2024 California Rules of Court
Standard 3.10. Complex civil litigation
(a) Judicial management
In complex litigation, judicial management should begin early and be applied continuously and actively, based on knowledge of the circumstances of each case.
(b) All-purpose assignment
Complex litigation should be assigned to one judge for all purposes. If such an assignment is not possible, a single judge should be assigned to hear law and motion matters and discovery matters.
(Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (d) effective July 1, 1982; previously relettered effective January 1, 2000.)
(c) Selection of judges for complex litigation assignments
In selecting judges for complex litigation assignments, the presiding judge should consider the needs of the court and the judge's ability, interest, training, experience (including experience with complex civil cases), and willingness to participate in educational programs related to the management of complex cases. Commissioners should not be employed in any phase of complex litigation, except under the judge's direct supervision to assist in the management of the case.
(Subd (c) amended and relettered effective January 1, 2000; adopted as subd (e) effective July 1, 1982.)
(d) Establishing time limits
Time limits should be regularly used to expedite major phases of complex litigation. Time limits should be established early, tailored to the circumstances of each case, firmly and fairly maintained, and accompanied by other methods of sound judicial management.
(Subd (d) relettered effective January 1, 2000; adopted as subd (f) effective July 1, 1982.)
(e) Preparation for trial
Litigants in complex litigation cases should be required to minimize evidentiary disputes and to organize efficiently their exhibits and other evidence before trial.
(Subd (e) amended and relettered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (i) effective July 1, 1982; previously relettered as subd (g) effective January 1, 2000.)
(f) Dilatory tactics
Judges involved in complex litigation should be sensitive to dilatory or abusive litigation tactics and should be prepared to invoke disciplinary procedures for violations.
(Subd (f) relettered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (j) effective July 1, 1982; previously relettered as subd (h) effective January 1, 2000.)
(g) Educational programs
Judges should be encouraged to attend educational programs on the management of complex litigation.
(Subd (g) relettered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (k) effective July 1, 1982; previously amended and relettered as subd (i) effective January 1, 2000.)
(h) Staff assignment
Judges assigned to handle complex cases should be given research attorney and administrative staff assistance when possible.
(Subd (h) amended and relettered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as subd (j) effective January 1, 2000.)
Standard 3.10 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as sec. 19 effective July 1, 1982; previously amended effective January 1,1995, and January 1, 2000.
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