Pretrial Motion Practice

Pretrial motion practice gets a scope-setting chapter that lays the structural and ethical foundation for the more substantive motion treatments that follow in Chapters 13 and 14. Sections cover the form of motions, notice and service, supporting documents, local rules, withdrawal, timing and extensions, and in forma pauperis practice; the strategic use of motions to shape the litigation narrative; appealability of motion decisions; and the ethics of motion practice including disqualification of counsel and motion malpractice. Best fit as the introductory unit in a motion-practice or pretrial litigation course, the chapter gives students the procedural literacy they need before diving into specific dispositive and case-management motions.