), depositions, and
discovery requests and responses must not be filed except in strict accordance with Federal Rule
of Civil Procedure 5(d)(1). When filing such materials, only excerpts of the documents which are
directly germane to the matter under consideration by the Court may be filed.
13
III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
LR7.1 Motion Practice
(a) Briefing Schedule. Unless the Court notifies the parties to the contrary, the briefing
schedule for all motions shall be: (1) the opening brief and any accompanying affidavits or other
supporting material shall be served and filed with the motion; (2) the answering brief and any
accompanying affidavits or other material shall be served and filed no later than 14 days after the
service of the opening brief, except that parties shall have 21 days in which to respond to
dispositive motions; (3) any reply brief and accompanying material shall be served and filed no
later than 7 days after the service of the answering brief. The above briefing schedule may be set
aside if ordered by the Court, or if within 14 days after the filing of a motion, a stipulated briefing
schedule is approved by the Court.
(b) Brief Format. Briefs shall include a concise statement of the factual and legal grounds
which justify the ruling sought from the Court. Briefs shall comply with the format requirements
of Local Rule 5.1 and shall not exceed 25 pages in length unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
This page limitation shall also apply to all briefs filed in bankruptcy appeals, in accordance with
Bankruptcy Rule 8010(c).
(c) Reply Briefs. Unless otherwise stated by the Court, reply briefs are not necessary and are
not required by the Court. A reply brief shall not be used to reargue the points and authorities
included in the opening brief, but shall directly reply to the points and authorities contained in the
answering brief.
(d) Supplemental Briefs. No additional briefs, affidavits, or other papers in support of or in
opposition to a motion shall be filed without prior approval of the Court, except that a party may
file a supplemental brief of no more than 5 pages to call to the Court's attention developments
occurring after a party's final brief is filed. Any response to a supplemental brief shall be filed
within 7 days after service of the supplemental brief and shall be limited to no more than 5 pages.
14
LR7.2 Motion Disposition
Motions will be disposed of routinely as soon as possible after they become at issue, unless
a hearing has been requested and granted or unless the Court desires a hearing on the motion(s).
Under exceptional circumstances, the Court may act upon a motion prior to the expiration of the
response time. Failure to respond to a motion may be deemed a waiver of any opposition to the
relief sought.
15
LR7.4 Citation of Authority
Citation to decisions of the United States Supreme Court shall be to the United States
Reports, if therein; otherwise to the Supreme Court Reporter or the United States Supreme Court
Reports, Lawyers' Edition. Citations to other federal decisions shall be made to the West reporter.
Citations to state decisions shall be to the West regional reporter if therein; otherwise to the official
state reporter. Citations to federal statutes shall include at least the title and the section designation
as the statute appears in the United States Code. For authorities not available in one of the
publications set forth above, citations to Westlaw, LexisNexis or other easily available non-
subscription Internet legal research services will be accepted. The Court will not consider
improperly cited authority.
Filing with the Court and service upon other parties of copies of cited authorities is required
only when the authority is not available in one of the publications of the West Publishing
Company, Westlaw, LexisNexis or other easily available non-subscription Internet legal research
services. However, upon request, a party must provide to the Court or another party a copy of any
authority not available in one of the publications of the West Publishing Company.
16
LR7.5 Resolution of Dispositive Motions by Magistrate Judge
(a) Consent to Magistrate Judge. With the approval of the district judge to whom the case
is assigned, the parties to a dispositive motion may consent to the final resolution and entry of
judgment on the dispositive motion by a magistrate judge.
(b) Final Rulings by Magistrate Judge. If all parties consent to a final ruling on the motion
by a magistrate judge and one is available to hear the motion, the motion will be heard by a
magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1). Unless the parties specify otherwise in their
consent to the exercise of jurisdiction by the magistrate judge, any appeal shall be to the court of
appeals pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(3). Consent to a final ruling on a dispositive motion by a
magistrate judge does not waive any party's right to have other matters heard by a district judge.
17
LR9.1 Social Security Cases
(a) Cases Remanded to the Commissioner of Social Security Pursuant to “Sentence Six”
of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Whenever a social security case has been remanded by the Court to the
Commissioner pursuant to the sixth sentence of 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), the United States Attorney
shall file a report informing the Court of the agency action taken on remand and the final agency
decision that resulted therefrom. If the agency decision is fully favorable to the plaintiff, the Court
shall then reopen the case and enter a final judgment for the plaintiff. If issues in the controversy
remain, the Commissioner shall file a supplemental transcript, the case shall be reopened for
further proceedings on the merits, and a new briefing schedule issued by the Clerk.
(b) Social Security Cases Transferred From Other Districts. When a social security case
is transferred from another district to the Eastern District of Tennessee, the Clerk’s Office shall
send notice to plaintiff’s counsel, the United States Attorney, and the appropriate office within the
Social Security Administration’s Office of General Counsel that the case has been entered on the
docket.
18
LR9.3 Petitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus
(a) State Prisoners. When a petition for the writ of habeas corpus is filed by a person in state
custody, either the necessary filing fee or an application to proceed in forma pauperis must
accompany the petition. Every petition for habeas corpus relief by a state prisoner must comply
with the Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in The United States District Courts. All pro se
petitions for writs of habeas corpus must be filed on a set of standardized forms to be supplied,
upon request, by the Clerk without cost to the petitioner. Counsel filing a petition for writ of
habeas corpus need not use a standardized form, but any petition shall contain essentially the same
information as set forth on said form.
(b) Federal Prisoners. When a petition for the writ of habeas corpus is filed by a person in
federal custody, a filing fee is not required. Every petition for habeas corpus relief by a federal
prisoner must comply with the Rules Governing Section 2255 Proceedings in The United States
District Courts. All pro se petitions for writs of habeas corpus must be filed on a set of standardized
forms to be supplied, upon request, by the Clerk without cost to the petitioner. Counsel filing a
petition for writ of habeas corpus need not use a standardized form, but any petition shall contain
essentially the same information as set forth on said form.
(c) Reference to Magistrate Judge. Should an evidentiary hearing be required relative to a
petition for the writ of habeas corpus, the Court may refer the matter to a magistrate judge for a
report and recommendation.
19
LR9.4 Rule Applicable to Death Penalty
(a) Application of Rule. This rule applies to cases filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 and
otherwise which challenge a state court's imposition of a sentence of death.
(b) Motion for Stay. A petitioner who seeks a stay of execution shall attach to the petition a
copy of each state court opinion and judgment involving the matter to be presented. The petition
shall also state whether the same petitioner has previously sought relief arising out of the same
matter from this Court or from any other federal court. The reasons for denying relief given by
any court that has considered the matter shall also be attached. If reasons for the ruling were not
given in a written opinion, a copy of the relevant portions of the transcript may be supplied.
(c) Issuance of Certificate of Probable Cause. If a certificate of probable cause is issued in
any such case, the Court will grant a stay of execution to continue until such time as the court of
appeals expressly acts with reference to it.
(d) The Petition. The form and content of the petition should follow Rule 2 of the Rules
Governing Section 2254 and 2255 Cases in the United States District Courts.
(e) Second or Successive Petitions. A second or successive petition for habeas corpus relief
may be dismissed if the court finds that it fails to allege new or different grounds for relief, if the
failure of the petitioner to assert those grounds in a prior petition constitutes an abuse of the writ,
or if the petition is frivolous and entirely without merit.
20
LR12.1 Extensions of Time to Respond
(a) Stipulation of Parties. If all counsel agree, parties shall be entitled to a 21 day initial
extension of time in which to respond to the complaint, to a cross-claim, or to a counterclaim.
Counsel seeking the extension shall file the stipulation pursuant to Local Rule 5.2 and provide a
copy of the stipulation to all other counsel in the case. No order is necessary for an initial extension
of time, but any extension of time beyond an initial extension shall not be allowed except by order
of the Court.
(b) Certification of Communication with Client. The Court may, in its discretion, require
that a written, signed certificate be returned to the Court verifying that counsel has communicated
with his or her client and the client was made aware of the ramifications of the request for delay.
21
LR15.1 Form of a Motion to Amend and Its Supporting Documentation
A party who moves to amend a pleading shall attach a copy of the proposed amended
pleading to the motion. Any amendment to a pleading, whether filed as a matter of course or upon
a motion to amend, shall, except by leave of Court, reproduce the entire pleading as amended and
may not incorporate any prior pleading by reference. A failure to comply with this rule may be
grounds for denial of the motion.
22
LR16.1 Pretrial Orders and Conferences in Civil Actions
(a) Pretrial Orders and Conferences. In accordance with Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, the district judge or magistrate judge assigned to the case will ensure that Rule
16(b) is complied with and that a scheduling order is entered within the time set forth in the federal
rule, except in the following classes of cases:
(1) Social Security cases;
(2) Petitions for relief under 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254 and 2255;
(3) Actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in which the plaintiff is pro se and is in
the custody of either state or federal authorities;
(4) Bankruptcy appeals;
(5) Student loan cases.
(b) Authority of Counsel and Parties. At all pretrial conferences, each party who is not
proceeding pro se shall be represented by an attorney who has the authority to bind that party
regarding all matters identified by the Court for discussion at the conference and all reasonably
related matters. If a settlement will be discussed at a pretrial conference, the Court may require
that the parties or party representatives with full settlement authority be present at the pretrial
conference or be available by telephone.
(c) Rule 16(b) Scheduling Conferences. These conferences may be conducted by a district
judge, magistrate judge, or designee of the Court.
23
LR16.2 Pretrial Conferences in Criminal Cases
In all criminal cases in which a defendant has entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment
or information and is represented by counsel, a notice of pretrial conference shall be provided to
the defendant and his or her counsel. This pretrial conference shall be held by the magistrate judge
or by the district judge pursuant to Rule 17.1 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. If no
evidence is to be taken and matters of law are discussed only, the defendant does NOT have to be
present. If no evidence is to be taken, an incarcerated defendant must request to attend the pretrial
conference 7 days prior to the scheduled conference. If evidence is to be taken at the pretrial
conference, the defendant must be present. Counsel who will actually try the case must appear at
the pretrial conference.
The proceedings will be electronically or stenographically recorded. No admissions made
by a defendant or his or her attorney at the conference shall be used against the defendant unless
the admissions are reduced to writing and signed by the defendant and his or her attorney.
Following the pretrial conference, an order will be prepared by the district judge, the
magistrate judge or by counsel if so directed. If the order contains stipulations, it shall be signed
by the defendant(s), defendant(s)' counsel, and the United States Attorney. When so signed, the
order shall be binding on the parties at trial and shall be modified only to prevent manifest injustice.
24
LR16.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution
(a) Reference by Court. The Court may, in the judge's discretion and with the consent of the
parties, refer any civil case, including adversary proceedings removed from bankruptcy court, for
a settlement conference or any other method of alternative dispute resolution deemed appropriate
to the needs of the case except that arbitration can only be authorized as provided in 28 U.S.C. §
654. Additionally, mediation can be ordered by the Court without consent of the parties as set
forth in Local Rule 16.4.
(b) Consideration of ADR by Litigants. Pursuant to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act
of 1998, 28 U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq., litigants in all civil cases, except those exempted as indicated
below, shall consider the use of an alternative dispute resolution process at an appropriate stage in
the litigation.
Civil cases which are exempted from this requirement are:
• Deportation Actions
• Forfeiture and statutory penalty actions
• Freedom of Information actions
• Government collection actions
• Judgments - actions to enforce or register
• Prisoner actions to vacate sentence, for habeas corpus, or for mandamus
• Pro Se Prisoner Cases
• Social Security reviews
• Summons/subpoenas - proceedings to enforce/contest government summons and
private party depositions
• Third-party IRS tax actions
• Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 Proceedings
• Student loan cases
25
LR16.4 Federal Mediation Program
(a) Mediation Referrals and Withdrawals.
With or without the agreement of the parties in any civil action, except those exempted
pursuant to Local Rule 16.3, the Court may refer all or part of the underlying dispute to Mediation
pursuant to this Local Rule. Any Mediation reference may be withdrawn by the presiding judge
upon a determination for any reason that the matter referred is not suitable for Mediation. Once
an order has been entered directing that the parties participate in a Mediation, the parties will be
required to do so unless the Court enters an order withdrawing the Mediation Reference.
(b) Definitions.
For purposes of this Rule:
(1) "Mediator" means an attorney approved by the Court in accordance with paragraph
(k) of this Rule.
(2) "Mediation" means a procedure presided over by an approved Mediator to
promote conciliation, communication, and the ultimate settlement of a civil
action pending in this Court.
(3) "Mediation Conference" means a settlement conference or meeting conducted by a
Mediator during the course of a Mediation.
(4) "Mediation Reference" means a directive contained within a scheduling
order or other order entered by the Court directing the parties to participate
in a Mediation.
(5) "Presiding Judge" means the Judicial Officer assigned to a civil action.
(6) "Mediation Report" means a report filed with the Court by a Mediator in the form
provided by the District Court Clerk.
(7) "Mediation Panel" includes the Mediators who are approved by the Court to
participate in Mediation.
(c) Approval of Mediators.
The Court shall approve those persons who are eligible and qualified to serve as Mediators.
The Court shall have complete discretion and authority to withdraw the approval of any Mediator
at any time.
(d) List of Approved Mediators.
A list of those Mediators comprising the Mediation Panel shall be maintained in the office
of the Clerk and shall be made available to counsel and to the public upon request.
26
(e) Neutrality of a Mediator.
No Mediator shall accept an engagement in a Mediation in circumstances in which he or
she has a personal bias or prejudice relative to the parties or issues involved in the dispute being
mediated.
(f) Mediators as Counsel in Other Cases.
