The date certain docket system is used. The Court follows requirements of E.D. Mich. LR 16.8 regarding trial briefs and exhibits; plaintiffs are to use numbers and the defendants are to use letters for exhibits. Bench book of exhibits is not required but preferred, especially for bench trials. File motions in limine one week prior to the final pretrial conference.
- Non-Jury: The Court requires that the proposed findings and trial briefs due on first day of trial.
- Jury: The Court conducts voir dire but allows counsel to participate for 10-15 minutes per side. Objectionable voir dire questions must be submitted in writing prior to the start of voir dire. The Court follows E.D. Mich. LR 16.8(d) regarding jury instructions; must be filed by first day of trial. The Court typically charges the jury after final arguments. Jurors are permitted to take available written instructions into jury room. Note-taking by jury is decided on a case-by-case basis.
- Criminal Cases: Trials in criminal cases are scheduled according to the speedy trial guidelines