Orange Superior Court Document Format Requirements

CRITICALCivil cases

Trial binders must comply with LR 317, complete with documents/exhibits, max 3 inches thick; use multiple binders if needed.

If counsel plan to answer ready for a jury trial at the trial call, the Court requires full compliance with Local Rule 317 as it relates to trial binders, complete with all necessary documents and exhibits. The Court will not accept binder(s) more than 3 inches in size. Use multiple binders, as needed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must bring two complete sets of trial exhibits in three-ring binders no larger than three inches, each binder containing a copy of the exhibit list and each exhibit separated by a numbered tab.

The Parties must appear on the date of trial with two (2) complete sets of the exhibits for the court (in addition to the copies for the Parties). Each set of exhibits must be in three-ringer binders that are no larger than three inches. ... Every binder must include a copy of the exhibit list and every exhibit must be separated with a numbered tab that corresponds to the exhibit list.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each proposed jury instruction must be on a separate page and must not include a disposition table.

Each proposed jury instruction must appear on a separate page and shall NOT include a disposition table.

CRITICALCivil cases

Required

Always

Format

PAPER

Hard copies of exhibits are required for bench trials.

For bench trials, the Court requires hard copies of exhibits.

CRITICALCivil cases

Make sure each page is numbered.

Make sure each page is numbered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Number every page of every exhibit. Attach a numbered exhibit tag to the front of each original exhibit. Notebooks should be 3” thick or less.

Number every page of every exhibit. Attach a numbered exhibit tag to the front of each original exhibit. Notebooks should be 3” thick or less.

CRITICALCivil cases

Remote appearances require functioning video cameras; otherwise counsel must appear in person.

Counsel/parties appearing are required to have functioning video cameras. The Court must be able to both see and hear remotely appearing parties. If counsel do not have a functioning video camera, he or she is ordered to personally appear.

CRITICAL

Evidentiary proceedings must be in-person unless the court orders otherwise.

Evidentiary proceedings (such as trials, judgment debtor examinations, or other hearings where oral testimony will be taken) will be in-person absent a prior court order.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

The proposed order accompanying an ex parte application must be separate and in Word format.

4. A separate proposed order in Word format.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055, appear one instruction per page, and omit a disposition table.

The format of the jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055. Each proposed jury instruction shall be on a separate page and shall not include a disposition table.

CRITICAL

Disputed verdict forms must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Both disputed verdict forms shall be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders and other documents submitted for the court’s signature must be provided in an editable word-processing format.

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word-processing format to enable the court to revise as necessary. See CRC 3.1312(c).

CRITICAL

Special or modified instructions must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

Special or modified instructions must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

CRITICAL

Written evidentiary objections in law and motion matters and proposed orders concerning those objections must comply with CRC 3.1354’s format.

All written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with any law and motion matter and any proposed orders regarding the objections must strictly comply with the format set forth in CRC 3.1354.

CRITICAL

When the Joint Exhibit List has more than six exhibits, the Parties must prepare two exhibit sets in three-ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

If there are more than six exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3- ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

WARNINGCivil cases

IDC joint letter brief must use letter format, single spacing, and at least 11-point font, not pleading format.

The Joint letter brief is not to exceed four pages, and shall be submitted in letter format, single spaced, with no less than 11-pont font, i.e., not in pleading form.

WARNING

Exhibit binders must be three-ring binders no larger than three inches.

Each set of exhibits must be in three-ringer binders that are no larger than three inches.

WARNING

Exhibit binder covers must identify the binder as an exhibit binder, volume number, and exhibits included; spine must also show volume and exhibits.

The outside cover of each binder must include a caption page identifying the binder as an exhibit binder, the volume number of the binder (e.g., Volume 3 of 7), and the specific exhibits included in the binder (e.g., Exhibit Nos. 27-45). The outer spine of the binder also must identify the volume number and the specific exhibits included in the binder.

WARNING

The first page of every exhibit in the witness copy should have an exhibit tag filled out and stapled to the top right corner.

The first page of every exhibit in the witness copy should have an exhibit tag filled out and stapled to the top right corner.

WARNING

Each exhibit binder must contain a copy of the exhibit list and each exhibit must be separated by a numbered tab matching the list.

Every binder must include a copy of the exhibit list and every exhibit must be separated with a numbered tab that corresponds to the exhibit list.

WARNING

Plaintiff exhibits numbered starting with 1; Defendant exhibits numbered starting with 200.

In a two-party case, Plaintiff shall number its exhibits starting with 1; Defendant shall number its exhibits starting with 200.

WARNING

In multi-party cases, parties must cooperate to agree on unique number ranges; no duplicate numbers or exhibits.

If there are more than two Parties, the Parties are to cooperate in agreeing on a number range for each party. No two Parties are to use the same number, and duplicate exhibits are to be avoided.