No Mediator who has been engaged as a Mediator shall appear as counsel in the matter
upon which he or she was engaged as a Mediator or in any substantially related matter. No person
who is approved and designated as a Mediator shall for that reason be disqualified from appearing
and acting as counsel in any other case pending before the Court.
(g) Disclosure of Conflicts.
Prior to accepting an engagement as a Mediator, each Mediator shall disclose to the parties
all actual or potential conflicts of interest reasonably known to the Mediator, any current, past, or
expected future professional relationship, consulting relationship, personal relationship, or
pecuniary interest with or in any party or attorney involved in the Mediation, as well as any other
circumstance or matter which would result in the disqualification of a judicial officer under 28
U.S.C. § 455. Mediators shall also disclose to all parties any offer made to the Mediator before
completion of the Mediation process of a future professional, consulting, or pecuniary relationship
with any party or attorney or law firm involved in the underlying dispute.
(h) Confidentiality and Restrictions on the Use of Information.
The Mediation Conference and all proceedings relating thereto, including statements made
by any party, attorney, or other participant, are confidential and are inadmissible to the same extent
as discussions of compromise and settlement are inadmissible under Federal Rule of Evidence
408. Mediation proceedings may not be reported, recorded, placed into evidence, or made known
to the Presiding Judge, or construed for any purpose as an admission against interest. Mediators
shall not divulge the details of information imparted to them in confidence in the course of
Mediations without the consent of the parties, except as otherwise may be required by law.
(i) Compensation of Mediators.
Mediators shall be compensated at rates to be agreed upon by the parties and the Mediator.
Compensation for any Mediator's services shall be borne equally by the parties to the Mediation
unless other arrangements are agreed to by the parties.
(j) Subpoenas.
Neither the parties to the Mediation nor any other person in any forum shall attempt to
subpoena the Mediator or any documents created in connection with, and for the purpose of,
Mediation, without first obtaining leave of court to do so.
27
(k) Qualification of Mediators.
An individual may be approved to serve as a Mediator if, within the discretion of the Court,
he or she meets the following qualifications:
• All Mediators must be lawyers, licensed to practice in the State of
Tennessee, and admitted to practice before the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
• All Mediators must have practiced law at least five years.
• All Mediators must agree to report the results of their Mediations in
accordance with paragraph (m) of this rule.
• All Mediators approved after January 1, 1997, must have had at least 40
hours of formal Mediation training as approved by the Court and such
procedural training as shall be provided by the Clerk.
• All Mediators must agree that they will be available to conduct at least
one Mediation per year without compensation.
• All Mediators must commit to at least one year of service on the
Mediation Panel.
• All Mediators must agree to participate in the reporting and research
requirements of the program as they may be developed; it is provided,
however, that no reporting or research requirement shall require a
Mediator to divulge any confidence in violation of Paragraph (h) of this
Rule.
• All Mediators must agree to comply with the provisions of this Rule and
of any Standing Order which may be entered in any Division of this
Court for purposes of implementing this Rule.
• All Mediators must agree to provide to the Court such biographical and
other information as the Court may require.
• Any lawyer approved by the United States District Court for Middle
District of Tennessee as an ADR panel member shall be deemed
approved as a Mediator in this District and may conduct Mediations in
accordance with this Local Rule and the Standard Operating Procedures
in force and effect in this District’s Federal Mediation Program.
• Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 653(b), magistrate judges of this Court may
service as neutrals and conduct judicial settlement conferences provided
they have received formal training to serve as neutrals in the alternative
28
dispute resolution process.
(l) Party Attendance Required.
Unless otherwise excused by the Mediator in writing, all parties, or party representatives,
and any required claims professionals (e.g., insurance adjusters) shall be present at the Mediation
Conference with full authority to negotiate a settlement. Failure to comply with the attendance or
settlement authority requirements may subject a party to sanctions by the Court.
(m) Mediation Report.
Within 7 days following the conclusion of each Mediation Conference, the Mediator shall
file a Mediation Report on a form provided by the Clerk indicating whether all required parties
were present. The report should also indicate: (a) whether the case settled; (b) whether the
Mediation was continued with the consent of the parties; or (c) whether the Mediation was
terminated without a settlement. No other information shall appear on the Mediation Report nor,
without the consent of all parties, shall any other or additional report or communication regarding
the status of the Mediation be provided by the Mediator to the Presiding Judge.
(n) Standing Orders.
Each Division of the Court may prescribe by Standing Order procedures that are specific
to that particular Division and which are necessary to the implementation of this Local Rule. Such
Standing Order shall not conflict with the provisions of this Rule, however.
(o) Special Procedures When Mediation is Ordered Without the Consent of the Parties.
(1) In the event the parties cannot agree on a Mediator, the Administrator shall select
three approved Mediators and one additional approved Mediator for each additional
party over two. After receiving the Administrator’s designation, the parties shall
each strike one name from the Court’s designations. The remaining Mediator shall
be assigned to the case unless a timely objection is made to the Administrator and
upheld. In that event, or in the event the Mediator selected cannot serve, the process
will be repeated.
(2) In the event the parties cannot agree on the compensation of the Mediator, the
parties shall submit the dispute to the Administrator who shall set the Mediator’s
compensation.
(3) At the request of an approved Mediator, the cost of his or her services or any portion
thereof may be taxed as court costs.
(p) Administration of the Mediation Program.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 651(d), the Court shall appoint a judicial officer or employee by
separate order to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Mediation Program. The Clerk shall
designate the Division Managers of each of the four divisions of the Court to assist the
Administrator by serving as Mediation coordinators in each of the respective divisions of the
29
Court. The Administrator shall promulgate, and update from time to time, standard operating
procedures for the Court’s Mediation program. The standard operating procedures shall conform
to the requirements of the Act and the local rules of this Court. The Court’s Mediation program
shall be known as “The Federal Mediation Program.” The Administrator shall be responsible for
communications between the approved Mediators and the Court and vice versa. The Administrator
shall chair a standing committee on Mediator qualifications and approval which will make
recommendations to the chief judge of the district concerning the addition and removal of
approved Mediators. The chief judge shall appoint two other members of this standing committee.
30
LR16.5 Federal Arbitration Program
(a) Arbitration Referrals and Withdrawals.
The Court may refer any civil action (including any adversary proceeding in bankruptcy)
to Arbitration under the provisions of this Rule if the parties consent to such reference. Such
reference may not be made, however,
where --
(1) the action is exempted from alternative dispute resolution pursuant
to Local Rule 16.3(b);
(2) the action is based on an alleged violation of a right secured by the
Constitution of the United States;
(3) jurisdiction is based in whole or part on 28 U.S.C. § 1343; or,
(4) the relief sought consists of money damages in an amount greater
than $150,000, exclusive of punitive damages, interest, costs, and
attorney fees.
Any Arbitration reference may be withdrawn by the presiding judge upon a determination
for any reason that the matter referred is not suitable for Arbitration. Once an order is entered
directing the parties to participate in Arbitration, the parties will be required to complete the
Arbitration process unless the Court enters an order withdrawing the Arbitration reference.
(b) Definitions.
For purposes of this Rule:
(1) “Arbitrator” means a person approved by the Court in accordance with paragraph
(k) of this Rule.
(2) “Arbitration” means a procedure presided over by an approved Arbitrator and
conducted in accordance with this Rule and 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658.
(3) “Arbitration hearing” is the proceeding conducted before an approved Arbitrator
for the purpose of presenting evidence, arguments of counsel, briefs of law, etc., to
the arbitrator to enable him or her to make an Arbitration award. It is an expedited,
adversarial hearing which is intended to reduce cost and delay in appropriate cases.
(4) “Presiding judge” means the judicial officer assigned to a civil action. A magistrate
judge is deemed to be a “presiding judge” only if the case has been referred to the
magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).
(5) “Arbitration Reference Order” means an agreed order which is presented by the
parties to the presiding judge, which is approved by him and which is filed by the
Clerk. The agreed order shall be in substantially the same form as Appendix I to
this Rule. Forms are available from the Clerk.
(6) “Arbitrator panel” is the panel of Arbitrators approved by the Court.
(7) “Arbitration award” is the written decision of the Arbitrator.
(8) “Standing Committee on Arbitrator Approval” shall include the judicial officer or
court employee selected to serve as the Administrator of the Arbitration program
and two other members. This committee shall be appointed by the chief judge and
31
serve at the chief judge’s pleasure.
(9) The Court’s Arbitration program shall be known as “The Federal Arbitration
Program.”
(c) Approval of Arbitrators.
The Court shall approve those persons who are eligible and qualified to serve as
Arbitrators. The Court shall have complete discretion and authority to withdraw the approval of
any Arbitrator at any time.
(d) List of Approved Arbitrators.
A list of those Arbitrators comprising the Arbitration panel shall be maintained in the office
of the Clerk and shall be made available to counsel and to the public upon request.
(e) Neutrality of an Arbitrator.
No Arbitrator shall accept an engagement in an Arbitration proceeding in circumstances in
which he or she has a personal bias or prejudice relative to the parties or issues involved in the
dispute being Arbitrated.
(f) Arbitrators as Counsel in Other Cases.
No Arbitrator who has been engaged as an Arbitrator shall appear as counsel in the matter
for which he or she was engaged as an Arbitrator or in any substantially related matter. No person
who is approved and designated as an Arbitrator shall for that reason be disqualified from
appearing and acting as counsel in any other case pending before the Court.
(g) Disclosure of Conflicts.
Prior to accepting an engagement as an Arbitrator, each Arbitrator shall disclose to the
parties all actual or potential conflicts of interest reasonably known to the Arbitrator, any current,
past, or expected future professional relationship, consulting relationship, personal relationship, or
pecuniary interest with or in any party or attorney involved in the Arbitration, as well as any other
circumstance or matter which would result in the disqualification of a judicial officer under 28
U.S.C. § 455. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 655(b)(2), Arbitrators are subject to the disqualification
rules set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 455. Arbitrators will also disclose to all parties any offer made to the
Arbitrator before completion of the Arbitration process of a future professional, consulting, or
pecuniary relationship with any party or attorney or law firm involved in the underlying dispute.
(h) Confidentiality and Restrictions on the Use of Information.
The Arbitration hearing and all proceedings relating thereto, including statements made by
any party, attorney, or other participant, are confidential and are inadmissible in evidence at the
trial de novo except as permitted by 28 U.S.C. § 657(c)(3). Arbitration proceedings may be closed
to the public by the Arbitrator.
32
(i) Compensation of Arbitrators.
Subject to any regulations which may be promulgated by the Judicial Conference of the
United States, Arbitrators shall be compensated at rates to be agreed upon by the parties and the
Arbitrator. Compensation and expenses for any Arbitrator’s services shall be borne equally by the
parties to the Arbitration unless other arrangements are agreed to by the parties.
(j) Subpoenas/Immunity.
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 shall apply to the issuance of subpoenas for the
attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence at any Arbitration hearing.
Neither the parties to the Arbitration nor any other person in any forum shall attempt to subpoena
the Arbitrator or any documents created in connection with, and for the purpose of, Arbitration
without first obtaining leave of court to do so. All individuals serving as Arbitrators pursuant to
this Rule are performing quasi-judicial functions and are entitled to the immunities and protections
that the law accords persons serving in such capacity.
(k) Qualification of Arbitrators.
An individual may be approved to serve as an Arbitrator if, within the discretion of the
Court, he or she meets the following qualifications:
• All Arbitrators must be approved by the chief judge and must be listed on the
roster of approved Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association, the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a similar, reputable Arbitration
service, or must be lawyers, licensed to practice in the state of Tennessee, and
admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Tennessee.
• All Arbitrators, except those approved as non-lawyer Arbitrators, must have
practiced law at least 5 years.
• All Arbitrators shall take the oath or affirmation described in 28 U.S.C. § 453
and shall complete any training required by the Court.
• All Arbitrators must agree that they will be available to conduct at least one
Arbitration per year without compensation.
• All Arbitrators must commit to at least one year of service on the Arbitration
panel.
• All Arbitrators must agree to comply with 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658, the provisions
of this Rule and of any Standing Order which may be entered in any Division
of this Court for purposes of implementing this Rule.
33
• All Arbitrators must agree to provide to the Court such biographical and other
information as the Court may require.
• All Arbitrators must be recommended by the Standing Committee on Arbitrator
Approval and determined by the chief judge to be competent to perform the
duties of Arbitrator. Arbitrators may be approved based on formal training in
Arbitration procedures, prior experience as an Arbitrator, or some combination
thereof. The chief judge shall certify, in his discretion, as many Arbitrators as
are determined to be necessary for proper operation of the program. The Court
specifically reserves the right to limit the size of the Arbitrator panel. Any
person whose name appears on the list of approved Arbitrators may ask at any
time to have his/her name removed or, if selected to decide a case, decline to
serve but remain on the list.
• Applications to become an approved Arbitrator shall be submitted to the
Administrator of the Court’s Arbitration program. Applications shall be
submitted in the form set forth in Appendix II to this Rule. Forms are available
from the Clerk.
(l) Procedures in Connection with the Reference to Arbitration.
(1) The approval and entry of the Arbitration Reference Order by the presiding judge
begins the Arbitration process. See Appendix I.
(2) Upon entry of the Arbitration Reference Order, the Clerk shall serve copies of it
on the designated Arbitrator, counsel of record, and any parties proceeding pro
se.
(3) The presiding judge may refuse to approve a proposed Arbitration Reference Order
if, in the Court’s discretion, the case is not appropriate for Arbitration or if such
approval would cause undue delay in the prompt resolution of the case. A proposed
Arbitration Reference Order submitted within 30 days of the filing of a scheduling
order in the case will be presumptively timely. Once an Arbitration Reference
Order is approved by the presiding judge and filed, any trial date previously
scheduled is automatically canceled, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
(4) Unless otherwise stipulated by all parties, formal discovery pursuant to Fed. R. Civ.
