Quality Review Branch - FAQs
1. How may I find out the
next event in my case?
If you have a civil case number, this information
can be provided to you. Please bring notice of the scheduled
event to court with you. If you do not have your court notice
with you, report to the Quality Review Office, JM-130, and
inform the clerk of the party's name(s). The clerk will
seek the information in the court's computer system
and review the events with you. Or you may call 202-879-1750.
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2. Where am I to report to
on my scheduled date?
In most instances, if a civil case number is provided,
staff can direct you to your place of assignment. Please bring
notice of the scheduled event to court with you.
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3. I do not have a case number,
but do know I am supposed to be in court today. How do I find
my case number?
You may report to the Civil Clerks Office, JM-170,
where they have a civil index. You may look up the case number
by caption (parties' names).
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4. What is the proper procedure
to reschedule an event?
You must contact the Quality Review Office (see
your notice for appropriate telephone number) and they will
advise you of the proper procedure for the specific event
or date you wish to reset.
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5. How do I notify the court
of an address change?
You must file a statement (called a "praecipe")
with the Civil Clerk's Office noting the change in each pending
civil case.
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6. What is an initial scheduling
conference?
The initial scheduling conference is the first formal
hearing before the assigned judge that presents the parties
with an opportunity to try and settle their case. Further,
if a case does not settle, the case is placed on a track and
a number of deadlines are set to complete certain events.
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7. Who must attend the scheduling
conference?
All counsel and unrepresented parties must attend
the initial scheduling conference.
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8. What happens if I do not
settle my case at the initial scheduling conference?
If your case does not settle, the judge may select
a form of alternative dispute resolution by which parties
may resolve their dispute without going to trial. Learn
more about ADR and mediation in general.
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9. I am supposed to be in
court today but my name is not on the docket. What should
I do?
The courtroom clerk will check the status of your
case.
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10. How do I find out what
courtroom my case will be heard in?
If you know the name of the judge, there is a lighted
board above the information desk in the lobby of the Moultrie
Courthouse which lists the judges' names and courtroom numbers
daily.
If you do not know the name of the judge handling your case,
please report to Room JM-130, Quality Review Office.
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11. Do you have an x-ray
box to supply to me?
An x-ray box may be used demonstrate your injuries
to the judge. The Court has an x-ray box which you can use
if it is available. If it is not available, you must supply
your own. It cannot be reserved. Availability is on a first
come, first served basis.
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12. How do I go about having
my exhibits returned to me after the trial is over?
Exhibits are released to all parties at the conclusion
of a trial unless the judge notes otherwise. The courtroom
clerk can explain all procedures in reference to exhibit returns.
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13. If I need to bring a TV, VCR or other equipment into the courtroom, how do I get this equipment into the courthouse?
You must submit a written request to the Executive Office at 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W.; Room 1500; Washington, D.C. or by facsimile to (202) 879-1802. The request must include the case name, case number, date of the proceeding, name of judicial officer, courtroom, the name of the person bringing the equipment, type of equipment, and a contact number, including facsimile number.
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14. Do I need to mark my
exhibits?
Generally yes. However, the judge's General Order
determines the procedure for marking exhibits in each case.
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15. When I report to the
courtroom for my hearing, what information should I bring
with me?
You should bring any and all information pertaining
to your case and your court notice.
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