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JUDGE: David Mortensen - Fourth District Court
1. Scheduling Conferences
Q: Are scheduling conferences needed or used in your court? If so, are
they conducted in person or by telephone?
A: Scheduling conferences are only held when requested, otherwise the
court anticipates that a case management order will be filed and entered
consistent with Rule 26. If a case is exempt from Rule 26, or the parties
are unable to agree to a case management order, then a scheduling conference
will be held. If only two parties are involved, then telephonic hearings
are allowed. When more than two parties are involved, telephonic appearance
is only allowed if a commercial conference provider is used with the
party requesting the telephonic hearing arranging the conference and
sending notice with instructions for calling in to all parties. Otherwise,
in person attendance is required.
Q: What are your preferences regarding Case Management Orders/Scheduling
Orders? Do you require that specific things be included in such orders?
A: I prefer realistic deadlines. ADR must be addressed and the CMO/Scheduling
Orders should comply with the rules.
2. Motions Practice
Q: Do you appreciate courtesy copies of briefs being delivered to your
chambers prior to hearing on a motion? If so, how early do you want them?
A: Absolutely. At least 10 days prior is best. I really appreciate those
which come in binders.
Q: Do you schedule hearings on motions automatically upon receiving
notices to submit, or do you prefer or require that counsel call to schedule
hearings?
A: If a hearing is requested, it is automatically set.
Q: Under what circumstances do you decline to grant a request for oral
argument?
A: When oral argument will not be helpful, such as simple or well settled
issues. Oral argument is always allowed on dispositive motions.
Q: What is your policy on allowing overlength memoranda?
A: Usually
allowed, but should not be abused. Overlength memos must comply with
rules—a table of contents and a table of authorities. Rule
7(c)(3)(C).
Q: What separates a useful brief from one that is unhelpful?
A: One that is succinct and straight-forward. Counsel should be clear
as to the relief sought. On summary judgment, Rule 7 should be complied
with, both by the movant and the opposing party.
Q: Do you prefer that counsel provide copies of the relevant cases prior
to a hearing?
A: Yes, if dispositive or very on point and submitted with the courtesy
copies.
Q: What makes an effective motions argument?
A: Preparation and real answers to questions. If I interrupt it is because
I am trying to understand your argument. I read all papers submitted
so please do not simply repeat what is in your memoranda.
Q: Is there anything about the way you handle requests for temporary
restraining orders and preliminary injunctions that you think the bar
should be aware of?
A: I enforce the rules. For example, if real efforts to apprise the
other side of a TRO are not made and supported by affidavit, it will
be denied.
3. Final Pretrial Conference
Q: In your view, what is the purpose of a final pretrial conference?
A: To focus on the anticipated issues of the trial, both procedurally
and substantively, and resolve as many outstanding issues as possible.
Q: What topics or issues should counsel come prepared to discuss?
A: Length of trial, jury selection procedures, jury instructions, witness
and exhibit list exchanges and objections, other pretrial disclosures,
and motions in limine.
Q: What steps do you take, if any, at a final pretrial conference to
encourage settlement of the case?
A: If I can help the parties resolve the case I will, otherwise I assume
the parties know their case far better than the court.
Q: Do you require clients to be present at final pretrial conferences?
A: No. But they should be available by phone.
4. Jury Trial Practice
Jury Selection:
Q: How is voir dire conducted in your courtroom?
A: A short standard questionnaire is used, a copy which is available
from my clerk. Then the court conducts all in court voir dire. When individual
jurors are interviewed in chambers counsel will pose almost all questions.
I also use a standard set of voir dire questions, a copy of which is
available from my clerk, which is supplemented by counsel in writing
prior to trial.
Q: Do you allow counsel to participate in voir dire? If so, to what
extent?
A: Only in chambers when individual jurors are being questioned. Once
in chambers where the venire cannot be tainted I give wide latitude to
counsel so long as questioning remains aimed at discovering prejudice
and neutrality and questions did not attempt to litigate the case through
the voir dire process.
Q: What is your due date for requested voir dire questions?
A: At the final pretrial or the date set in the pretrial order.
Q: Do you allow or encourage the use of jury questionnaires?
A: Within reasonable limits.
Requested Instructions:
Q: When do you require requested instructions to be submitted?
A: At the final pretrial in both hard copy and electronic format.
Q: What form do you prefer requested instructions to take (e.g., do
you prefer instructions accompanied by supporting cases, etc.)? Is a
citation to MUJI sufficient legal authority?
A: I ask that counsel confer and submit a set of agreed-upon instructions
and a set of disputed instructions. Disputed instructions should have
citations. As to whether a cite to MUJI is sufficient, I guess that
depends on how badly you really want me to give the instruction. While
MUJI is helpful, citation to reported case law is always more probative
in ascertaining the true status of Utah law.
Q: Do you have a set of stock jury instructions that you use?
A: Yes. A copy if available form my clerk.
Q: Do you prefer to receive an electronic copy of requested instructions?
A: Yes, in WordPerfect if possible.
Trial Procedures:
Q: What is your preferred trial schedule (e.g., 9 to 5 with an hour
for lunch, 8 to 2 with no lunch, etc.)?
A: 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. I am fairly flexible as
long as the trial is moving expeditiously. Trials longer than four days
will begin each day at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., with 45 minutes
for lunch.
Q: What are your preferences with respect to motions in limine and other
trial related motions?