P. 26 through 37 will be stayed upon entry of an Arbitration Reference Order.
Notwithstanding this stay, the Arbitrator may allow, or the parties may agree to,
limited discovery utilizing the procedures set forth in Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 through 37
or other less formal means. The Arbitrator shall have the authority and discretion
to control the course, scope and manner of discovery while the case is under
reference to Arbitration. The Arbitrator shall also have authority to resolve
discovery disputes while the case is under reference to Arbitration.
34
(m) Procedures for the Arbitration Hearing and the Filing of the Arbitration Award
(1) Once the Arbitration Reference Order is served on the Arbitrator, he or she shall
consult promptly thereafter with counsel of record and any pro se parties for the
purpose of arranging a schedule for completion of any pre-hearing discovery, any
other necessary pre-hearing preparations and the setting of a date, time and place
for the Arbitration hearing.
(2) Within 30 days of service of the Arbitration Reference Order on the Arbitrator, he
or she shall file with the Clerk an “Arbitrator’s Notice of Scheduling” in
substantially the same form as Appendix III hereto. Forms are available from the
Clerk.
(3) The Arbitration hearing shall be held in a suitable place designated by the Arbitrator
or, if space is available, in the United States Courthouse in a space assigned by the
Clerk.
(4) The Arbitration hearing and the filing of the Arbitration award shall take place not
later than 150 days after entry of the Arbitration Reference Order unless the parties
obtain an order from the Court granting an extension based on good cause shown.
(5) If the Arbitration award is not filed within the time allowed in paragraph 4 of this
section, the Clerk shall automatically restore the case to the docket of the presiding
judge and notify him and the parties that the Arbitration has been terminated.
(6) The hearing before the Arbitrator may proceed in the absence of any party who,
after notice, fails to be present. Additionally, if a party fails to participate in the
hearing, the Court may impose appropriate sanctions including, but not limited to,
the striking of any demand for a trial de novo filed by that party. See also Fed. R.
Civ. P. 16(c)(9) and (f). If any party fails to pay the Arbitrator’s fees or expenses
in a timely manner, the cost of his or her services, or any portion thereof, may be
taxed as costs.
(7) The Arbitrator is authorized to administer oaths or affirmations and each party shall
have the right to cross-examine witnesses. The Arbitrator shall be authorized to
make reasonable rules and issue orders necessary for the fair and efficient conduct
of the hearing including, but not limited to, requiring the parties to submit pre-
hearing statements to the Arbitrator and requiring service of same on parties.
(8) The Federal Rules of Evidence shall be used as the guide to the admissibility of
evidence, but shall not be controlling. The Arbitrator shall control the admission
of evidence at the Arbitration hearing.
(9) A party may have a recording and transcript made of the Arbitration hearing at the
party’s expense.
35
(10) Unless otherwise stipulated by the parties, the Arbitration award shall state in
writing the reasoning underlying the award.
(11) It shall be the responsibility of the Arbitrator to serve counsel of record and any pro
se parties with a copy of the Arbitration award. In accordance with 28 U.S.C.§
657(b), such award shall be treated as confidential and not be made known to any
judge who might be assigned to the case until the district court has entered final
judgment in the case or the case is otherwise terminated. The Arbitrator shall not
file the award with the Clerk. That is the responsibility of the prevailing party or
plaintiff. See paragraph (n)(1).
(n) Trial De Novo or Entry of Judgment
(1) An Arbitration award made by an Arbitrator, or a panel of Arbitrators selected
under section (o)(6) of this rule, along with proof of service of such award on the
party or parties by the prevailing party or by the plaintiff, shall be filed with the
Clerk by the prevailing party or plaintiff within 7 days of service of the Arbitration
award on the prevailing party or plaintiff. To make certain that the Arbitrator’s
award is not considered by the Court or jury either before, during or after the trial
de novo, the Clerk shall, upon the filing of the Arbitration award, enter onto the
docket only the words “Arbitration award filed” and the date and nothing more, and
shall retain the Arbitrator’s award in a separate file in the Clerk’s Office.
(2) Within 30 days of the filing of an Arbitration award with the Clerk, any party may
file a written demand for a trial de novo in the district court.
(3) Upon demand for a trial de novo, the action shall be restored to the docket of the
presiding judge and treated for all purposes as if it had not been referred to
Arbitration.
(4) In the event no demand for trial de novo is filed within the designated time period,
the Clerk shall file the award in the Court record, notify the presiding judge, and
enter it as the judgment of the Court. The judgment so entered shall be subject to
the same provisions of law and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment
of a court in a civil action, except that the judgment shall not be subject to review
in any other court by appeal or otherwise.
(o) Miscellaneous Provisions
(1) Consent to Arbitration shall be freely and knowingly obtained. No party or attorney
shall be prejudiced in any way for refusing to participate in Arbitration. The district
judges and magistrate judges may advise the attorneys and parties of the availability
of the Arbitration program, but, in doing so, shall also advise the attorneys or parties
that they are free to withhold consent without adverse consequences.
36
(2) There shall be no ex parte communication between an Arbitrator and any counsel
or party.
(3) The Court will presume that damages are not in excess of $150,000 unless counsel
or a party proceeding pro se certifies that damages exceed such amount.
(4) The Administrator of the Court’s Arbitration program may, from time to time,
amend Appendices I, II, and III to this Rule in order to conform to the needs of the
program and may do so without amendment to the body of this Rule.
(5) Nothing in this Rule shall prevent the parties, upon their own initiative and by
mutual consent, from Arbitrating a pending matter pursuant to the provisions of 9
U.S.C. §§ 2 et seq., Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-5-301 et seq., or other state Arbitration
statutes. An agreement to so Arbitrate, without an order of reference or
authorization by the Court, shall not be subject to this Rule or to the Alternative
Dispute Resolution Act of 1998. 28 U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq. Arbitrators who are
approved pursuant to this Rule are not restricted from participating in these non-
court-annexed Arbitrations.
(6) Nothing in this Rule shall prevent the parties from stipulating to a panel of three
Arbitrators and proceeding under the provisions of this Rule. One of the Arbitrators
shall be selected by the parties as chairperson of the panel. In order for a valid
Arbitration award to be made, a majority of the Arbitrators in such cases must agree
to the award and sign it. A separate dissent may be filed with the Arbitration award.
(7) At any time before the Arbitration hearing, the parties may stipulate in writing to
waive their rights to request a trial de novo. Such stipulation shall be submitted to
the presiding district judge or magistrate judge for approval and shall be filed. In
the event of such stipulation, judgment shall be entered on the Arbitration award in
accordance with paragraph (n)(4), above.
(p) Standing Orders.
Each Division of the Court may prescribe by Standing Order procedures that are specific
to that particular Division and which are necessary to the implementation of this Local Rule. Such
Standing Orders shall not conflict, however, with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658 or this
Rule, however.
(q) Administration of the Arbitration Program.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 651(d), the Court shall appoint a judicial officer or employee by
separate order to serve as Administrator of the Federal Arbitration Program. The Clerk shall
designate the Division Managers in each of the four divisions of the Court to assist the
Administrator by serving as Arbitration coordinators in each of the respective divisions of the
Court. The Administrator shall promulgate, and update from time to time, standard operating
procedures and any necessary forms for the Court’s Arbitration program. The standard operating
37
procedures shall conform to the requirements of the Act and the local rules of this Court.
The Administrator shall be responsible for communications between the approved
Arbitrators and the Court and vice versa.
38
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT (GREENEVILLE, KNOXVILLE, CHATTANOOGA OR WINCHESTER)
)
(fill in) )
Plaintiff(s) )
)
v. ) No. (fill in case no.)
) (fill in last names of
) assigned judges)
)
(fill in) )
Defendant(s) )
ARBITRATION REFERENCE ORDER
In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658 and Local Rule 16.5, the parties
in this case have voluntarily consented to the entry of this order and reference of this case to the
Court’s Federal Arbitration Program.
The parties have selected (fill in) as their arbitrator.
He or she is a member of the Court’s arbitrator panel and has agreed to serve as the arbitrator in
this case.
CONSENT
Signatures Party Represented Date
_____
______________
______________
______________
LR.16.5 Appendix I
39
ORDER OF REFERENCE
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case is referred to the Court’s Federal Arbitration
Program for proceedings consistent with 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658 and Local Rule 16.5.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the arbitration hearing and the filing of the arbitration
award shall take place not later than 150 days after entry of this Arbitration Reference Order unless
the parties obtain an extension from the Court based on good cause shown.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all parties shall participate in good faith in the
arbitration proceeding. Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(c)(9) and (f).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that should the arbitration hearing and the filing of the
arbitration award not take place within the time allowed, the Clerk is directed to automatically
restore the case to the Court’s docket and to notify the presiding judge unless, on motion of a party
and for good cause shown, the Court extends this deadline.
_____________ ________________________________________
Date Signature of Presiding District or Magistrate Judge
OR
ORDER OF NON-REFERENCE
The Court declines to refer the case to the Federal Arbitration Program on the
following ground(s): ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________
_____________ ________________________________________
Date Signature of Presiding District or Magistrate Judge
40
Appendix I (cont.)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
FEDERAL ARBITRATION PROGRAM
APPLICATION TO BECOME AN APPROVED ARBITRATOR
NAME: ____________________________________
BPR NO:___________________________________
FIRM NAME: (IF APPLICABLE) _________________________________
OFFICE ADDRESS: _________________________________
OFFICE PHONE:____________________________________
IN ORDER TO BE CERTIFIED AS AN ARBITRATOR IN THIS COURT, YOU
MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS AND ALSO AGREE TO BE BOUND
BY THE FOLLOWING:
• All arbitrators must be approved by the chief judge and must be
listed on the roster of the American Arbitration Association, the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a similar reputable
arbitration service, or must be lawyers, licensed to practice in the
State of Tennessee, and admitted to practice before the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
• All arbitrators, except those approved as non-lawyer arbitrators,
must have practiced law at least five years.
• All arbitrators shall take the oath or affirmation described in 28
U.S.C. § 453 and shall complete any training required by the Court.
• All arbitrators must agree that they will be available to conduct at
least one arbitration per year without compensation.
LR16.5 Appendix II
41
• All arbitrators must commit to at least one year of service on the
arbitration panel.
• All arbitrators must agree to comply with 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658, the
provisions of this Rule and of any Standing Order which may be entered
in any Division of this Court for purposes of implementing this Rule.
• All arbitrators must agree to provide to the Court such biographical and
other information as the Court may require.
• All arbitrators must submit sufficient written proof of their
qualifications to perform the duties of arbitrator to the Standing
Committee on Arbitrator Approval. Proof of qualification can be based
on formal training, experience, or some combination thereof.
YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT’S STANDING
COMMITTEE ON ARBITRATOR APPROVAL. MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE THE
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, AND
. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY A COMMITTEE MEMBER OF
ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR APPLICATION. UNLIKE THE COURT’S MEDIATION
PROGRAM, THE COURT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT THE SIZE OF ITS
ARBITRATOR PANEL.
DATE ADMITTED TO PRACTICE BEFORE
THE TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT: ____________________________________
DATE ADMITTED TO PRACTICE BEFORE
THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE: _____________________________
NUMBER OF YEARS OF LAW PRACTICE (this can include time spent clerking for a federal
or state judge): ____________________________________
Appendix II (cont.)
42
Please set forth the training you have received which qualifies you for the Federal Arbitration
Program (use attachments if appropriate):
I HEREBY CERTIFY, UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, THAT
THE INFORMATION STATED HEREIN BY ME IS TRUE AND
CORRECT. I MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME
A FEDERAL COURT ARBITRATOR AND I HEREBY AGREE
TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE PROGRAM AS
SET FORTH ABOVE.
______________________
SIGNATURE
DATE: _____________________
Return the completed form to:
[email protected]
Appendix II (cont.)
43
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT (GREENEVILLE, KNOXVILLE, CHATTANOOGA OR WINCHESTER)
)
(fill in) )
Plaintiff(s) )
)
v. ) No. (fill in case no.)
) (fill in last names of
) assigned judges)
)
(fill in) )
Defendant(s) )
ARBITRATOR’S NOTICE OF SCHEDULING
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 654-658 and Local Rule 16.5 (m), the undersigned approved arbitrator
hereby gives notice that:
• the captioned action was referred to the undersigned pursuant to an Arbitration Reference
Order filed (fill in date); and,
• an arbitration hearing is scheduled to commence at (fill in time) on (fill in date) at (fill in
location)
• if a continuance or continuances of the hearing are granted by the undersigned, the hearing
will be completed and the arbitration award will be served on counsel of record and any pro
se parties in time to allow the parties to comply with the requirements of Local Rule
16.5(m)(4).
• the undersigned has served a copy of this Arbitrator’s Report of Scheduling on counsel of
record and any pro se parties by regular mail or hand delivery.
Date: _____________________________
Signature of Arbitrator
_____________________________
Typed or Printed Name of Arbitrator
LR16.5 Appendix III
44
IV. PARTIES
LR23.1 Designation of "Class Action" in the Caption
In any case sought to be maintained as a class action, the complaint, or other pleading
asserting a class action, shall include next to its caption the legend "Class Action."
45
LR24.1 Procedure for Notification of Any Claim of Unconstitutionality
In any action, suit or proceeding in which the United States or any agency, officer, or
employee thereof is not a party and in which the constitutionality of an Act of Congress affecting
the public interest is drawn into question, or in any action, suit, or proceeding in which a state or
agency, officer, or employee, thereof is not a party, and in which the constitutionality of any statute
of that state affecting the public interest is drawn into question, the party raising the constitutional
issue shall notify the Court of the existence of the question either by checking the appropriate box
on the civil cover sheet or by stating on the pleading that alleges the unconstitutionality,
immediately following the title of that pleading, “Claim of Unconstitutionality” or the equivalent.
