The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which have been adopted by most states in one form or another.
Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides in part as follows:
(a) Purposes of a Pretrial Conference. In any action, the court may order the attorneys and any unrepresented parties to appear for one or more pretrial conferences for such purposes as:
(1) expediting disposition of the action;
(2) establishing early and continuing control so that the case will not be protracted because of lack of management;
(3) discouraging wasteful pretrial activities;
(4) improving the quality of the trial through more thorough preparation, and;
(5) facilitating settlement.
The Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order is a legal document used in the state of Arizona to outline the procedures, deadlines, and requirements that must be followed during the pretrial phase of a lawsuit. This form is essential for streamlining the litigation process and ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the court's expectations and guidelines. The Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order serves as a roadmap for the case, providing detailed instructions on various aspects, such as discovery, witness lists, exhibit lists, expert testimony, and timelines for filing motions. It helps establish the framework for the trial, ensuring that all necessary information is disclosed, and allowing both parties to prepare effectively. One type of the Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order is the Civil Pretrial Order. This form is used in civil cases, setting specific requirements for disclosure, including the exchange of information and documentation. It outlines the deadlines for discovery-related tasks, such as the date by which parties must disclose witnesses, submit expert reports, and share evidence. Another type of the Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order is the Criminal Pretrial Order. This form is used in criminal cases, guiding the parties through the pretrial phase of the proceedings. It outlines the requirements for the prosecution to disclose evidence, witness lists, and any expert testimony they plan to present during trial. It also sets deadlines for the defense to disclose witnesses and submit any necessary motions. Additionally, there are specialized versions of the Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order for specific types of cases, such as family law or probate cases. These variations address specific requirements relevant to those particular areas of law, ensuring that the pretrial phase is properly conducted for each case type. In conclusion, the Arizona General Form of Pretrial Order is a crucial legal document that provides structure and guidance during the pretrial phase of a lawsuit in Arizona. It sets expectations, outlines deadlines, and ensures that both parties have access to necessary information. Different variations of this form exist to address the unique requirements of various case types, such as civil, criminal, family law, or probate cases.