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 Illinois General Form of Pretrial Order is a legal document that outlines the procedures and guidelines to be followed during the pretrial phase of a lawsuit in the state of Illinois. This comprehensive form serves as a guide for the parties involved in the litigation process, including the plaintiff, defendant, and their respective attorneys. The Illinois General Form of Pretrial Order covers various aspects of a lawsuit, ensuring that all necessary information and documents are provided, and that all parties are prepared for the trial. It typically includes sections addressing the following key areas: 1. Case Information: This section includes the names of the parties involved, their contact information, and any legal representation. It also provides details about the case, such as the court in which it is being heard, the assigned judge, and the case number. 2. Case Summary: This section provides a concise summary of the facts and issues involved in the case. It outlines the legal claims being made by the plaintiff and any defenses raised by the defendant. This summary helps to provide a clear understanding of the case to all parties, facilitating efficient and effective communication during the pretrial phase. 3. Discovery Plan: The Illinois General Form of Pretrial Order includes a section dedicated to the discovery plan. This entails outlining the methods and deadlines for obtaining and exchanging relevant information, evidence, and documents between the parties. It may also address any limitations or restrictions on the scope of discovery. 4. Pretrial Motions: This section allows the parties to identify any pretrial motions they plan to file, such as motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, or motions to exclude evidence. It provides an opportunity for the parties to address any preliminary legal issues that may impact the trial. 5. Witness and Exhibit Lists: The form typically requires parties to provide a list of witnesses they intend to call during trial, along with a brief description of their testimony. Additionally, it may request the parties to provide an exhibit list, specifying the documents, photographs, or other evidentiary materials they plan to introduce. 6. Settlement and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The document may include a section encouraging the parties to consider settlement or alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration. It may provide a deadline for the parties to engage in settlement discussions or attend a settlement conference. While the Illinois General Form of Pretrial Order provides a comprehensive framework for most cases, it is essential to note that each judicial circuit or individual judges may have their specific variations or additional requirements. Therefore, it is crucial that parties consult the local court rules and individual judge's preferences to ensure compliance with the specific requirements of the court handling their case. Please note that additional or alternative types of the Illinois General Form of Pretrial Order may exist, depending on the nature of the case or the specific requirements of the court handling the litigation.