Failure to comply with this rule will not be grounds for waiving the constitutional issue or for
waiving any other rights the party may have. Any notice provided under this rule, or lack of notice,
will not serve as a substitute for, or as a waiver of, any pleading requirement set forth in the federal
rules or statutes.
46
V. DISCOVERY
LR26.1 Multiparty or Complex Litigation
In multiparty or complex litigation, the parties may apply to the Court for an order
permitting service of interrogatories and requests for production of documents by letter or by some
other informal means. In making such an application, the parties shall provide a proposed order
setting forth the means of conducting discovery upon an informal basis, including the proposed
procedures for service, response, and verification of the discovery contemplated.
47
LR26.2 Sealing of Court Records
(a) Public Record. Except as otherwise provided by statute, rule, or order, all pleadings and
other papers of any nature filed with the Court (“Court Records”) shall become a part of the public
record of this Court.
(b) Procedure. Court Records or portions thereof shall not be placed under seal unless and
except to the extent that the person seeking the sealing thereof shall have first obtained an order of
the Court specifying those Court Records, categories of Court Records, or portions thereof which
shall be placed under seal; provided however, documents that are the subject of a motion to seal
may be temporarily placed in the court record under seal pending a ruling on the motion. Unless
the Court orders otherwise, the parties shall file with the Court redacted versions of any Court
Record where only a portion thereof is to be placed under seal.
(c) Criminal Matters. The United States Attorney, through his or her assistants, shall present
to the Court a proposed order in connection with any indictment, complaint or bill of information
that the United States Attorney wishes to file under seal. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court,
indictments, complaints, and bills of information filed under seal shall be unsealed after all
defendants have made an appearance before the Court.
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LR33.1 Interrogatories
Should it appear to the Court, whether by motion or otherwise, that a party has used
subparts as a means to circumvent the limitation on number of interrogatories, the party, along
with the filing attorney, may be subjected to sanctions. Answers to interrogatories must be
supplemented as may be required by the facts and circumstances of the case, and by the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure.
49
LR34.1 Inspections Made Pursuant to Court Order
When any party to any action is permitted, pursuant to an order of the Court, to inspect the
records of any person not a party to the action, the party inspecting such records shall, within a
reasonable time period, provide all other parties to the action with an opportunity to copy any
documentation obtained or copied as a result of such inspection.
50
LR37.2 Form of Discovery Motions
Any discovery motion filed pursuant to Rules 26 through 37 of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure shall include, in the motion itself or in an attached memorandum, a verbatim recitation
of each interrogatory, request, answer, response, and objection which is the subject of the motion
or a copy of the actual discovery document which is the subject of the motion. The filing or serving
of unnecessary discovery motions, applications, requests, or objections will subject the offender
to appropriate remedies, including the imposition of costs and counsel fees.
51
VI. TRIALS
LR38.2 Continuances
Cases shall not be continued upon stipulation of counsel. Continuances will be granted
only upon written motion with a supporting affidavit and a showing of good cause.
52
LR38.3 Difficult Questions of Law or Evidence
Counsel shall give advance notice to the Court of any anticipated questions of law or
evidence which might delay the trial.
53
LR43.1 Taking of Testimony - Witnesses
Counsel shall endeavor to have a sufficient number of witnesses present to avoid delay of
trial. Counsel shall examine witnesses from the lectern unless leave to approach has been granted.
When permission to approach a witness has been granted for the purpose of examination of the
witness with regard to an exhibit, counsel shall resume examination from the lectern as soon as
the examination with regard to the exhibit has been completed.
54
LR43.2 Taking of Testimony - Character and Expert Witnesses
Except by leave of the Court, not more than 3 witnesses shall be called to impeach or
sustain the character of any party or other witness in a case, or to give expert or value testimony
as to any matter. If, upon written application, and for good cause shown, additional expert
witnesses are allowed to testify, the costs of these witnesses shall in no event be taxed against the
adverse party.
55
LR43.3 Exhibits
(a) Presentation of Evidence. Evidence should be presented in electronic format
through the use of the presentation technology available in the courtroom to display
evidence to the jury and the Court. Parties must be prepared to edit exhibits in accordance
with evidentiary rulings.
The Court uses the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS). JERS allows a jury, during
deliberation, to view electronic copies of exhibits received into evidence. The copies of the
exhibits on JERS are not the official court record. Parties are responsible for ensuring that
the copies of the exhibits on JERS are identical to the exhibits received into evidence.
(b) Custody with the Offering Party. All exhibits shall be retained in the custody of
the party offering them, subject to the orders of the Court. Any physical evidence presented
during a court proceeding shall remain in the custody of the offering party which shall
include, but not be limited to, the following types of bulky or sensitive exhibits: narcotics
and other controlled substances; firearms; ammunition; explosive devices; jewelry; liquor;
poisonous or dangerous chemicals; money or articles of high monetary value; counterfeit
currency; biological hazards; and documents or physical exhibits of unusual bulk or weight.
At the conclusion of a trial or proceedings, the party offering such exhibits shall retain
custody of them and be responsible to the Court for preserving them in their condition as
of the time admitted until any appeal is concluded or the time for appeal has expired. The
party retaining custody shall make such exhibits available to opposing counsel for use in
preparation of an appeal and be responsible for their safe transmission to the appellate court,
if required.
(c) Disposition of Exhibits and Filed Depositions by Clerk of Court. If the Court orders
the Clerk of Court to take custody of any exhibit or filed deposition, parties must withdraw
them no more than thirty (30) days after (1) the time for appeal, if any, has expired or (2) an
appeal has been concluded and the mandate received. Parties failing to comply with this rule
shall be notified by the Clerk to withdraw exhibits and depositions, after which the Clerk may
destroy or otherwise dispose of them.
56
LR43.4 Stipulations
In jury cases, counsel shall confer with each other before offering a stipulation to the Court
for consideration.
57
LR48.1 Contact with Jurors
Unless permitted by the Court, no attorney, representative of an attorney, party or
representative of a party, may interview, communicate with, or otherwise contact any juror or
prospective juror before, during, or after the trial. Permission of the Court must be sought by an
application made orally in open court or upon written motion stating the grounds and the purpose
of the contact. If permission is granted, the scope of the contact and any limitations upon the
contact will be prescribed by the Court prior to the contact.
58
LR51.1 Suggested Charges to the Jury
If a case is to be tried to a jury, counsel shall, unless otherwise ordered by the Court, furnish
the Court with suggested charges to the jury. Each suggested charge shall be written on a separate
sheet of paper and supported by citations of authority on novel questions of law. Counsel shall
supply copies of suggested charges to opposing counsel.
59
LR52.1 Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
In non-jury cases, counsel shall supply the Court with suggested findings of fact and
conclusions of law, supported by citations of authority, at least 14 days prior to the trial date unless
otherwise ordered. Failure to comply with the time requirements of this rule may, in the discretion
of the Court, result in the dismissal of the plaintiff's action or the entry of default against the
defendant. Counsel shall supply copies of suggested findings of fact and conclusions of law to
opposing counsel.
60
VII. JUDGMENT
LR54.1 Taxation of Costs
If counsel for the litigants in a civil case are able to agree on costs, they need not file a bill
of costs with the Clerk. If counsel cannot agree, a bill of costs shall be filed by the prevailing party
with the Clerk within 21 days from the entry of judgment. A copy of the bill of costs shall be
served upon opposing counsel. The opposing counsel shall file written objections within 21 days
from the date of service. The bill of costs, and any objection, must be prepared and filed in
accordance with the Court’s Guidelines on Preparing Bills of Costs. The prevailing party may file
a reply to any objections within 14 days from the date of service. The Clerk shall then assess the
costs in accordance with the Court’s Guidelines on Preparing Bill of Costs.
Commentary (Guidelines on Preparing Bills of Costs)
61
LR54.2 Attorneys’ Fees and Nontaxable Expenses
Unless otherwise provided by statute or order of the Court, a motion for attorneys’ fees and
related nontaxable litigation expenses, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(2), must
be filed no later than 30 days after entry of judgment. If a motion for attorneys’ fees or nontaxable
expenses is not filed within 30 days, such fees and expenses shall be waived. The Court may, on
motion filed within the time provided for filing a motion for attorneys’ fees or nontaxable
expenses, extend the time for filing such a motion.
62
LR58.2 Satisfaction of Judgment
When a judgment for the payment of money has been satisfied, counsel for the prevailing
party shall prepare and file with the Clerk a notice of Satisfaction of Judgment.
63
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
LR67.1 Deposit of Funds Into Court
(a) Receipt of Funds
(1) No money shall be sent to the Court or its officers in the Court's Registry without
a court order signed by the presiding judge in the case or proceeding. The party
making the deposit or transferring funds to the Court's registry pursuant to Fed. R.
Civ. P. 67 shall serve the order permitting the deposit or transfer on the Clerk of
Court.
(2) Unless provided for elsewhere in this Order, all monies ordered to be paid to the
Court or received by its officers in any case pending or adjudicated shall be
deposited with the Treasurer of the United States in the name and to the credit of
this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C.§ 2041 through depositories designated by the
Treasury to accept such deposits on its behalf.
(b) Investment of Registry Funds
(1) Where, by order of the Court, funds on deposit with the Court are to be placed in
some form of interest-bearing account, or invested in a court-approved, interest-
bearing instrument in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 67, the Court Registry
Investment System ("CRIS"), administered by the Administrative Office of the
United States Courts under 28 U.S.C.§ 2045, shall be the only investment
mechanism authorized.
(2) The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts is
designated as custodian for CRIS. The Director or the Director's designee shall
perform the duties of custodian. Funds held in the CRIS remain subject to the
control and jurisdiction of the Court.
(3) Money from each case deposited in the CRIS shall be "pooled" together with
those on deposit with Treasury to the credit of other courts in the CRIS and used
to purchase Government Account Series securities through the Bureau of Public
Debt, which will be held at Treasury, in an account in the name and to the credit
of the Director of Administrative Office of the United States Courts. The pooled
funds will be invested in accordance with the principals of the CRIS Investment
Policy as approved by the Registry Monitoring Group.
(4) An account for each case will be established in the CRIS titled in the name of the
case giving rise to the investment in the fund. Income generated from the fund
investments will be distributed to each case based on the ratio each account's
principal and earnings has to the aggregate principal and income total in the fund.
Reports showing the interest earned and the principal amounts contributed in each
64
case will be prepared and distributed to each court participating in the CRIS and
made available to litigants and/or their counsel.
(c) Deduction of Fees
(1) The custodian is authorized and directed by this Order to deduct the investment
services fee for the management of investments in the CRIS and the registry fee
for maintaining accounts deposited with the Court.
(2) The investment services fee is assessed from interest earnings to the pool
according to the Court's Miscellaneous Fee Schedule and is to be assessed before
a pro rata distribution of earnings to court cases.
(3) The registry fee is assessed by the custodian from each case's pro rata distribution
of the earnings and is to be determined on the basis of the rates published by the
Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as approved by
the Judicial Conference of the United States.
(d) Minors' Funds
(1) The Administrative Office has established a Minors' Fund within CRIS to invest
post-adjudication deposits held on behalf of minors until their age of majority,
which is often longer than 100 days. Specifically, the Minor's Fund continues to
feature daily liquidity but will initially be comprised of a laddered portfolio of
one-year securities maturing each month. Thus, the fund improves the match
between investment holdings and the length of time each minor's case remains
invested, thereby capitalizing on higher-yielding securities.
(2) In any cases that are adjudicated on behalf of minors, the associated registry
deposits shall be invested via the Minors' Fund.
(e) Disbursement of Registry Funds
(1) All motions for disbursement of registry funds shall specify the principal sum
initially deposited, the amount(s) of principal funds to be disbursed, and to whom
the disbursement is to be made, along with complete mailing instructions (full
address and ZIP code of payee and attorney), and have attached thereto a
proposed order of disbursal.
(2) Each proposed order of disbursal shall contain therein the following language:
"The Clerk is authorized and directed to draw a check(s) on the funds on deposit
in the registry of this Court in the principal amount of $_____ plus all accrued
interest, minus any statutory fees, payable to_________, and mail or deliver the
check(s) to ________ at (full address with ZIP code)." If more than one check is
to be issued on a single order, the portion of principal due each payee must be
separately stated. Counsel must also provide the Social Security number or
65
taxpayer identification number for each payee and complete mailing or delivery
instructions for each payee.
(3) On all checks drawn by the Clerk on deposits made into the registry of the Court,
the name of the payee shall be written as that name appears in the Court's order
providing for disbursement.
(4) When money has been paid to the Clerk on behalf of a minor, incompetent, or
incapacitated person, a guardian or conservator shall be qualified under state law
within 30 days, and the Clerk shall, upon presentation of a certified copy of the
appointment and qualification, disburse the funds to that guardian or conservator
as ordered by the Court.
(f) Designated and Qualified Settlement Funds.
Funds invested with the Court for the purpose of settlement are subject to additional rules
under 26 U.S.C. § 468B.
66
LR68.1 Settlements
When the Court is advised by counsel for any party, or by an unrepresented party, that the
matter in controversy has been compromised and settled, the parties shall file an agreed stipulation
signed by all parties who have appeared pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(ii), or submit an
agreed order of dismissal pursuant to E.D. Tenn. ECF Rule 4.8, before the date on which the case
is set for trial or as otherwise directed by the Court. If the parties fail to comply with this rule, the
Court may, in its discretion, enter an order dismissing the action.
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LR68.2 Taxation of Costs in Late-Settling Cases
Whenever a civil action scheduled for jury trial is settled so late that it is impossible to
prevent the Court from incurring juror costs, those costs may, in the discretion of the Court, be
assessed against one or more of the parties and/or their counsel. Juror costs include attendance
fees, per diem, mileage and parking.