A: Follow rule 26(a)(4)(C). They should be filed so that they
can be heard prior to trial. No evidentiary hearings will be heard
during trial. If foundation is at issue and no attempt has been made
to address the issue pre-trial, the witness will be allowed to lay
the foundation in the presence of the jury and then the arguments
regarding admissibility will be heard outside the jury’s presence.
Q: What are your preferences and/or procedures related to witness scheduling?
A: I leave that to the attorneys with the understanding that the case
must proceed as expeditiously as possible. If the trial is scheduled
for more than four days counsel should be prepared to discuss a witness
schedule which will be reasonably enforced.
Q: What are your preferences with respect to trial exhibits?
A: If possible, they should be marked prior to trial.
5. Bench
Trial Practice
Q: What are the major differences, in your courtroom, between bench
trials and jury trials?
A: The jury. Admissibility of evidence is treated identically, except
that speaking objections are allowed.
Q: Do you appreciate or require proposed findings of fact and conclusions
of law from counsel?
A: Not usually, unless the case is complex.
Q: Do you appreciate or require trial briefs from counsel?
A: Always appreciated, rarely required.
6. Thoughts on Effective Advocacy
Q: What makes an effective advocate in jury arguments?
A: Concise and professional. Give the jury credit. They just watched
the whole trial.
Q: What are the most common mistakes made in argument?
A: Too much repetition and not sticking to your theory of the case by
addressing every red herring the opposition threw your way.
Q: What are some techniques that do, or do not, work effectively in
the examination of witnesses?
A: Short examination are always more effective. Preparation is key.
Q: Do you find the use of computer-assisted presentations (e.g., PowerPoint)
effective and/or useful?
A: Rarely. In motion practice, questions from the bench seem to
be an annoyance to power-pointers, even thought they should be interested
in where the judge’s questions are.
7. Criminal Matters
Q: How do you handle requests for continuance on pretrials, arraignments
or roll calls?
A: If the case has not been continued often, then I am pretty lenient.
However, all cases must end. Motions within 5 days of a hearing are
only granted off-record if agreed to by opposing counsel.
Q: When may the issue of bail best be addressed in your courtroom?
A: As provided in the rules and the code. See UCA § 77-20-1.
Q: What information do you want from counsel at the time of sentencing?
A: Exceptions to the PSI. The more information the better.
Q: Are private pre-sentence evaluations useful or encouraged?
A: Depends on the case. Psychological testing and drug treatment information
is often helpful. The more information the better.
Q: Do you have any standard sentences the bar should be advised about,
i.e., DUI sentencings, acceptance of alcohol-related reckless?
A: No. Mandatory DUI sentences are imposed and viewed as a minimum.
I am generally against binding myself prior to seeing the PSI or MSGR.
Q: How should counsel on busy law and motion calendar handle calling
a case?
A: If you are ready, call your case at the beginning. A simple request
to the public defenders who have the majority of cases on the calendar
will often push you to the front. At the beginning of the calendar I
always ask if any case needs to go out of order. In other words, if you
want to go fast, come early.
8. Special Issues for Domestic Cases
Q: Are there any special issues that arise in your courtroom in domestic
cases of which you would like the bar to be aware?
A: I know the difference between profanity and extreme profanity. Accordingly,
a deep- seated admiration for Tarantino dialogue will usually hurt your
case.
Q: What do you want to have on temporary order issues?
A: Those are almost exclusively heard by the commissioner.
Q: Do you have a policy on child interviews with respect to custody?
A: The case should require it, being sensitive to age and circumstances.
Counsel can be present if they do not interrupt.
9. Discovery Practices
Q: What is your approach to resolving discovery disputes?
A: If parties truly need the court’s help, then that is
what we are here for. However, every effort should have been made
to avoid bringing it before the court. It should be remembered that
the discovery rules and case law are pro-disclosure.
Q: What are your thoughts on imposing sanctions for discovery abuses?
A: They are appropriate in cases of serious abuse or significant dilatory
conduct.
Q: Are you generally available to solve problems that arise during a
deposition?
A: Yes, but I prefer that counsel make a good record and present the
issue by motion, with the understanding that if the objection is overruled,
the objecting party will be paying to reconvene the deposition including
costs, reporter fees, and attorney fees.
10. Thoughts on Courtroom Protocol
Q: Is lack of civility ever a problem in your courtroom? If so, do you
take steps to improve civility in your courtroom?
A: Not usually. The Standards of Professionalism apply. Counsel should
not direct comments at each other.
Q: Do you impose any limitations on courtroom movement (approaching
witnesses, podium, etc.)?
A: Yes. Counsel should ask to approach a witness or the bench.
11. Other Miscellaneous Issues
Q: What are your opinions regarding courtroom dress?
A: Professional attire should be worn by all attorneys and staff. Clients
should be dressed appropriately.
Q: Do you allow children in your courtroom?
A: Under eight, only if needed.
Q: Do you allow cell phones in your courtroom?
A: Yes, when turned off.
Q: What, if anything, do you do to enforce promptness in your courtroom?
A: I start on time.
12. Other Suggestions, Thoughts, Concerns
I like to be taught. The more precedent you can point me to the better.
I invite anonymous notes telling me how to be a better judge.
13. Clerk’s Comments
Q: The name and phone number of my clerk(s) is:
A: Georgia Snyder. (801) 756-9654.
Q: My clerk wants you to please do these things:
A: Let us know if a matter settles ASAP, especially if a motion is pending
or a trial os scheduled.
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