Legislación
US (United States) Code. Title 28. Appendix 7. III. Pleadings and motions
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 15 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 15. Amended and Supplemental Pleadings
-STATUTE-
(a) Amendments. A party may amend the party's pleading once as a
matter of course at any time before a responsive pleading is served
or, if the pleading is one to which no responsive pleading is
permitted and the action has not been placed upon the trial
calendar, the party may so amend it at any time within 20 days
after it is served. Otherwise a party may amend the party's
pleading only by leave of court or by written consent of the
adverse party; and leave shall be freely given when justice so
requires. A party shall plead in response to an amended pleading
within the time remaining for response to the original pleading or
within 10 days after service of the amended pleading, whichever
period may be the longer, unless the court otherwise orders.
(b) Amendments to Conform to the Evidence. When issues not raised
by the pleadings are tried by express or implied consent of the
parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been
raised in the pleadings. Such amendment of the pleadings as may be
necessary to cause them to conform to the evidence and to raise
these issues may be made upon motion of any party at any time, even
after judgment; but failure so to amend does not affect the result
of the trial of these issues. If evidence is objected to at the
trial on the ground that it is not within the issues made by the
pleadings, the court may allow the pleadings to be amended and
shall do so freely when the presentation of the merits of the
action will be subserved thereby and the objecting party fails to
satisfy the court that the admission of such evidence would
prejudice the party in maintaining the party's action or defense
upon the merits. The court may grant a continuance to enable the
objecting party to meet such evidence.
(c) Relation Back of Amendments. An amendment of a pleading
relates back to the date of the original pleading when
(1) relation back is permitted by the law that provides the
statute of limitations applicable to the action, or
(2) the claim or defense asserted in the amended pleading arose
out of the conduct, transaction, or occurrence set forth or
attempted to be set forth in the original pleading, or
(3) the amendment changes the party or the naming of the party
against whom a claim is asserted if the foregoing provision (2)
is satisfied and the party to be brought in by amendment (A) has
received such notice of the institution of the action that the
party will not be prejudiced in maintaining a defense on the
merits, and (B) knew or should have known that, but for a mistake
concerning the identity of the proper party, the action would
have been brought against the party.
(d) Supplemental Pleadings. Upon motion of a party the court may,
upon reasonable notice and upon such terms as are just, permit the
party to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions
or occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the
pleading sought to be supplemented. Permission may be granted even
though the original pleading is defective in its statement of a
claim for relief or defense. If the court deems it advisable that
the adverse party plead to the supplemental pleading, it shall so
order, specifying the time therefor.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Significant changes were made to FRCP 15 in 1991; minor changes
were made in 1993. Most notable is the listing of criteria for
relation back of amendments in subdivision (c). RCFC 15 was
conformed to the comparable federal rule, with two exceptions:
First, the language in FRCP subdivision (c)(3), relating to the
timing of an amendment changing the name of a party, was omitted as
inapplicable.
Second, language in subdivision (c) of the federal rule, relating
to faulty service on federal officers, also was omitted.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 16 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 16. Pretrial Conferences; Scheduling; Management
-STATUTE-
(a) Pretrial Conferences; Objectives. In any action, the court
may in its discretion direct the attorneys for the parties and any
unrepresented parties to appear before it for a conference or
conferences before trial for such purposes as
(1) expediting the disposition of the action;
(2) establishing early and continuing control so that the case
will not be protracted because of lack of management;
(3) discouraging wasteful pretrial activities;
(4) improving the quality of trial through more thorough
preparation;
(5) facilitating the settlement of the case; and
(6) assessing the utility of dispositive motions.
(b) Scheduling and Planning. Except in actions exempted by the
judge, the court shall, after receiving the Joint Preliminary
Status Report from the parties pursuant to Appendix A or after
consulting with the attorneys for the parties and any unrepresented
parties by a scheduling conference, telephone, mail or other
suitable means, enter a scheduling order that limits the time
(1) to join other parties and to amend the pleadings;
(2) to file motions; and
(3) to complete discovery.
