Civil Procedure
Scheduling Order
A court order setting the calendar for discovery, motions, expert disclosures, pretrial filings, and trial-related deadlines.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 16
Plain-English definition
A scheduling order is the case’s operating calendar. It tells the parties when discovery opens and closes, when experts must be disclosed, when dispositive motions are due, and sometimes when trial will occur. Changing it usually requires good cause.
How it works
Courts often issue the schedule after a Rule 26(f) conference and initial case-management report. Missed deadlines can waive rights or trigger sanctions.
Why it matters
The scheduling order quietly controls litigation cost. It is where the court turns a complaint into a real project plan.
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.