Civil Procedure
Pretrial Conference
A court conference used to manage issues before trial, set deadlines, narrow disputes, or prepare the case for trial.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 16
Plain-English definition
A pretrial conference is a management hearing. Depending on timing, it may address discovery, settlement, expert issues, motions, exhibits, jury instructions, witnesses, or trial logistics. The court uses it to reduce surprise and keep the case moving.
How it works
Parties may be required to file a joint report, proposed schedule, exhibit lists, motions in limine, or a proposed pretrial order before the conference.
Why it matters
Pretrial conferences often reveal what a judge cares about and which issues are truly trial-worthy.
Related terms
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.