The scheduling order also may include:
(4) modifications of the times for disclosures under RCFC 26(a)
and of the extent of discovery to be permitted;
(5) the date or dates for conferences before trial, a final
pretrial conference, and trial;
(6) a direction that the parties file any of the submissions
set out in Appendix A ¶¶ 14, 15, 16 or 17; and
(7) any other matters appropriate in the circumstances of the
case. The order shall issue as soon as practicable but in any
event within 4 days after any preliminary scheduling conference
or, if no preliminary scheduling conference is held, as soon as
practicable after the Joint Preliminary Status Report is filed. A
schedule shall not be modified except upon a showing of good
cause and by leave of the judge.
(c) Subjects for Consideration at Pretrial Conferences. At any
conference under this rule consideration may be given, and the
court may take appropriate action, with respect to
(1) the formulation and simplification of the issues, including
the elimination of frivolous claims or defenses;
(2) the necessity or desirability of amendments to the
pleadings;
(3) the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of
documents which will avoid unnecessary proof, stipulations
regarding the authenticity of documents, and advance rulings from
the court on the admissibility of evidence;
(4) the avoidance of unnecessary proof and of cumulative
evidence, and limitations or restrictions on the use of testimony
under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence;
(5) the appropriateness and timing of summary adjudications
under RCFC 56 and 56.1;
(6) the control and scheduling of discovery, including orders
affecting disclosures and discovery pursuant to RCFC 26 and RCFC
29 through 37;
(7) the identification of witnesses and documents, the need and
schedule for filing and exchanging pretrial briefs, and the date
or dates for further conferences and for trial;
(8) the advisability of referring matters to a master;
(9) settlement and the use of special procedures to assist in
resolving the dispute;
(10) the form and substance of the pretrial order;
(11) the disposition of pending motions;
(12) the need for adopting special procedures for managing
potentially difficult or protracted actions that may involve
complex issues, multiple parties, difficult legal questions, or
unusual proof problems;
(13) an order for a separate trial pursuant to RCFC 42(b) with
respect to a claim, counterclaim, or third-party claim, or with
respect to any particular issue in the case;
(14) an order directing a party to present evidence early in
the trial with respect to a manageable issue that could, on the
evidence, be the basis for a judgment as a matter of law or a
judgment on partial findings under RCFC 52(c).
(15) an order establishing a reasonable limit on the time
allowed for presenting evidence; and
(16) such other matters as may facilitate the just, speedy and
inexpensive disposition of the action.
At least one of the attorneys for each party participating in any
conference before trial shall have authority to enter into
stipulations and to make admissions regarding all matters that the
participants may reasonably anticipate may be discussed. If
appropriate, the court may require that a party or its
representative be present or reasonably available by telephone in
order to consider possible settlement of the dispute.
(d) Final Pretrial Conference. Any final pretrial conference
shall be held as close to the time of trial as reasonable under the
circumstances. The participants at any such conference shall
formulate a plan for trial, including the program for facilitating
the admission of evidence. The conference shall be attended by at
least one of the attorneys who will conduct the trial for each of
the parties and by any unrepresented parties.
(e) Pretrial Orders. After any conference held pursuant to this
rule, an order shall be entered reciting the action taken. The
order following a final pretrial conference shall be modified only
to prevent manifest injustice.
(f) Sanctions. If a party or party's attorney fails to obey a
scheduling or pretrial order, or if no appearance is made on behalf
of a party at a scheduling or pretrial conference, or if a party or
party's attorney is substantially unprepared to participate in the
conference, or if a party or party's attorney fails to participate
in good faith, the judge, upon motion or the judge's own
initiative, may make such orders with regard thereto as are just,
and among others any of the orders provided in RCFC 37(b)(2)(B),
(C), (D). In lieu of or in addition to any other sanction, the
judge shall require the party or the attorney representing the
party or both to pay the reasonable expenses incurred because of
any noncompliance with this rule, including attorneys' fees, unless
the judge finds that the noncompliance was substantially justified
or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.