WARNING

Each page of each exhibit must be numbered starting with one per exhibit, using exhibit number and page number (e.g., 7-1, 7-2).

each page of each exhibit must be separately numbered with each exhibit starting with number one. For example, if Exhibit 7 is a three-page exhibit, its pages should be numbered 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3, and the first page of Exhibit 8 would then be 8-1.

WARNING

Trial Notebook binders must be no larger than 3 inches; multiple binders are acceptable.

The binder(s) containing the Trial Notebook must be no larger than 3 inches, and it is acceptable if more than one binder is used.

WARNINGCivil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders submitted with ex parte applications must be in Word format.

A separate proposed order in Word format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Exhibit binders must be circular 3-ring binders (not D-ring), with an exhibit list and numbered tabs.

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in circular 3-ring binders (not “D” ring binders) with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand) Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Stipulations and orders must be submitted as a single document in WORD format.

Stipulations and Orders must be submitted as ONE document in WORD format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Trial Notebook binders may be no larger than 3 inches; using more than one binder is permitted.

The binder(s) containing the Trial Notebook must be no larger than 3 inches, and it is acceptable if more than one binder is used.

WARNINGCivil cases

Each verdict form should be formatted for jury submission and only identify the proposing party.

Other than identifying which party proposed the form, each verdict form should be in a format appropriate for submission to the jury.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Stipulations and Orders must be filed as a single document in Word format.

Stipulations and Order must be submitted as ONE document in WORD format to enable the court to make any modification to the order portion the court deems necessary.

WARNINGCivil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be grouped into three groups and separated by colored paper or tabs.

The proposed jury instructions shall be grouped into three groups that coincide with the three indexes, and each group should be separated by a piece of colored paper or a tab.

WARNINGCivil cases

If more than six exhibits, they should be placed in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

If there are more than six exhibits, and to the extent that exhibits are standard size and not too bulky, they should be placed in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

WARNING

Exhibits must be submitted in two sets in 3-ring binders with number tabs and exhibit tags.

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders, with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness dock). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number. Every exhibit in the witness copy must have an exhibit tag filled out and attached (see attached form).

WARNING

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110, and should include in the statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in California Rules of Court 3.727 and 3.750(b).

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110, and should include in the statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in California Rules of Court 3.727 and 3.750(b).

WARNINGCivil cases

Two complete sets of exhibits must be submitted in 3-ring binders with number tabs and an identifying exhibit list.

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Word-editable versions of any contested instructions or verdict forms must be emailed to the Clerk at the commencement of trial.

Word editable versions of any contested instructions or verdict form must also be emailed to the Clerk at the commencement of trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

The proposed order submitted with an ex parte application must be in Word format.

4. Proposed Order in Word format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Be prepared to supply a Word version.

Be prepared to supply a Word version.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Special or modified jury instructions must be submitted in Word format.

Special or Modified Instructions must be submitted to the Courtroom Clerk in Word format.

WARNING

Exhibit binders must have tabbed dividers with exhibit numbers and a copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front.

Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit. A copy of the Joint Exhibit List shall be placed in the front of each exhibit binder.

WARNING

Jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055, each on separate page, no disposition table, CACI number/title, special/modified labeling, citation/explanation, and specify modifications.

The format of the jury instructions must comply with CRC 2.1055. Each proposed jury instruction shall be on a separate page and shall not include a disposition table. Each CACI instruction (whether agreed upon or disputed) must include the CACI number and title at the top. Each special or modified CACI instruction shall state at the top of the page “Plaintiff’s [or Defendant’s] Special Instruction No. __” or “Plaintiff’s [or Defendant’s] Modified CACI Instruction No. __.” Special or Modified Instructions must include, at the bottom of the proposed instruction, citation to authority supporting the propriety of the instruction and a short explanation of why the special or modified instruction is necessary and appropriate. Substantively modified CACI instructions must specify exactly what has been modified.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Proposed order for ex parte application must be in Word format.

A separate proposed order in Word format.

WARNING

If more than six exhibits, prepare two sets in 3-ring binders with tabbed dividers.

If there are more than six exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers.

WARNING

Exhibits in the witness stand binder must have filled-out exhibit tags attached to the upper right corner of the first page.

All exhibits in the exhibit binder on the witness stand shall have exhibit tags filled out and attached to the exhibit in the upper right hand corner of the first page of the exhibit.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted in editable word-processing format.

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word- processing format to enable the court to revise as necessary.

WARNINGCivil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

Counsel should use pleading paper, not Judicial Council Form CM-110

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must be submitted in an editable word-processing format.

Please submit the proposed in an editable word-processing format.

WARNING

Trial exhibits must be submitted in two 3-ring binders with exhibit lists, number tabs, and exhibit tags.

