Also known as: local rules · local rules of court · local court rule
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A rule adopted by an individual court to supplement the generally applicable procedural rules within its jurisdiction. Such rules address matters like filing requirements, motion timing, and courtroom conduct while remaining consistent with higher authority.
Lakewood Manufacturing sued a supplier in federal district court. The scheduling order set fact discovery to close on March 1 with no local rule changing the default. On March 20 the defendant filed a summary judgment motion supported by production logs and expert declarations. Because the district had not adopted a local rule shortening the period, the motion fell within the allowed window after discovery closed.
Landon Long, a lawyer licensed in State A, applied for admission in State B without establishing residency. State B argued that nonresidents would fail to master its distinctive procedural requirements. The court rejected that justification, noting that any concern about familiarity with local rules could be addressed through continuing legal education rather than a residency barrier.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A local rule may set a different deadline than the default thirty days after the close of all discovery. Absent such a rule or court order, the standard period applies. Courts must ensure any local rule remains consistent with the Federal Rules.
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No. Once an interstate petition is received from the initiating tribunal, the responding court must file it and notify the petitioner. Local formatting preferences do not justify refusing to docket the petition.
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Local rules must be consistent with Acts of Congress and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. They must follow any uniform numbering system and cannot cause a party to lose rights for a nonwillful failure to comply with a form requirement.
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No. Speculation that nonresidents will not keep abreast of local rules does not justify a residency requirement under the Privileges and Immunities Clause. States may address competence concerns through less restrictive means such as continuing education.
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…303 U. S. 444, 450. As Mr. Justice Holmes said: “When as here there is a plain assertion of federal rights in the lower court, local rules as to how far it shall be reviewed on appeal do not necessarily prevail. . . . Whether the right was denied or not given due recognition by the [state court] ... is a question as to which…