(g) Additional Pretrial Procedures. See Appendix A to these rules
("Case Management Procedure") for additional provisions controlling
pretrial procedures.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 16 was completely revised to parallel the structure and
content of its counterpart in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The limited number of changes to the current federal rule reflect
those deemed necessary to accommodate procedural requirements
particular to this court. Except for these changes, the rule shown
conforms fully to the text of FRCP 16.
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REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (c)(4), are
set out in this Appendix.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX IV. PARTIES 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
IV. PARTIES
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 17 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 17. Parties Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity
-STATUTE-
(a) Real Party in Interest. Every action shall be prosecuted in
the name of the real party in interest. An executor, administrator,
guardian, bailee, trustee of an express trust, a party with whom or
in whose name a contract has been made for the benefit of another,
or a party authorized by statute may sue in that person's own name
without joining the party for whose benefit the action is brought.
No action shall be dismissed on the ground that it is not
prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest until a
reasonable time has been allowed after objection for ratification
of commencement of the action by, or joinder or substitution of,
the real party in interest; and such ratification, joinder, or
substitution shall have the same effect as if the action had been
commenced in the name of the real party in interest.
(b) Capacity to Sue or be Sued. The capacity of an individual,
other than one acting in a representative capacity, to sue or be
sued shall be determined by the law of the individual's domicile.
The capacity of a corporation to sue or be sued shall be determined
by the law under which it was organized. In all other cases
capacity to sue or be sued shall be determined by the law of the
applicable state, except (1) that a partnership or other
unincorporated association which has no capacity by the law of its
state may sue or be sued in its common name for the purpose of
enforcing for or against it a substantive right existing under the
Constitution or laws of the United States, and (2) that the
capacity of a receiver appointed by a court of the United States to
sue or be sued in a court of the United States is governed by Title
28, U.S.C., Sections 754 and 959(a).
(c) Infants or Incompetent Persons. Whenever an infant or
incompetent person has a representative, such as a general
guardian, committee, conservator, or other like fiduciary, the
representative may sue or defend on behalf of the infant or
incompetent person. An infant or incompetent person who does not
have a duly appointed representative may sue by a next friend or by
a guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem
for an infant or incompetent person not otherwise represented in an
action or shall make such other order as it deems proper for the
protection of the infant or incompetent person.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 17 was modified in minor respects in order to achieve closer
conformity with FRCP 17. A difference between the court's rule and
the corresponding federal rule occurs in subdivision (b).
Subdivision (b) of the federal rule, subtitled "Capacity to Sue or
be Sued," provides generally that, in those cases for which no rule
of decision is provided, "capacity to sue or be sued shall be
determined by the law of the state in which the district court is
held." In recognition of this court's nationwide jurisdiction, the
quoted language was rewritten by substituting "by the law of the
applicable state" for "by the law of the state in which the
district court is held."
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 18 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 18. Joinder of Claims and Remedies
-STATUTE-
(a) Joinder of Claims. A party asserting a claim to relief as an
original claim or counterclaim, may join, either as independent or
as alternate claims, as many claims as the party has against an
opposing party. A third party may join, to the extent permitted by
law, as many claims as the party has against the opposing party.
(b) Joinder of Remedies. Whenever a claim is one heretofore
cognizable only after another claim has been prosecuted to a
conclusion, the two claims may be joined in a single action; but
the court shall grant relief in that action only in accordance with
the relative substantive rights of the parties.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The final sentence added to subdivision (a) was intended to
recognize both the right of a third party to assert a claim and the
limitations on that right as set forth in 41 U.S.C. Sec. 114 and
applicable case law.
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 19 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 19. Joinder of Persons Needed for Just Adjudication
-STATUTE-
(a) Persons to be Joined if Feasible. A person who is subject to
service of process and whose joinder will not deprive the court of
jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action shall be joined
as a party in the action if (1) in the person's absence complete
relief cannot be accorded among those already parties, or (2) the
person claims an interest relating to the subject of the action and
is so situated that the disposition of the action in the person's
absence may (i) as a practical matter impair or impede the person's
ability to protect that interest or (ii) leave any of the persons
already parties subject to a substantial risk of incurring double,
multiple, or otherwise inconsistent obligations by reason of the
claimed interest. If the person has not been so joined, the court
shall order that the person be made a party. If the person should
join as a plaintiff but refuses to do so, the person may be made an
involuntary plaintiff.
