what is a trial readiness conference?

Question

what is a trial readiness conference?

Answer 1

Well, it depends on the jurisdiction, but basically, it is exactly what it says: the judge and the lawyers for both sides confer to see how much they can agree upon to get ready for trial. They will usually have to have their trial briefs prepared by that time, so the judge knows how to plan for how long the trial will be, how many witnesses, etc. The judge will usually rule on motions in limine at that time; that's the motions to exclude certain witnesses or evidence for various reasons. There may be stipulations of fact or applicable law, to save time. (An obvious one is to stipulate that the documents presented are authentic copies of the originals, to save the time of having to prove that.) They will also usually go over the jury instructions each side wants the judge to read to the jury. These are precisely worded (we say "boilerplated") instructions which are based directly on the applicable law. Of course, each side has somewhat different ideas as to which laws are applicable, and so the judge looks over the ones each side proposes, and decides which ones he will use. They may talk about their expert witnesses, and the need to put certain witnesses on earlier or later than the usual order of things, for whatever reasons. Sometimes there will be discussions of what exhibits are going to be used, so the courtroom staff can have a blackboard or an overhead projector or whatever available. Above all, this is the very last chance to settle a case without the expense of a trial, if there is any hope of doing so. In criminal cases, this would usually mean that the DA offers to reduce the charge if the defendant will plead guilty, rather than take the time and expense (and risk he will lose) of going to trial.

Answer 2

Each jurisdiction is different, but I will relate experience base on 12 years as an attorney in Southern California.



A trial readiness conference ("TRC") in a civil case is generally scheduled four weeks before the trial date. The parties must meet prior to the scheduled hearing and attempt to resolve the case, or, if that is not possible, limit issues for trial. If the case is not settled in its entirety, all parties must prepare and sign a joint trial readiness conference report specific in our local court rules.



Failure to disclose and identify all trial exhibits and witnesses intended to be called at trial and all other items required by the report may, in the court's discretion, result in exclusion or restriction of use at trial. The completed report must be presented to the judge at the TRC.



Parties completely familiar with the case and possessing authority to enter into stipulations must be present at the scheduled hearing. Orders made will be binding on the parties and will not be subject to reconsideration due to an attorney's unfamiliarity with the case at the time of the hearing. The parties must be prepared to discuss any unusual evidentiary or legal issues anticipated during the trial and all remaining matters believed by any party to be appropriate for stipulation.



During the trial readiness conference, the court will review with counsel and sign or issue the advance trial review order setting forth specific trial preparation requirements of the trial department.

Answer 3

It is a chance for your attorney to approach the court in limine(Latin for in the beginning)and research any information the opposition may have and also to give up any information your attorney may have.It is also a fact-finding pre-trial.