Motions are formal requests for the court to take some sort of action. Pretrial Conferences always are required in Federal Courts and are being required more and more in some state courts. The following usually occur in pretrial conferences:
" The parties agree on the facts not in dispute.
" They tell each other whom their witnesses will be.
" They identify what their evidence will be and provide copies of documents that will be offered into evidence.
Each party will submit in writing the facts they intend to prove and the law or jury instructions that should be applied to the facts. The Judge will generally act somewhat as a mediator, at least in federal court, and try to get the parties to settle case.
A Pretrial Order is a court order that results from the Conference setting out the rulings, stipulations, and other actions taken at a Pretrial Conference.
A Connecticut Joint Motion to Postpone Pretrial Conference and Submission of Pretrial Order is a legal document filed by both parties in a court case in the state of Connecticut. It requests the court's permission to reschedule the pretrial conference and extend the deadline for submitting the pretrial order. This motion is commonly used when unforeseen circumstances arise, preventing the parties from adequately preparing for the conference or finalizing the pretrial order as initially scheduled. The purpose of the pretrial conference is to provide an opportunity for the parties to meet with the judge and discuss the case's progress, litigation strategy, and potential settlement options. It allows the court to assess the readiness of the case for trial and facilitates the identification and resolution of any outstanding issues. During the conference, both parties must present any relevant evidence, witnesses, or legal arguments that they intend to use at trial. The judge may also encourage the parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, to avoid a full trial. A Joint Motion to Postpone Pretrial Conference and Submission of Pretrial Order is typically filed when circumstances arise that prevent one or both parties from adequately preparing for the conference or submitting the pretrial order on time. These circumstances may include new evidence coming to light, unexpected developments in the case, changes in legal representation, or personal emergencies affecting key individuals involved in the litigation process. By filing this motion, both parties acknowledge the need for additional time to complete necessary preparations, such as gathering evidence, conducting additional research, or consulting with expert witnesses. Rescheduling the pretrial conference allows for a more efficient and fair presentation of the case, ensuring all parties have sufficient time for adequate preparation. It also helps avoid potential prejudice or unfair disadvantage caused by rushing the conference or submitting an incomplete pretrial order. In Connecticut, there are no specific variations or distinct types of Joint Motion to Postpone Pretrial Conference and Submission of Pretrial Order. However, the content and format of the motion may vary, depending on the specific case, court, and judge's requirements. It is crucial to carefully review the local rules and procedures to ensure compliance and maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