(b) Determination by Court Whenever Joinder not Feasible. If a
person as described in subdivision (a)(1)-(2) hereof cannot be made
a party, the court shall determine whether in equity and good
conscience the action should proceed among the parties before it,
or should be dismissed, the absent person being thus regarded as
indispensable. The factors to be considered by the court include:
first, to what extent a judgment rendered in the person's absence
might be prejudicial to the person or those already parties;
second, the extent to which, by protective provisions in the
judgment, by the shaping of relief, or other measures, the
prejudice can be lessened or avoided; third, whether a judgment
rendered in the person's absence will be adequate; fourth, whether
the plaintiff will have an adequate remedy if the action is
dismissed for nonjoinder.
(c) Pleading Reasons for Nonjoinder. A pleading asserting a claim
for relief shall state the names, if known to the pleader, of any
persons as prescribed in subdivision (a)(1)-(2) hereof who are not
joined, and the reasons why they are not joined.
(d) Exception of Class Actions. This rule is subject to
provisions of RCFC 23.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Reference to RCFC 14 was deleted from subdivision (a) and other
minor changes were made in order to more closely conform to FRCP
19. Some differences, however, were retained - the most significant
being the deletion of the last sentence of FRCP 19(a) from this
court's rule. The last sentence addresses objections to venue
raised by a joined party. Such objections would not be assertable
in this court.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 20 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 20. Permissive Joinder of Parties
-STATUTE-
(a) Permissive Joinder. All persons may join in one action as
plaintiffs if they assert any right to relief jointly, severally,
or in the alternative in respect of or arising out of the same
transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences
and if any question of law or fact common to all these persons will
arise in the action. A plaintiff need not be interested in
obtaining all the relief demanded. Judgment may be given for one or
more of the plaintiffs according to their respective rights to
relief.
(b) Separate Trials. The court may make such orders as will
prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense
by the inclusion of a party against whom the party asserts no claim
and who asserts no claim against the party, and may order separate
trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The authority previously contained in RCFC 20(a)(1)-(2),
permitting unrestricted joinder of additional plaintiffs to a
pending multi-party action, proved cumbersome in practice and an
impediment to sound case management. The joinder of additional
plaintiffs should proceed by appropriate motion under RCFC 15.
Accordingly, RCFC 20 was modified so as to more closely parallel
the text of the corresponding Federal Rule of Civil Procedure.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 21 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 21. Misjoinder and Non-Joinder of Parties
-STATUTE-
Misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal of an action.
Parties may be dropped or added by order of the court on motion of
any party or of its own initiative at any stage of the action and
on such terms as are just. Any claim against a party may be severed
and proceeded with separately.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The last sentence of the former rule, "To add plaintiffs, see
RCFC 20(a)(1)-(2)," was eliminated to more closely conform the rule
to FRCP 21.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 22 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 22. Interpleader. [Not used].
-STATUTE-
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The interpleader practice permitted under FRCP 22 is, for the
most part, incompatible with the jurisdiction exercisable by this
court. However, in those cases where the United States is in the
position of a stakeholder facing the risks of double liability,
RCFC 14 provides the means for summoning a third party.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 23 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 23. Class Actions
-STATUTE-
(a) Prerequisites to a Class Action. One or more members of a
class may sue as representative parties on behalf of all only if
(1) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is
impracticable, (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the
class, (3) the claims of the representative parties are typical of
the claims of the class, and (4) the representative parties will
fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.
(b) Class Actions Maintainable. An action may be maintained as a
class action if the prerequisites of subdivision (a) are satisfied,
and in addition:
(1) the United States has acted or refused to act on grounds
generally applicable to the class, and
(2) the court finds that the questions of law or fact common to
the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting
only individual members, and that a class action is superior to
other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication
of the controversy. Matters pertinent to the findings include:
(A) the interest of members of the class in individually
controlling the prosecution of separate actions; (B) the extent
and nature of any litigation concerning the controversy already
commenced by members of the class; and (C) the difficulties
likely to be encountered in the management of a class action.
