Pre-Trial Procedure

Abstract

A departure from traditional procedural concepts was launched by the adoption of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. One of the major innovations instituted which diminishes the time required for litigation is the pre-trial con ference. This conference between the adversary lawyers and the judge delimits the issues in an action, disposing of un contested issues, fixing the essential points, and thus often pre paring a case for settlement. Though a practical and effective procedure, the full rewards have yet to be reaped. The rela tive newness of the pre-trial conference and the unequal impact of the expanded litigation have limited its country-wide adop tion. Pre-trial procedure recognizes the current conception of a lawsuit: one free from surprise, with all triable issues exposed prior to the courtroom.—Ed.