Judge Christopher S. Morris
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- 3 copies
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Trial briefs shall not exceed 15 pages without leave of court.
- Trial brief
- Up to 15 pages
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Document Format Requirements7 rules
All of Petitioner’s exhibits should be pre-marked and tabbed as numbers in numerical order. All of Respondent’s exhibits should be pre-marked and tabbed as letters in alphabetical order.
The exhibits are to be TABBED (side or bottom of exhibit) with exhibit number/letter (all binders) and TAGGED (Clerk’s copy only) with an exhibit sticker tag or likeness.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Clerk's copy must be tagged with an exhibit sticker tag or likeness
Unless the exception shown below is applicable, an Exhibit which contains multiple pages, must have an identifying number (bate stamped).
Exhibit sticker tags must be placed in the lower right-hand corner without covering document content; if no space, place on the back of the last page.
Court's wording
The exhibit sticker tag/likeness is to be placed in the lower right-hand corner by way of an exhibit tag/likeness as long as it does not cover any part of the document. If there is no empty place to put it, place the sticker on the backside of the last page of that exhibit.
***FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE EXHIBITS TABBED/TAGGED APPROPRIATELY, MAY RESULT IN THEIR RETURN TO HAVE THEM DONE CORRECTLY***
When judicial notice is taken of a document/exhibit, it is NOT indicated “RECEIVED” on the exhibit tag. If there are impeachment exhibits, they can be identified as “the next in order” and the clerk will mark and adhere the exhibit tag.
Exhibit binders must not exceed 1.5 inches and must be labeled on the spine with the exhibits they contain.
Court's wording
Exhibit binders/notebooks shall not exceed 1.5 inches. The spine of the binder/notebook shall be labeled with the exhibits that are contained in that particular binder/notebook (example: Binder 1 – exhibits 1-50).
Document Filing Requirements3 rules
However, any exhibits referenced in the respective pre-trial filings (trial briefs and/or Motions in Limine) shall be attached to those briefs.
To assist the clerk and for the benefit of all to ensure the exhibits are correctly identified and received, please be sure the exhibit list is formatted as follows:
The exhibit sticker tag is to have the exhibit number, case number and department number pre-written as follows:
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All pleadings, lodgments, trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists, and any other written material must be directly filed in Department 702.
All pleadings, lodgments, trial briefs, witness lists, exhibit lists, and any other written material must be directly filed in Department 702.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Delivering filings to court
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
In Limine motions are due 4 days before trial unless ordered otherwise.
Unless ordered otherwise, all In Limine Motions are due four days before trial
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Trial briefs and witness lists must be filed and served 7 days before the hearing.
Trial Briefs and witness lists per Fam. Code 217, are to be filed and served 7 days prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Exhibits must be delivered to Department 702 by 8:30am on the first day of trial.
Exhibits shall be delivered to Department 702 by 8:30am on the first day of trial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Oppositions to In Limine motions are due 2 days before trial.
any Opposition to In Limine Motions are due 2 days before trial
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Three copies of exhibit binders and lists must be provided: for the court, the court clerk, and the witness.
Exhibit binders and lists are to be provided to the court. Three (3) copies are to be provided – for the court, the court clerk, and the witness.
Civil cases
Page 3
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If you cannot complete the trial in the time set, please request new dates at the pre-trial conference or you may come in ex parte to revise your time estimate or reset the trial date.
If you cannot complete the trial in the time set, please request new dates at the pre-trial conference or you may come in ex parte to revise your time estimate or reset the trial date.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
Before making the delivery, please call 619-844-
Before making the delivery, please call 619-844-
Civil cases
Page 5 | Delivering filings to court