(a) Purpose
These rules should be interpreted so as to be consistent with the Federal Rules and to promote
the just, efficient, speedy, and economical determination of every action and proceeding.
(b) Other Local Rules
In addition to these rules, this district has promulgated local rules in the following subject areas:
admiralty and maritime, bankruptcy, criminal proceedings, proceedings before magistrate judges,
and patent, all of which can be found on the court’s website.
(c) Definitions
(1) “Chief Judge” of this district is the judge who has attained that position pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 136. The Chief Judge shall have precedence and preside at any session that he or
she attends. The current Chief Judge of this district is identified on the court’s website.
(2) “Clerk” or “Clerk of Court” refers to the District Court Executive/Clerk of Court or a
deputy Clerk of Court.
(3) “Court” refers to the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington and to a Judge, Clerk, or deputy clerk acting on behalf of the Court.
(4) “General Orders” are made by the Chief Judge or by the court relating to court
administration and are available on the court’s website.
(5) “Judge” refers to a United States District Judge, a United States Bankruptcy Judge, or
United States Magistrate Judge.
(6) “Meet and Confer” means a good faith conference in person or by telephone to
attempt to resolve the matter in dispute without the court’s involvement. The court
expects a high degree of professionalism and collegiality among counsel during any meet
and confer conference.
(7) “Stipulated Motion” is a stipulation (agreement) between or among the parties
presented to the court with a proposed order.
(d) Prohibition of Bias
Litigation, inside and outside the courtroom in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington, must be free from prejudice and bias in any form. Fair and equal
treatment must be accorded all courtroom participants, whether judges, attorneys, witnesses,
litigants, jurors, or court personnel. The duty to be respectful of others includes the responsibility
to avoid comment or behavior that can reasonably be interpreted as manifesting prejudice or bias
Civil Rules
toward another on the basis of categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age,
or sexual orientation.
Civil Rules