68
LR68.3 Judicially-Hosted Settlement Conferences
With the consent of the parties, a judge of this Court may refer any civil case for a judicial
settlement conference. A judicially-hosted settlement conference is an informal, flexible,
noncoercive and voluntary conference designed to aid in settlement of a case.
(a) Attendance. The settlement judge may require the attendance of the parties and their
representatives at the settlement conference. In the case of parties who are not individuals, any
questions concerning the adequacy of the party's representation should be taken up with the
settlement judge before the settlement conference is convened.
(b) Memorandum to Judge.
(1) Each party may forward, at least 7 days, or earlier if the settlement judge directs,
prior to the scheduled conference, an ex parte, confidential memorandum to the
designated settlement judge. The parties are encouraged to include in that
memorandum the following:
a. The party's basic contentions.
b. The nature and extent of any past settlement negotiations in this case.
c. Expected monetary value of the case if liability is found.
d. Probability of success of each party (expressed as a percentage).
e. The strengths and weaknesses both factually and legally of each party's
position.
f. Suitable range for settlement.
g. Any other matters deemed important (e.g., controlling case law, statutes).
(2) If a party chooses not to forward an ex parte confidential memorandum to the
settlement judge, then that party shall forward to the settlement judge at least 7 days before the
settlement conference as much of the information specified in (b), as possible with or without
sending a copy to adversary counsel or at such time as the settlement judge may direct.
(c) Disclosures by Settlement Judge. The judicial officer conducting the settlement
conference shall not discuss with the trial judge assigned in the case, or with anyone else other
than settlement conference participants, anything regarding the settlement conference or the facts
and arguments disclosed by the parties, except that the trial judge assigned to the case will be
informed of any progress made toward settlement.
(d) Good Faith. The parties shall be prepared and shall participate in good faith. Fed. R. Civ.
P.16(f).
(e) Neutrality. The judicial officer participating in the settlement conference shall be a
neutral mediator and facilitator and shall play absolutely no role in the adjudication of the case
once he is designated as settlement judge. Where requested by any party, all communications
between that party and counsel and the settlement judge will be kept strictly confidential.
(f) Oral Summary. Counsel for each party shall prepare a brief oral summary (in the nature
69
of what might be that party's final argument) to be given at the settlement conference in the
presence of all participants.
(g) Format. The settlement judge shall retain complete discretion regarding the format and
the manner of carrying on the settlement conference. Participation by any party shall, at all times,
remain voluntary.
(h) Confidentiality. Settlement discussions are confidential as provided by Federal Rule of
Evidence 408. This applies to written submissions requested by the settlement judge as well as
statements made in connection with the settlement conference.
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LR69.1 Application for Writ of Execution
When a party is entitled to enforce a judgment for the payment of money, a writ of
execution or a writ of execution by garnishment may issue in accordance with Rule 69 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The party seeking execution shall make application for a writ
and shall serve a copy of said application upon adverse counsel. The original of the application
will be filed with the Clerk, together with the appropriate number of copies. Counsel shall also
prepare and file a United States Marshals Service Form 285 for each person to be served. The
Clerk will issue the writ and forward it, along with other documents, to the United States Marshal
for service. The United States Marshal will make a return of service to the Clerk and will mail a
copy of the return to counsel for the executing party.
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LR69.2 Money Paid Pursuant to Execution
It shall be the responsibility of counsel to determine when money has been received by the
Clerk pursuant to execution. Any money received by the Clerk shall be placed in the Court's
registry account, and shall remain in this account for not less than 21 days, after which time it may
be disbursed.
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LR72.2 Magistrate Judges - Duties
All magistrate judges are further authorized and designated to perform other duties
including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) To issue orders, warrants, or other processes as may be necessary or appropriate for the
enforcement of Internal Revenue Laws including, but not limited to, warrants for seizure of
property in satisfaction of tax assessments pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 7402;
(b) To order the exoneration of the forfeiture of bonds;
(c) To issue subpoenas, writs of habeas corpus ad prosequendum and ad testificandum and
other writs and orders deemed necessary to obtain the presence of persons as witnesses or evidence
apparently needed or desirable for proceedings in open court;
(d) To perform any additional duties not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the
United States.
73
LR 72.3 Magistrate Judges - Civil Proceedings
(a) Conduct of Trials and Disposition of Cases Upon Consent of the Parties 28 U.S.C.
§636(c). Upon the consent of all parties, a magistrate judge may conduct any or all proceedings
in any case, including the conduct of a jury or non-jury trial, and may order the entry of a final
judgment, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. §636(c). In the course of conducting such proceedings,
a magistrate judge may hear and determine any and all pretrial and post-trial motions, including
case-dispositive motions.
(b) Notice. The Clerk shall notify the parties in cases of their option to consent to have a
magistrate judge conduct all proceedings as provided by law and shall provide the parties with a
form allowing the parties jointly to indicate their consent or non-consent.
(c) Execution of Consent. Within forty-five (45) days from the entry of an order notifying
the parties of the availability of a magistrate judge, the parties jointly shall file a completed consent
form indicating that either (i) all of the parties consent to proceed before a magistrate judge or (ii)
not all of the parties consent to proceed before a magistrate judge without revealing any single
party’s choice. If all parties consent to proceed before a magistrate judge, the joint consent form
must contain the signature of each unrepresented party and a representative signature for each
represented party. The consent form may be executed in counterpart; however, it shall be filed
jointly. The Clerk's Office will reject and return to the offering party any consent form that does
not comply with this rule.
No magistrate judge or other court official may attempt to persuade or induce any party to
consent to the reference of any matter to a magistrate judge. This rule, however, shall not preclude
a district judge or magistrate judge from informing the parties that they have the option of referring
a case to a magistrate judge.
(d) Reference. After a consent form has been executed and filed by all parties, the Clerk shall
transmit the form to the district judge to whom the case has been assigned for approval and referral
of the case to a magistrate judge. Once the case has been assigned to a magistrate judge, the
magistrate judge shall have the authority to conduct any and all proceedings to which the parties
have consented and to direct the Clerk to enter final judgment in the same manner as if a district
judge has presided.
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LR72.4 Magistrate Judges - Criminal Proceedings
(a) Misdemeanor Jurisdiction. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3401 and subject to the consent of
the parties pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 58(b), the magistrate judges of this
district are designated to exercise jurisdiction to try persons accused of, and sentence persons
convicted of, misdemeanors committed in this district.
(b) Interlocutory Appeal. In those cases where an interlocutory appeal is taken within 14
days as provided in Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 58(g)(2)(A), the statement specifying the
decision or order from which the appeal is taken shall also set forth the reasons why the appealing
party believes such decision or order is erroneous. An opposing party shall have 14 days within
which to file a reply. The Clerk shall then refer the appeal to a district judge, who may or may not
require oral argument. The district judge may dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, or may
affirm, modify, or reverse the magistrate judge's decision or order, or remand the case to the
magistrate judge for further proceedings.
Any appeal from a magistrate judge's order on a nondispositive motion in a felony criminal
case shall be taken within 14 days of service of the order. Notice of appeal shall be filed with the
Clerk within the time indicated. A brief in support of the appeal shall be filed setting forth the
reasons why the magistrate judge's order is clearly erroneous or contrary to law. The Court will
then reconsider the matter as set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A).
(c) Appeal from Conviction or Sentence. In those cases where an appeal is taken within 14
days from a judgment of conviction or sentence as provided in Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure
58(g)(2)(B), the appealing party shall within 14 days of the filing of the notice of appeal file an
assignment of errors and a brief and argument in support thereof. The opposing party shall have
14 days within which to file a reply brief. The Clerk shall then refer the appeal to a district judge
for decision. The district judge may or may not require oral argument and may affirm, or reverse
and remand to the magistrate judge for a new trial, or reverse and dismiss the prosecution.
(d) Conviction Affirmed. In the event a district judge affirms a judgment of conviction, and
the defendant does not file a notice of appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals within 14 days
of the entry of the order appealed from, the Clerk shall return the case to the magistrate judge for
the entry of an appropriate order putting into effect the judgment of conviction.
(e) Appointment of Counsel. As provided in subsections (b), (c) and (d) of 18 U.S.C. §
3006A, the magistrate judge or a district judge may appoint counsel to assist a defendant with an
appeal to a district judge. No defendant is eligible for appointment of counsel if the charge is a
petty offense and no sentence of imprisonment has been imposed by the magistrate judge or, in
the case of an interlocutory appeal, if the magistrate judge has stated on the record that no sentence
of imprisonment will be imposed in the event of conviction.
(f) Record on Appeal. If the appellant intends to rely on all or a portion of the transcript or
sound recording of the proceeding before the magistrate judge, it shall be his or her responsibility
to provide the district court with a transcript of the relevant evidence or to obtain permission from
the district court, through the Clerk, to use the sound recording in connection with his or her appeal.
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However, the provisions of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 58(g) shall apply if the appellant
establishes his or her indigency. If the appellant files a portion of the transcript of the proceedings
before the magistrate judge, the government may file any other portion of the transcript within the
time allowed for its reply brief or may move the Court for an order requiring the appellant to file
the entire or designated portions of the transcript.
(g) Pro Se Defendant. The requirement for the content of the statement required by Federal
Rule of Criminal Procedure 58(g)(2)(A), the requirement for the filing of briefs as provided in
subsection (b) of this rule, and the requirement for providing the record on appeal as provided in
subsection (f) of this rule may be relaxed by the Court in those cases where a defendant is
proceeding pro se.
(h) Notice to Appellant and Appellee. In the case of a pro se appellant, immediately upon
the filing of an appeal pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 58(g), the Clerk shall mail
a copy of the appellant's statement to the United States Attorney and shall forward a copy to the
magistrate judge.
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IX. DISTRICT COURTS AND CLERKS
LR77.1 Legal Advice by Court Personnel
All court personnel are forbidden from interpreting any rules of procedure or giving any
legal advice. Notice is hereby given to all persons that court personnel assume no responsibility
for misinformation regarding applicable procedural rules, substantive law, or interpretation of the
local rules of the Court.
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LR79.1 Removing Case Files
No case file, or portion of a case file, shall be removed from the Clerk's Office or from the
Court without an order from the Clerk. An individual seeking to remove a file shall first prepare
and submit an appropriate order. An individual may not retain a removed file for more than 7
days, except in extenuating circumstances and with permission of the Court.
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X. GENERAL PROVISIONS
LR 83.1 ELECTRONIC DEVICES
(a) General Prohibition. An individual may not possess an electronic device beyond
the security checkpoints within any of the courthouses of this judicial district, except as
allowed by this rule. For purposes of this rule, "electronic device" means any portable,
electrical-powered device capable of sending or receiving a wireless signal; storing, sending,
or retrieving electronic data; or having computing capability.
(b) Exception for Court Employees, Law Enforcement Agents, Tenants
and Contractors. The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this rule does not
apply to the possession of electronic devices by:
(i) court employees;
(ii) agents employed by federal law enforcement agencies or officers
assigned to or investigating federal criminal offenses upon
presentation of their credentials;
(iii) employees and visiting employees of courthouse tenant agencies;
and
(iv) contractors approved by the General Services Administration.
(c) Exception for Attorneys. An attorney must execute and comply with an
agreement in the form attached hereto as Appendix IV and must submit the
executed agreement to the local United States Marshal’s Office and Court
Security Officers prior to the attorney’s possession and use of any electronic
devices within the courthouse. Once an attorney has executed and
submitted the agreement, an attorney and his or her assistants may bring
electronic devices into the courthouse, and may use such electronic devices
as follows:
(i) Authorized attorneys and their assistants may use electronic devices
in courtrooms provided that each device is operated silently; is not
used for voice communication, photography, or audio or video
recording; and is not used in a manner that will disrupt any
courtroom proceeding. For example, the ringing of a wireless
telephone in a courtroom during court proceedings is considered
disruptive.
(ii) Authorized attorneys and their assistants may use electronic devices
anywhere in the courthouse so long as such use does not disrupt courtroom
or other official proceedings.
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(d) Exception for Jurors. Any seated petit or grand juror may bring electronic
devices into the courthouse during his or her service subject to the following
limitations:
(i) Jurors may only use electronic devices for non-court purposes
during breaks.
(ii) Electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and stored in
designated receptacles when not in use.
(iii) Electronic devices are not allowed in the courtroom.
(e) Photographing; Video and Audio Recording; and Video and Audio
Broadcasting. Individuals, other than court personnel, are prohibited from
using electronic devices while in the courthouse to capture photographs,
record audio or video, or broadcast audio or video recordings, unless
otherwise permitted by order of a United States District, Magistrate or
Bankruptcy Judge.
(f) Enforcement. A violation of this rule will be reported to a judicial officer
for appropriate action or other sanction, including but not limited to the
confiscation of the device, the violator being required to remove the
electronic device from the courthouse, or revocation of the violator's
privilege to bring electronic devices into the courthouse. Violations of any
provision of this rule by an attorney inside a courtroom may result in the
imposition of a fine, revocation of the attorney’s privilege to bring
electronic devices into the courthouse, or other action deemed appropriate
by the judicial officer.
(g) Judicial Discretion. Any presiding judge may modify these procedures or
suspend any person’s privilege granted by this rule at any time for any
reason.
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Agreement
Attorney Name:
Firm Name:
Address:
Telephone No.:
B.P.R. No.:
I agree that my possession of any electronic devices beyond the security checkpoints
within courthouses of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Tennessee will be in strict compliance with the provisions of E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1 and
this Agreement. I further agree that I will not, while on court premises, allow anyone
else to use any electronic device that I bring or cause to be brought into a district
courthouse except in compliance with E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1. I acknowledge that I have
read and understand E.D. Tenn. LR 83.1.
