Pretrial conferences let judges shape cases before trial

Evidence

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure authorize, but do not mandate, a conference between the judge and attorneys before a case goes to trial. Most states have followed the federal lead in providing for pretrial conferences. At these conferences, which are usually held after discovery is completed, the judge and the attorneys identify the points of agreement and the issues still in dispute. The attorneys also reveal what witnesses they will call and what evidence they will introduce, thereby facilitating the planning of the trial. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1090

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains the pretrial conference institution — judges identify disputed issues and receive the attorneys’ witness and evidence plans.
• XREF: connects to: Pretrial proceedings, not trials, determine most civil case outcomes — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 2200; Active trial judging extends into negotiating pleas and settlements between parties — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 568; Most civil cases are decided during the pretrial phase, not at trial (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Active trial judging extends into negotiating pleas and settlements between parties #expands (0.88) — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 568
• Pretrial proceedings, not trials, determine most civil case outcomes #expands (0.85) — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 2200
• Most civil cases are decided during the pretrial phase, not at trial #expands (0.85)