Two (2) complete sets of exhibits in 3-ring binders with the exhibit list identifying each such exhibit, and with number tabs separating each exhibit, shall be submitted to the Court (one for the Court and one for the witness stand). Each tab should bear the corresponding exhibit number. Every exhibit in the witness copy must have an exhibit tag filled out and attached.

WARNING

Format

PDF

Proposed orders in ex parte papers must be submitted in both PDF and editable word-processing format.

papers must include a declaration of notice of ex parte hearing, a declaration based on personal knowledge, points and authorities, and a proposed order in both PDF format and in editable word-processing format.

WARNING

Written evidentiary objections and related proposed orders must strictly comply with CRC 3.1354 formatting.

All written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with any law and motion matter and any proposed orders regarding the objections must strictly comply with the format set forth in CRC 3.1354.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders and other documents submitted for signature must be in a editable, word-processing format.

All proposed orders submitted, or other documents submitted to the court for the signature (e.g., proposed form of judgment), must be submitted in an editable word-processing format in order for the court to revise as necessary. See CRC 3.1312(c).

WARNING

Every exhibit in the witness-stand binder must have a completed exhibit tag attached to the upper right-hand corner of its first page.

All exhibits in the exhibit binder on the witness stand shall have exhibit tags filled out and attached to the exhibit in the upper right hand corner of the first page of the exhibit.

WARNING

If the Joint Exhibit List has more than six exhibits, parties must prepare two sets in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers and a copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front of each binder.

If there are more than six (6) exhibits on the Joint Exhibit List, the Parties shall prepare two sets of exhibits – one for the witness stand and one for the court – and place them in 3-ring binders with tabbed number dividers. Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit. A copy of the Joint Exhibit List shall be placed in the front of each exhibit binder.

WARNING

Written evidentiary objections in connection with summary judgment/adjudication motions must comply with CRC 3.1354.

Written evidentiary objections submitted in connection with a motion for summary judgment and/or adjudication must comply with CRC 3.1354.

WARNING

The judge’s signature line must not be the only item on the page; at least two items must appear there.

Please ensure the signature line for the judge is not the only item on the page as there must be at least two

WARNING

Exhibit binders may not be wider than three inches.

No binder shall be wider than 3”.

WARNING

Stipulations must be submitted in WORD format.

All stipulations must be submitted as one document in WORD format to enable the court to make any modification to the order portion the court deems necessary.

WARNING

Each exhibit tab must show the corresponding exhibit number and be placed before that exhibit.

Each tab shall bear the corresponding exhibit number and shall be placed in front of the corresponding exhibit.

WARNING

Format

PAPER

Mark an 8-1/2-by-11 paper version as the official exhibit; do not mark enlargements or transparencies as original exhibits, and identify them with the same exhibit number.

If a Party plans to use enlargements of exhibits (“blow-ups”) or transparencies of exhibits (for use with an overhead projector), the blow-ups and transparencies should not be marked as original exhibits. An 8-1/2x11 paper version of the exhibit should be marked and treated as the official exhibit. Blow-ups and transparencies are informally marked with the same exhibit number and referred to by the same exhibit number during trial.

WARNING

Every page of each exhibit must have its own number.

Each page of each exhibit must be separately numbered.

INFO

If exhibit numbers are insufficient, parties must cooperate to agree on appropriate number ranges.

If these numbers are not sufficient to cover all exhibits, the Parties are to cooperate and agree to an appropriate number range for each party.

INFOCivil cases

Each witness copy exhibit must have a green Court Exhibit Tag attached.

Each exhibit must have a green color Court Exhibit Tag attached (This is for the witness copy only).

INFOCivil cases

Status Reports must be filed at least a week before the Status Conference and should be on pleading paper rather than on Judicial Council Form CM-110.

Status Reports must be filed at least a week before the Status Conference and should be on pleading paper rather than on Judicial Council Form CM-110.

INFOCivil cases

Counsel should use pleading paper rather than Judicial Council Form CM-110 and include in the Statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in CRC Rule 3.727.

Counsel should use pleading paper rather than Judicial Council Form CM-110 and include in the Statement a discussion of the applicable subjects set forth in CRC Rule 3.727.

INFO

Joint compendium must be in notebook format with separate tabs for each category.

No later than the pretrial conference, the Parties shall also provide the Court with a separately indexed joint compendium in a notebook format containing an index or table identifying all agreed upon and contested instructions or verdict forms, with all instructions and verdict forms included and separately tabbed to indicate proponent/opponent (e.g., Tab 1 consists of jointly requested instructions, Tab 2 consists of instructions requested by Plaintiff but disputed by Defendant, Tab 3 consists of instructions requested by Defendant but disputed by Plaintiff, Tab 4 consists of the Parties’ competing verdict forms).