I understand that any violation of this Agreement may result in the loss of my privilege
to bring electronic devices into any district courthouse, fines, or other appropriate
action, including confiscation of the device.
I understand and agree that United States Deputy Marshals and Court Security Officers
may enforce this Agreement, E.D. Tenn. LR 83. 1 and any other applicable rules and
orders of the Court governing use of electronic devices and may confiscate the device if
they, in their discretion, determine that: (1) there has been a violation of this Agreement,
the foregoing rules, or any other applicable rules and orders of the Court governing
use of electronic devices; or (2) use of the electronic device could pose a threat to
courthouse security.
I understand and agree that the Court may terminate this Agreement and my use of
electronic devices under this Agreement without notice for any reason and in its sole
discretion.
I will provide the United States Marshal's Office and Court Security Officers with a
signed copy of this Agreement prior to my initial use of any electronic device pursuant
to E.D. Tenn. L.R. 83.1.
Attorney Signature
Copies of the foregoing agreement are available on the Court's website and from the
United States Marshal's Office and Court Security Officers.
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LR83.2 Public Statements by Attorneys
(a) Civil Proceedings. No lawyer or law firm associated with a civil action shall, during its
investigation or litigation, make or participate in making an extrajudicial statement, other than a
quotation from or reference to public records, which a reasonable person would expect to be
disseminated by means of public communication if there is a substantial likelihood that such
dissemination will materially prejudice the proceeding and if such dissemination relates to:
(1) evidence regarding the occurrence or transaction involved;
(2) the character, credibility, or criminal record of a party, witness, or prospective
witness;
(3) the performance or results of any examinations or tests or the refusal or failure of a
party to submit to such;
(4) the attorney's opinion as to the merits of the claims or defenses of a party, except
as required by law or administrative rule; and
(5) any other matter reasonably likely to interfere with a fair trial of the action.
(b) Criminal Proceedings
(1) General Statement. In connection with pending or imminent criminal litigation
with which an attorney or a law firm is associated, it is the duty of the attorney or law firm not to
release or authorize the release of information or opinion which a reasonable person would expect
to be disseminated by means of public communication, if there is a substantial likelihood that such
dissemination will materially prejudice the proceeding or otherwise prejudice the due
administration of justice.
(2) Information Regarding Grand Jury Proceedings. With respect to a grand jury
or other pending investigation of any criminal matter, a lawyer participating in the investigation
shall refrain from making any extrajudicial statement, for dissemination by any means of public
communication, that goes beyond the public record or that is not necessary to inform the public
that the investigation is under way, to describe the general scope of the investigation, to obtain
assistance in the apprehension of a suspect, to warn the public of any dangers, or otherwise to aid
in the investigation.
(3) Information Regarding Initiation of Prosecution. From the time of arrest,
issuance of an arrest warrant or the filing of a complaint, information or indictment in any criminal
matter until the commencement of trial or disposition without trial, no lawyer associated with the
prosecution or defense shall release or authorize the release of any extrajudicial statement, for
dissemination by any means of public communication, relating to that matter and concerning:
(a) the prior criminal record, including arrest, indictments, or other charges of
crime, or the character or reputation of the accused, except that the lawyer
may make a factual statement of the accused’s name, age, residence,
occupation, and family status, and if the accused has not been apprehended,
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a lawyer associated with the prosecution may release any information
necessary to aid in apprehension of the accused or to warn the public of any
dangers he or she may present;
(b) the existence of or contents of any confession, admission, or statement given
by the accused, or the refusal or failure of the accused to make any
statement;
(c) the performance of any examinations or tests or the accused’s refusal or
failure to submit to an examination or test;
(d) the identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses, except that
the lawyer may announce the identity of the victim if the announcement is
not otherwise prohibited by law;
(e) the possibility of a plea of guilty to the offense charged or a lesser offense;
or
(f) any opinion as to the accused’s guilt or innocence or as to the merits of the
case or the evidence in the case.
The foregoing shall not be construed to preclude the lawyer during this period, in the proper
discharge of his or her official or professional obligations, from announcing the facts and
circumstances of arrest (including time and place of arrest, resistance, pursuit, and use of weapons),
the identity of the investigating and arresting officer or agency, and the length of the investigation;
from making an announcement at the time of seizure of any physical evidence other than a
confession, admission or statement, which is limited to a description of the evidence seized; from
disclosing the nature, substance, or text of the charge, including a brief description of the offense
charges; from quoting or referring without comment to public records of the Court in the case;
from announcing the scheduling or result of any stage in the judicial process; from requesting
assistance in obtaining evidence; or from announcing without further comment that the accused
denies the charges made against him or her.
(4) Information During the Trial. During the trial of any criminal matter, including
the period of selection of the jury, no lawyer associated with the prosecution or defense shall give
or authorize any extrajudicial statement or interview, relating to the trial or the parties or issues in
the trial, which a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means of public
communication, if there is a substantial likelihood that such dissemination will materially prejudice
the proceeding. A lawyer is permitted to quote from or refer without comment to public records
of the Court in the case.
(5) Information After Completion of a Trial and Prior to Imposition of Sentence.
After the completion of a trial or disposition without trial of any criminal matter, and prior to the
imposition of sentence, a lawyer associated with the prosecution or defense shall refrain from
making or authorizing any extrajudicial statement for dissemination by any means of public
communication if there is a substantial likelihood that such dissemination will materially prejudice
the proceeding.
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(6) Disclosure of Information by Courthouse Personnel. All court personnel,
including, among others, marshals, deputy marshals, court clerks, bailiffs, and court reporters, are
prohibited from disclosing to any person, without authorization by the Court, information relating
to a pending grand jury proceeding or criminal case that is not part of the public records of the
Court. The divulgence of information concerning grand jury proceedings, in camera arguments,
and hearings held in chambers or otherwise outside the presence of the public is likewise forbidden.
(c) Provisions for Special Orders in Widely Publicized or Sensational Civil and Criminal
Cases. In a widely publicized or sensational civil or criminal case, the Court, on motion of either
party or its own motion, may issue a special order governing such matters as extrajudicial
statements by parties and witnesses; the seating and conduct in the courtroom of spectators and
news media representatives; the management and sequestration of jurors and witnesses; and any
other matters which the Court may deem appropriate for inclusion in such an order.
(d) Exceptions to This Rule. Nothing in this rule is intended (1) to preclude the formation or
application of more restrictive rules relating to the release of information about juvenile or other
offenders; (2) to preclude the holding of hearings or the lawful issuance of reports by legislative,
administrative, or investigative bodies; or (3) to preclude any lawyer from replying to charges of
misconduct that are publicly made against him or her.
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LR83.3 Courtroom Decorum
The following rules shall govern courtroom decorum:
(a) Counsel, parties, witnesses, and jurors shall be prompt.
(b) Counsel shall rise when addressing the Court or making objections.
(c) Except when making objections, counsel shall conduct the trial from the lectern.
(d) Oral confrontation and argument between opposing counsel is prohibited.
(e) No person shall, by facial expression or other conduct, exhibit any opinion
concerning any testimony which is being given by a witness.
(f) During trial, counsel shall not exhibit any familiarity with any witness, juror, or
opposing counsel. The use of first names should be avoided.
(g) During argument to the jury, no juror shall be addressed individually.
(h) Except during the course of the trial, no counsel or party shall communicate or
converse with a juror on any subject.
(i) Suggestions by counsel regarding the comfort or convenience of the jury, or
propositions to dispense with argument or peremptory challenges, shall be made to
the Court out of the hearing of the jury.
(j) Any request to have the reporter read back testimony shall be addressed to the
Court.
(k) Counsel shall endeavor to protect the private or personal information of jurors and
witnesses, such as the identification of minors, financial account information, home
addresses, and social security numbers, to the extent practicable.
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LR83.4 Appearance and Withdrawal of Counsel
(a) Representation. No attorney shall become an attorney of record in any case or
proceeding in this Court unless personally retained by the litigant or client, or associated
by counsel personally retained by the litigant or client.
(b) Filing of Pleadings; Effect. The filing of any pleading shall, unless otherwise
specified, constitute an appearance by the person who signed the pleading. Any such
appearance shall include a current address, telephone number and Board of Professional
Responsibility number. Counsel may file a formal notice of appearance, but it shall not be
necessary to do so.
(c) Representation Pro Se after Appearance by Counsel. Whenever a party has
appeared by attorney, that party may not thereafter appear or act in his or her own behalf
in the action or proceeding, unless an order of substitution shall first have been made by
the Court, after notice by the party to the attorney and to the opposing party. However, the
Court may, in its discretion, hear a party in open court, notwithstanding the fact that the party
is represented by an attorney.
(d) Substitution of Counsel. When an attorney dies, or is removed or suspended, or ceases to
act as attorney in any action or proceeding, the party for whom the attorney was acting must, before
any further proceedings are had in the action on his or her behalf, obtain the services of another
attorney or appear in person, unless excepted by subsection (f) of this rule.
(e) No Withdrawal Without Leave of Court. Except as provided in subsection (f), no
attorney shall withdraw from representation in any pending action or proceeding, either civil or
criminal, except by leave of the Court as prescribed in subsection (g) of this rule.
(f) Withdrawal Upon Notice to the Court. Where a party is represented by multiple counsel
of record, an attorney may withdraw, provided the party is still being represented by another
attorney of record, upon the filing of a notice of withdrawal.
(g) Withdrawal as Attorney of Record. An attorney who seeks to have his or her name
removed as counsel of record shall file a motion so requesting. The Court may refuse to allow an
attorney to withdraw if doing such will delay the trial or for other good reason. If the client is a
corporation or other artificial person or legal entity created by statute that may only appear in court
through counsel, the Court, absent extraordinary circumstances, shall not allow the attorney to
withdraw until the client has obtained substitute counsel.
To withdraw from a case, an attorney must do the following:
(1) File a motion with the Court requesting permission to withdraw as counsel of
record;
(2) Include in the motion the current mailing address and telephone number of the
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client;
(3) Unless the motion is signed by both the attorney and the client or a consent to the
withdrawal signed by the client is attached to the motion, provide a copy of the
motion to the client at least 14 days prior to the date the motion is filed;
(4) If a hearing date on the motion is set, certify in writing to the Court that the client
was served at least 7 days before the hearing with notice (i) of the date, time and
place of the hearing and (ii) that the client has a right to appear and be heard on
the motion; and
(5) Certify to the Court that the above requirements have been met.
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LR83.5 Bar Admission
(a) Admission to Practice Generally
(1) Qualifications. Only attorneys who are currently admitted to practice in the
highest court of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and who appear to the
Court to be of good moral and professional character may be admitted as members of the
bar of this Court. Admission will be based (to the extent applicable) upon standards
contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the Supreme Court of
Tennessee. However, this Court will not be bound by any decision of the Tennessee
courts, the Board of Professional Responsibility, or the committee, regarding an applicant
for admission or reinstatement before this Court.
(2) Application. Each applicant shall submit to the Clerk an executed copy of the
application approved by the Court and furnished by the Clerk containing the applicant's
personal statement; the statement of two sponsors endorsing the correctness of the
applicant's statement, stating that the applicant possesses all the qualifications required for
admission and affirming that the applicant is of good moral and professional character; and
an executed oath. The sponsors must be members of the bar of this Court and must
personally know, but not be related to, the applicant. Each applicant shall pay a
nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 in addition to the fee set by the Judicial
Conference of the United States within thirty days of the request for payment. Failure to
pay the fee will result in summary denial of the application.
(3) Processing of Applications. All applications for admission to practice in this
Court shall be transmitted by the Clerk to a Standing Committee on Admissions, which
shall be composed of members of the Tennessee bar, although not necessarily members
from a local bar association. The committee shall review the qualifications of the
applicants and make a recommendation to the Court as to whether the applicant should be
granted admission to practice before this Court.
(A) Admission Recommended. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court,
applicants recommended for admission by the Committee shall be
admitted on motion of a member of the federal bar in open court or in
chambers. The Clerk will provide a successful applicant with a certificate
of admission.
(B) Admission Not Recommended. When the standing committee does
not recommend granting admission to an applicant, the Committee must
submit to the Court a written report detailing the reasons for the
Committee’s recommendation. The Court shall forward the Committee’s
report to the applicant or shall otherwise provide notice to the applicant of
the Committee’s recommendation of denial and the reasons therefor. The
applicant shall have fourteen (14) days to respond in writing and state why
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the Court should not adopt the Committee’s recommendation, and may
request a hearing on the matter. After an applicant is provided an
opportunity to respond, the Court will enter an Order on the matter stating
whether the attorney’s application for admission will be granted or denied
and the reasons therefor.
(4) Hearings. At the discretion of the Court, the Court may order an appropriate
hearing regarding any applicant for admission or reinstatement. The Court may schedule
a hearing following the Committee's recommendation.
(5) Oath. The attorney shall submit with the application an oath or affirmation as
prescribed by Rule 5 of the Supreme Court of the United States. If the attorney fails to
submit the oath or affirmation as herein directed, the attorneys’ application shall be
deemed withdrawn.
(6) Effect. This admission shall entitle an attorney to practice in this Court for as
long as he or she remains in good standing in this Court and is entitled to practice in the
court of the state, territory, or District of Columbia identified on the attorney’s
application for admission.
(b) Admission Pro Hac Vice
(1) Admission Pro Hac Vice
(A) An attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest
court of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia and who is admitted and entitled to
practice in another United States District Court may, upon motion, be permitted to
practice pro hac vice in a particular case before this Court. This rule does not apply to
attorneys who reside and/or who are regularly employed within the geographic confines
of the Eastern District of Tennessee.
