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 Maryland General Form of Pretrial Order is a legal document used in the state of Maryland to establish the framework and guidelines for conducting a pretrial conference and subsequent trial. It serves as a roadmap for the court, attorneys, and parties involved in the case, ensuring that all necessary information is exchanged, deadlines are met, and procedures are followed. This document aims to streamline the litigation process by organizing important details related to the case, such as the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the issues to be addressed during trial. It also sets forth the timeline and deadlines for discovery, disclosure of evidence, witness lists, expert reports, and other critical pretrial procedures. The Maryland General Form of Pretrial Order contains various sections covering specific aspects of the trial process. These sections typically include: 1. Case Information: This section provides basic information about the case, including the case number, names of the parties involved, and the presiding judge. It may also include information about attorneys representing each party. 2. Nature of the Case: Here, a concise summary of the dispute is provided, outlining the claims and defenses raised by each party. It assists the court in understanding the essential elements of the case. 3. Deadlines and Discovery: This section establishes deadlines for completing discovery, a process where both sides exchange relevant documents, information, and evidence. It also sets deadlines for motions, expert witness disclosures, and any other pertinent procedural matters. 4. Witness and Exhibit Lists: In this section, the parties are required to provide a list of witnesses they intend to call during the trial, along with a brief summary of their expected testimony. Additionally, any exhibits parties plan to introduce as evidence must be listed and described. 5. Motions in Liming: Parties may use this section to raise any motions in liming, which are requests to the court to exclude or limit the admissibility of specific evidence or testimony during the trial. 6. Settlement and Alternative Dispute Resolution: If the parties are open to settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods, this section outlines the potential options available and encourages parties to explore these avenues. 7. Trial Logistics: This section covers logistical details related to the trial, such as the expected duration, scheduling conflicts, the availability of witnesses, and any additional requirements or considerations. It's important to note that while the Maryland General Form of Pretrial Order exists, there may be variations or additional local court rules and procedures specific to different jurisdictions within Maryland. These local rules may affect the content and structure of the pretrial order, so it's crucial for attorneys to be familiar with the specific requirements of the court where the case is being heard.