(B) An applicant must submit with his or her motion for admission pro hac
vice a certificate of good standing from the other United States District Court where the
attorney is admitted and entitled to practice. The certificates must be no more than 30
days old and should be filled with the motion for admission pro hac vice.
(C) Applicants must pay a fee of $150.00 upon filing a motion for admission
pro hac vice unless the applicant has an application for admission pending under LR
83.5(a), in which case, the applicant may be admitted pro hac vice upon proper motion
without payment of a fee, provided the applicant files an affidavit of their application for
admission to the Bar of this Court.
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(D) If an applicant’s motion for admission pro hac vice is not filed
contemporaneously with the first pleading, the motion must be filed and granted before
the attorney proceeds further in the case.
(c) Special Admission for Certain Attorneys. Attorneys who are members in good
standing of the bar of the highest court of a state or any other district court, and are employed by
the United States Government or Federal Defender Services as an attorney, may appear in
particular cases without either an application for admission as set forth in LR 83.5(a)(2), or the
filing of a motion to practice pro hac vice as set forth in LR 83.5(b)(1).
(d) Duty to Report. Attorneys admitted to practice generally, specially, or pro hac vice in
this Court under this rule shall report to the Clerk, in writing, within seven days of the initiation
of disciplinary action against the attorney by the state in which he or she is a member, or by any
court of record. Failure to make such a report within the allotted time will subject the attorney to
disciplinary action in this Court.
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LR83.6 Rules of Professional Conduct
The minimum standards of professional conduct before this Court include the Rules of
Professional Conduct adopted by the Supreme Court of Tennessee insofar as they relate to matters
within the jurisdiction of this Court. Such rules are not exhaustive of the ethical standards the
Court expects attorneys to meet. The Court has the obligation and responsibility to interpret and
apply the RPC and other rules and standards of conduct without being bound by the decisions of
Tennessee courts, other courts, or agencies.
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LR83.7 Attorney Discipline
(a) Conduct Subject to Discipline. The Court may impose discipline on any member of its
bar who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted by the Supreme Court of
Tennessee, or has engaged in unethical conduct tending to bring the Court or the bar into disrepute.
The Court may also discipline any member who has been suspended or disbarred from the practice
of law by the state in which he or she is a member, or by any court of record. Discipline which
may be imposed includes disbarment, suspension, reprimand, or such other further disciplinary
action as the Court may deem appropriate and just. Nothing in this rule shall be construed as
limiting in any way the exercise by the Court of its inherent contempt power or its authority to
impose other sanctions provided under federal law and the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal
Procedure.
(b) Initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings. Formal disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated
by the issuance of an order to show cause signed by the Chief Judge. An order to show cause may
be issued by the Chief Judge on his or her own initiative or upon a complaint filed by any counsel
of record or party to an action in this Court. When such order is issued on the Court's initiative,
no separate complaint need be filed. All complaints relating to disciplinary matters under this rule
shall be filed under seal with the Clerk. All records pertaining to attorney disciplinary proceedings,
except with respect to reinstatement proceedings, shall be confidential and kept under seal in the
Clerk's Office unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
All complaints of attorney misconduct shall include:
(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the complainant;
(2) The specific facts that require discipline, including the date, place and nature of the
alleged misconduct, and the names of all persons and witnesses involved;
(3) Copies of all available documents or other evidence that support the factual
allegations, including a copy of any rule or order of the Court that is alleged to have
been violated; and
(4) At the end of the complaint, a statement signed by the complainant under penalty
of perjury that the complainant has read the complaint and the factual allegations
contained therein are correct to the best of the complainant's knowledge.
(c) Initial Action on the Complaint. Upon filing, the complaint shall be sent to the Chief
Judge for initial review.
(1) If the Chief Judge determines that the complaint on its face or after investigation is
without merit or does not warrant action by the Court, the complaint shall be
dismissed by order of the Chief Judge.
(2) If following review it is determined that reasonable grounds exist for further
investigation, the Chief Judge may order such investigation or may issue an order
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to show cause if the complaint appears to be meritorious. A copy of the order to
show cause, the complaint, and accompanying documents shall be served on the
member who is the subject of the complaint. The member shall also receive a copy
of this rule and a written statement that the member shall have 21 days from the
date of entry of the order to show cause in which to respond.
(3) Alternatively, the Chief Judge may refer the matter to a state disciplinary board for
such action as it determines is appropriate.
(4) Once a disciplinary action is initiated and while such action is pending, no
certificate of good standing shall be issued to the attorney until the matter is
resolved.
(5) In exceptional circumstances and upon receipt of sufficient evidence demonstrating
that an attorney poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public or the
administration of justice, the Chief Judge may place the attorney on interim
suspension or impose other restrictions on the attorney’s rights to practice in this
Court pending a final determination in any proceeding under this Rule.
(d) Attorneys Convicted of Crimes.
(1) Upon the filing with this Court of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction
demonstrating that any attorney admitted to practice before the Court has been
convicted in any court of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or of any
state, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States of a serious crime
as hereinafter defined, the Chief Judge shall enter an order immediately suspending
the attorney, whether the conviction resulted from a plea of guilty, or nolo
contendere or from a verdict after trial or otherwise, regardless of the pendency of
any appeal, until final disposition of a disciplinary proceeding to be commenced
upon such conviction. A copy of such order shall immediately be served upon the
attorney. Upon good cause shown, the Chief Judge may set aside the suspension
when it appears in the interest of justice to do so.
(2) The term “serious crime” includes any felony and any lesser crime a necessary
element of which, as determined by the statutory or common law definition of such
crime in the jurisdiction where the judgment was entered, involves false swearing,
misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file income tax returns, deceit, bribery,
extortion, misappropriation, theft, or an attempt or a conspiracy or solicitation of
another to commit a “serious crime.”
(3) A certified copy of a judgment of conviction of an attorney for any crime shall be
conclusive evidence of the commission of that crime in any disciplinary proceeding
instituted against that attorney based upon the conviction.
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(4) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction of an attorney for a
serious crime, the Chief Judge shall, in addition to suspending that attorney in
accordance with the provisions of this Rule, institute a disciplinary proceeding in
which the sole issue to be determined shall be the extent of the final discipline to
be imposed as a result of the conduct resulting in the conviction, provided that a
disciplinary proceeding so instituted will not be brought to final hearing until all
direct appeals from the conviction are concluded.
(5) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction of any attorney for
a crime not constituting a “serious crime,” the Chief Judge may consider whatever
action is warranted, including the institution of a disciplinary proceeding; provided,
however, that the Chief Judge may make no reference with respect to convictions
for minor offenses.
(6) An attorney suspended under the provisions of this Rule will be reinstated
immediately upon the filing of a certificate demonstrating that the underlying
conviction has been reversed, but the reinstatement will not terminate any
disciplinary proceeding then pending against the attorney based on the conduct that
resulted in the conviction.
(e) Response. A member against whom an order to show cause is issued shall have 21 days
from the date of the entry of the order in which to file a response. The response shall be filed,
under seal, with the Clerk, and shall contain the following:
(1) The name, address and telephone number of the respondent.
(2) A specific admission or denial of each of the factual allegations contained in the
complaint and order to show cause and, in addition, a specific statement of any facts
on which respondent relies, including all other material dates, places, persons and
conduct relevant to the allegations of the order.
(3) All documents or other supporting evidence not previously filed with the complaint
or order that are relevant to the charges of alleged misconduct.
(4) A specific request for a hearing or a statement specifically declining a hearing.
(5) A statement signed by the respondent under penalty of perjury indicating that the
respondent has read the response and that, to the best of respondent's knowledge,
the facts alleged therein are correct.
(f) Summary Dismissal. If the response discloses that the complaint is without merit, it may
be dismissed by the Chief Judge.
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(g) Conformity with State Discipline. When the respondent has been disbarred or suspended
from the practice of law by a state in which the member practices, and the respondent admits the
action complained of, or does not respond to the order to show cause, the Chief Judge may enter a
final order of the Court imposing similar discipline.
(h) Judicial Officer. Upon filing of the response, the Chief Judge may appoint a judge or
other judicial officer from within the Eastern District of Tennessee to investigate the allegations
of the complaint and the response. The judicial officer shall review all sealed documents related
to the disciplinary charges, conduct hearings if necessary, and issue a written recommendation.
(i) Hearings on Disciplinary Charges. A disciplinary hearing shall be held when the
member under investigation has requested such a hearing in a timely response or when the judge
or the judicial officer has determined that such a hearing is necessary for the proper disposition of
the charges.
(1) Hearing Procedures. When it has been determined that a hearing is necessary, the
judicial officer shall provide the member with written notice of the hearing a
minimum of 21 days before its scheduled date. The notice shall contain the date
and location of the hearing and a statement that the member is entitled to be
represented by counsel, to present witnesses and other evidence, and to confront
and cross-examine adverse witnesses.
(2) Conduct of the Hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by the judicial officer,
who shall have the authority to resolve all disputes on matters of procedure and
evidence which arise during the course of the hearing. All witnesses shall testify
under penalty of perjury. Such hearings, at the discretion of the judicial officer,
shall be confidential and shall be recorded. The record of the hearing shall be kept
on file in the Clerk's Office, under seal.
(3) Rights of the Complainant and the Respondent. During the hearing, the
respondent shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, to present witnesses and
other evidence, and to confront and cross-examine any adverse witnesses. The
judicial officer may permit the complainant to participate in the proceedings
through counsel.
(4) Burden of Proof. The respondent's violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct
or rule or orders of the Court or the respondent’s engagement in unethical conduct
tending to bring the Court or the bar into disrepute shall be proven by clear and
convincing evidence. A certified copy of a final order of disbarment or judgment
of conviction for a criminal offense, entered in any state or federal court, shall be
considered clear and convincing evidence.
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(5) Failure to Appear. The failure of the respondent to appear at the hearing shall
itself be grounds for discipline under Subsection (a) of this rule.
(j) Recommendation. The judicial officer shall prepare a written recommendation which
shall include a proposed disposition of the disciplinary charges.
(1) Filing of the Recommendation. The recommendation shall be filed, under seal,
in the Clerk's Office and copies distributed to the Court and the respondent.
(2) Exceptions to the Recommendation. The respondent shall have 14 days from the
date of service of the recommendation in which to file with the Clerk a written
response to the recommendation. The response shall not exceed 25 typewritten
pages and shall state concisely any inaccuracies, errors or omissions which warrant
a disposition other than that recommended.
(k) Final Action on the Recommendation. Within 30 days of the filing of any exceptions to
the recommendation, the Court shall enter a final order of disposition. Notice of the final order
shall be sent to the respondent and the complainant. Any attorney who is disciplined pursuant to
this Rule may be directed by the Court to pay all or part of the fees and expenses incurred by the
Court and/or by any counsel appointed by the Court to investigate allegations of misconduct and/or
to prosecute or defend the disciplinary proceedings.
(l) Reinstatement. Reinstatement shall be had only upon a petition by the disciplined
member. A former member who has been suspended or disbarred from the practice of law by this
Court because of suspension or disbarment in another court of record may, upon reinstatement to
the other court, file a petition for reinstatement to this Court. Each petitioner shall pay an
application fee to the Clerk which is not refundable. The petition shall be filed with the Clerk and
shall contain a concise statement of the circumstances of the disciplinary proceedings, the
discipline imposed, and the grounds that justify reinstatement. The petition shall be signed by the
petitioner under penalty of perjury stating that he or she has read the petition and that the factual
allegations contained therein are correct to the best of the petitioner's knowledge. The petitioner
has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that he or she has the requisite good
moral character, ethical standards, professional competence, and learning in the law necessary to
serve as an officer of the Court and to be readmitted to the practice of law.
(1) A petitioner who has been suspended for a definite term may be automatically
reinstated at the end of the period of suspension upon filing the petition for
reinstatement accompanied by an affidavit showing compliance with the provisions
of the order of suspension.
(2) Reinstatement of disbarred or indefinitely suspended lawyers shall not be
automatic. Reinstatement of these disciplined members shall be had only upon a
petition for good cause shown. Upon the filing of such a petition, the Court shall
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review it to determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence that the
petitioner meets the qualifications for reinstatement. The Court in its discretion
may order such investigation as it deems necessary and may order that a public
hearing be conducted regarding any petition.
(3) If a petition is denied after an investigation or hearing, the Court may assess the
costs of the proceedings against the petitioner.
(4) No petitions for reinstatement under this rule shall be filed within one year
following an adverse determination upon a prior petition filed by the same
petitioner.
(m) Appointment of Counsel. The Chief Judge may appoint counsel pursuant to this Rule to
investigate allegations of misconduct, to prosecute disciplinary proceedings, to respond to the
respondent-attorney’s filings, and/or to represent the Court in any appeal. Whenever counsel is
appointed pursuant to this Rule, the Court shall appoint as counsel one or more members of the
Bar of this Court, provided, however, that the respondent-attorney may move to disqualify a lawyer
so appointed who is or has been engaged as an adversary of the respondent-lawyer in any matter.
Counsel, once appointed, may not resign unless permission to do so is given by this Court. Counsel
so appointed is authorized to engage investigators and/or experts at Court expense to assist counsel
in the performance of counsel’s duties.
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LR83.9 Sentencing Proceedings
(a) Scheduling. Sentencing proceedings shall be scheduled by the district judge no earlier
than 65 days following entry of a guilty plea or a verdict of guilty.
(b) Disclosure of Report. Not less than 35 days prior to the date set for sentencing, the
probation officer shall file the Presentence Investigation Report (“Report”) with the Court.
(c) Objections to Report. Within 14 days after the Report is filed with the Court, the parties
shall file with the Court any objections they may have as to any material information, sentencing
classification, sentencing guideline ranges, and policy statements contained in or omitted from the
Report, which shall be entitled “Objections of (Defendant) (Government) to the Presentence
Investigation Report.” A party having no objections to the Report shall file with the Court a
“Notice of No Objections to the Presentence Investigation Report” within 14 days after the Report
is filed with the Court.
(d) Revisions. After receiving counsel's objections or statement of no objections, the
probation officer shall conduct any further investigation and make any revisions to the Report that
may be necessary. The probation officer may require counsel for both parties to meet with the
officer to discuss unresolved factual and legal issues.
(e) Submission of Report. Within at least 7 days before the sentencing hearing, the probation
officer shall file with the Court an addendum containing, with respect to each party, a statement of
any unresolved objections, the grounds for those objections, and the probation officer’s comments
on them, or a statement that no objections were made by that party. To the extent that the Report
was revised after the filing of the Report pursuant to paragraph (b), then the probation officer shall
file, along with the addendum, a revised Report. The probation officer shall certify that the
contents of the Report, including any revisions thereof, have been disclosed to the defendant and
the government, that the content of the addendum has been communicated to counsel, and that the
addendum fairly states any remaining objections.
(f) New Objections; Resolving Disputes. Except with regard to any objections made under
paragraph (c) that have not been resolved, the Report may be accepted by the Court as accurate.
In resolving disputed issues of fact, the Court may consider any reliable information presented by
the defendant or the government.
(g) Modifying Deadlines. The times set forth in this rule may be modified by the Court for
good cause shown, except that the 14 day period set forth in subsection 83.9(c) may be diminished
only with the consent of the defendant and the government.
(h) Limits of Disclosure. Nothing in this rule requires the disclosure of any portions of the
Report that are not disclosable under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.
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(i) Filings with the Court. Filings with the Court by the probation officer and the parties
shall be through the Court's Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system unless a
party is proceeding pro se or an attorney has been excused from electronic filing, in which case
filings shall be made manually with the Clerk's Office. Service of filings upon defense counsel
shall constitute disclosure to the defendant pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.
(j) Motions for Departure or Variance from Guidelines. The government shall file all
motions for a departure under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e) or section 5K1.1 of the UNITED STATES
SENTENCING GUIDELINES or for a sentence below a statutory mandatory minimum at least 7
days before the sentencing hearing. Defendants seeking a downward departure must also in
writing notify the Court and the government of any request for a downward departure or variance,
and the grounds therefor, at least 14 days before a sentencing hearing. All other sentencing
motions and sentencing memoranda must be filed at least 14 days before a sentencing hearing.
Failure to timely comply with this rule may result in a denial of a request for a departure or
variance.
(k) Plea Agreements and Plea Agreement Supplements. The following procedures govern
the filing of plea agreements:
1. Plea agreements will not be sealed on the grounds that the defendant is cooperating
with the Government.
2. Information pertaining to cooperation shall not be set forth in the Plea Agreement.
3. A separate document entitled “Plea Agreement Supplement” must be filed with
every Plea Agreement.
4. Information pertaining to cooperation will be set forth in the Plea Agreement
Supplement. Otherwise, a statement that the defendant is not cooperating will be
set forth in the Plea Agreement Supplement.
5. The Plea Agreement and Plea Agreement Supplement must be filed either prior to
the change of plea hearing or at the time of the change of plea hearing, depending
upon the preference of the presiding judge.
6. The plea agreement supplement will be filed under seal without the necessity of a
motion or Court order. The plea agreement supplement will be maintained under
seal pending further order of the Court.
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LR83.10 Mandatory and Standard Conditions
(a) The following mandatory conditions shall be included if applicable when terms of
supervised release are imposed by this Court in a criminal case:
(1) The defendant must not commit another federal, state or local crime;
(2) The defendant must not unlawfully possess a controlled substance;
(3) The defendant must refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance.
The defendant must submit to one drug test within 15 days of release from
imprisonment and at least two periodic drug tests thereafter, as determined
by the Court. This drug testing condition may be suspended, based on the
Court's determination that the defendant poses a low risk of future substance
abuse;
(4) The defendant must make restitution in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §§ 3663
and 3663A or any other statute authorizing a sentence of restitution;
(5) The defendant must cooperate in the collection of DNA as directed by the
probation officer;
(6) The defendant must comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act (42 U.S.C. § 16901, et seq.) as directed
by the probation officer, the Bureau of Prisons, or any state sex offender
registration agency in which the defendant resides, works, is a student, or
was convicted of a qualifying offense;
(7) The defendant must participate in an approved program for domestic
violence;
(8) The defendant must not own, possess, or have access to a firearm,
ammunition, destructive device, or dangerous weapon (i.e., anything that
was designed, or was modified for, the specific purpose of causing bodily
injury or death to another person such as nunchakus or tasers).
(b) The following mandatory conditions shall be included if applicable when terms of
probation are imposed by this Court in a criminal case:
(1) The defendant must not commit another federal, state or local crime;
(2) The defendant must not unlawfully possess a controlled substance;
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(3) The defendant must refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance.
The defendant must submit to one drug test within 15 days of release from
imprisonment and at least two periodic drug tests thereafter, as determined
by the Court. This drug testing condition may be suspended, based on the
Court's determination that the defendant poses a low risk of future substance
abuse;
(4) The defendant must cooperate in the collection of DNA as directed by the
probation officer;
(5) The defendant must comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act (42 U.S.C. § 16901, et seq.) as directed
by the probation officer, the Bureau of Prisons, or any state sex offender
registration agency in which the defendant resides, works, is a student, or
was convicted of a qualifying offense;
(6) The defendant must participate in an approved program for domestic
violence;
(7) The defendant must make restitution in accordance with 18 U.S.C. §§ 2248,
2259, 2264, 2327, 3663, 366A, and 3664;
(8) The defendant must pay the assessment imposed in accordance with 18
U.S.C. § 3013;
(9) If this judgment imposes a fine, the defendant must pay in accordance with
the Schedule of Payments sheet of this judgment;
(10) The defendant must notify the court of any material change in the
defendant’s economic circumstances that might affect the defendant’s
ability to pay restitution, fines, or special assessments;
(11) The defendant must not own, possess, or have access to a firearm,
ammunition, destructive device, or dangerous weapon (i.e., anything that
was designed, or was modified for, the specific purpose of causing bodily
injury or death to another person such as nunchakus or tasers).
(c) The following standard conditions shall be included when terms of supervised
release or probation are imposed by this Court in a criminal case:
(1) The defendant must report to the probation office in the federal judicial district
where the defendant is authorized to reside within 72 hours of release from
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imprisonment, unless the probation officer instructs the defendant to report to a
different probation office or within a different time frame;
(2) After initially reporting to the probation office, the defendant will receive
instructions from the Court or the probation officer about how and when the
defendant must report to the probation officer, and the defendant must report to the
probation officer as instructed;
(3) The defendant must not knowingly leave the federal judicial district where the
defendant is authorized to reside without first getting permission from the Court or
the probation officer;
(4) The defendant must answer truthfully the questions asked by the defendant’s
probation officer;
(5) The defendant must live at a place approved by the probation officer. If the
defendant plans to change where the defendant lives or anything about the
defendant’s living arrangements (such as the people the defendant lives with), the
defendant must notify the probation officer at least 10 days before the change. If
notifying the probation officer in advance is not possible due to unanticipated
circumstances, the defendant must notify the probation officer within 72 hours of
becoming aware of a change or expected change;
(6) The defendant must allow the probation officer to visit the defendant at any time at
the defendant’s home or elsewhere, and the defendant must permit the probation
officer to take any items prohibited by the conditions of the defendant’s supervision
that the probation officer observes in plain view;
(7) The defendant must work full time (at least 30 hours per week) at a lawful type of
employment, unless the probation officer excuses the defendant from doing so. If
the defendant does not have full-time employment, the defendant must try to find
full-time employment, unless the probation officer excuses the defendant from
doing so. If the defendant plans to change where the defendant works or anything
about the defendant’s work (such as the defendant’s position or job
responsibilities), the defendant must notify the probation officer at least 10 days
before the change. If notifying the probation officer at least 10 days in advance is
not possible due to unanticipated circumstances, the defendant must notify the
probation officer within 72 hours of becoming aware of a change or expected
change;
(8) The defendant must not communicate or interact with someone the defendant
knows is engaged in criminal activity. If the defendant knows someone has been
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convicted of a felony, the defendant must not knowingly communicate or interact
with that person without first getting the permission of the probation officer;
(9) If the defendant is arrested or questioned by a law enforcement officer, the
defendant must notify the probation officer within 72 hours;
(10) The defendant must not act or make any agreement with a law enforcement agency
to act as a confidential human source or informant without first getting the
permission of the Court;
(11) If the probation officer determines that the defendant poses a risk to another person
(including an organization), the probation officer may require the defendant to
notify the person about the risk and the defendant must comply with that
instruction. The probation officer may contact the person and confirm that the
defendant has notified the person about the risk;
(12) The defendant must follow the instructions of the probation officer related
to the conditions of supervision.
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LR83.11 Real Property Bonds in Criminal Cases
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3142(c)(1)(B)(xi) and Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 46(d),
the following procedures shall govern the making of bonds by real property in this district:
1. The defendant must present to the judicial officer a legally sufficient deed of trust
for the real property in question which has been duly executed by all owners of the
property and which has been properly recorded with the register of deeds in the
county where the property is located.
2. The Clerk or the Clerk's deputy shall be named as the trustee in the deed of trust
and the United States of America shall be named as beneficiary of the trust.
3. The deed of trust shall contain, inter alia, a recitation of the amount of money bail
which it secures and a statement in boldface type as follows: "THIS
INSTRUMENT IS EXECUTED FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECURING AND
MAKING CERTAIN THE PAYMENT OF SAID BOND AND ANY AND ALL
RENEWALS OR INCREASES THEREOF."
4. The deed of trust will not be released automatically upon any exoneration of the
obligors. The Clerk is authorized to execute a release on behalf of the Court after
proper application to him or her is made and he or she is satisfied that the obligor(s)
should be released from further obligation. Application shall be made by way of a
proposed agreed order or written stipulation signed by defendant's attorney, or
defendant if pro se, and the cognizant assistant United States Attorney.
5. Every surety attempting to make a property bond shall justify by affidavit
completed on the reverse side of the appearance bond form (AO98) 3 and setting
forth in that affidavit the following:
(a) A brief description of the real property which is described in the deed of
trust (need not be the complete legal description);
(b) Who the owner(s) of the property is(are);
(c) All encumbrances or debts, if any, against that property whether of record
or not which are not set forth in the aforementioned deed of trust or stating
that there are none;
(d) The number and amount of other bonds and undertakings for bail entered
into by the surety and remaining undischarged or stating that there are none
if there are none;
(e) A statement of the surety's opinion of the present market value of the real
property and a statement of the surety's net worth (this may be stated in the
form: "at least $ ");
3
Or by suitable attachment thereto.
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(f) A statement as follows: "This instrument and the associated deed of trust
are executed for the purpose of securing the bond set forth on the first page
of this form."
6. A judicial officer or the Clerk may take the acknowledgments on the front and back
of the appearance bond but the "approved" blank shall only be signed by a judge or
magistrate judge when the bond is, in fact, approved.
7. The aforementioned appearance bond form (AO98) shall be signed on the front
page by the defendant and, in addition, by any person(s) signing as sureties. Their
addresses shall be printed legibly or typed. It shall be completed on the reverse
page as indicated in paragraph 5 above.
8. The surety shall also present the judicial officer with sufficient written evidence of
the present fair market value of the real property, e.g., by a statement from the
county's tax assessor regarding the value of the property for tax purposes or an
appraisal from a competent, independent appraiser.
9. In addition to a recorded deed of trust in the form stated above, an executed
appearance bond (AO98) in the form stated above and written evidence of the
value of the property, the judicial officer shall also be presented with a title letter
from a licensed attorney setting forth the results of that attorney's examination of
the record title.
10. No bond shall be approved unless the surety thereon appears to be qualified. The
judicial officer may choose to waive one or more of the requirements of this
provision in appropriate cases (e.g., small property bonds).
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LR83.12 Release of Juror Information
Names and personal information concerning petit and grand jurors shall not be
disclosed to attorneys, parties, the public or the media, except as provided herein.
Names and personal information concerning persons who have been entered in the
jury wheel shall not be disclosed, except upon order of the Court.
Names and personal information concerning prospective and sitting petit jurors
shall not be disclosed to the public or media outside open court, except upon order
of the Court. A request for disclosure of petit juror names and personal information
to the media or public must be made to the presiding judge.
The Clerk may provide names and personal information concerning prospective
petit jurors to the attorneys (or a party if proceeding pro se) in a case set for trial
unless otherwise directed by the Court. The names and information will be
provided in written form only (hereafter “the jury list”). The attorneys (or party)
may not share the jury list or information therein except as necessary for purposes
of jury selection. Following jury selection, the attorneys (or party) provided the
jury list must return to the Clerk the jury list and any copies made from the jury list
provided to them and/or destroy them.
The Court may order juror names and personal information to be kept confidential
where the interests of justice so require.
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LR83.13 Parties not represented by counsel (pro se)
It is the duty of any party not represented by counsel to promptly notify the Clerk and the
other parties to the proceedings of any change in his or her address, to monitor the progress of the
case, and to prosecute or defend the action diligently. Notification of a change of address must be
accomplished by filing a Notice with the Clerk and service of the Notice upon all other parties
within 14 days of the change of address. In addition, a party appearing for himself/herself shall
sign his/her pleadings and include his/her address and telephone number. The failure of a pro se
plaintiff to timely respond to an order or pleading addressed to the last address provided to the
Clerk may result in dismissal of the case or other appropriate action. Parties proceeding pro se
shall be expected to be familiar with and follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and these
rules.
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