(c) Determination by Order Whether Class Action to be Maintained;
Notice; Judgment; Actions Conducted Partially as Class Actions.
(1) As soon as practicable after the commencement of an action
brought as a class action, the court shall determine by order
whether it is to be so maintained. An order under this
subdivision may be conditional, and may be altered or amended
before the decision on the merits.
(2) In any class action maintained, the court shall direct to
the potential members of the class the best notice practicable
under the circumstances, including notice to all individuals who
can be identified through reasonable effort. The notice shall
advise that (A) the court will include the individual in the
class action if the individual so requests by a specified date;
and (B) the judgment(s), whether favorable or not, will bind the
member(s) of the class.
(3) The judgment in an action maintained as a class action
under subdivisions (b)(1) or (b)(2), whether or not favorable to
the class, shall include and specify or describe those to whom
the notice provided in subdivision (c)(2) was directed, and who
have requested inclusion, and whom the court finds to be members
of the class.
(4) When appropriate, (A) an action may be brought or
maintained as a class action with respect to particular issues,
or (B) a class may be divided into subclasses and each subclass
treated as a class, and the provisions of this rule shall then be
construed and applied accordingly.
(d) Orders in Conduct of Actions. In the conduct of actions to
which this rule applies, the court may make appropriate orders: (1)
determining the course of proceedings or prescribing measures to
prevent undue repetition or complication in the presentation of
evidence or argument; (2) requiring, for the protection of the
members of the class or otherwise for the fair conduct of the
action, that notice be given in such manner as the court may direct
to some or all of the members of any step in the action, or of the
proposed extent of the judgment, or of the opportunity of members
to signify whether they consider the representation fair and
adequate, to intervene and present claims or defenses, or otherwise
to come into the action; (3) imposing conditions on the
representative parties or on intervenors; (4) requiring that the
pleadings be amended to eliminate therefrom allegations as to
representation of absent persons, and that the action proceed
accordingly; (5) dealing with similar procedural matters. The
orders may be combined with an order under RCFC 16, and may be
altered or amended as may be desirable from time to time.
(e) Dismissal or Compromise. A class action shall not be
dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and
notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to
all members of the class in such manner as the court directs.
(f) Appeals. [Not used.]
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 23 was completely rewritten. Although the court's rule is
modeled largely on the comparable federal rule, there are
significant differences between the two rules. In the main, the
court's rule adopts the criteria for certifying and maintaining a
class action as set forth in Quinault Allottee Ass'n v. United
States, 197 Ct. Cl. 134, 453 F.2d 1272 (1972).
Because the relief available in this court is generally confined
to individual money claims against the United States, the
situations justifying the use of a class action are correspondingly
narrower than those addressed in FRCP 23. Thus, the court's rule
does not accommodate, inter alia, the factual situations
redressable through declaratory and injunctive relief contemplated
under FRCP (b)(1), (2).
Additionally, unlike the federal rule, the court's rule
contemplates only opt-in class certifications, not opt-out classes.
The latter were viewed as inappropriate here because of the need
for specificity in money judgments against the United States, and
the fact that the court's injunctive powers - the typical focus of
an opt-out class - are more limited than those of a district court.
Finally, the court's rule does not contain a provision comparable
to FRCP 23(f). That subdivision, which provides that a "court of
appeals may in its discretion permit an appeal from an order . . .
granting or denying class certification" has its origin in 28
U.S.C. Sec. 1292(e), which authorizes the Supreme Court to
promulgate rules that provide for an appeal of an interlocutory
decision other than those set out in Section 1292. Because no
comparable statutory authority exists for this court's promulgation
of a similar rule, subdivision (f) was omitted. It should be noted,
however, that the Court of Federal Claims may certify questions to
the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
Secs. 1292(b) and 1295.
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 23.1 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 23.1. Derivative Actions by Shareholders
-STATUTE-
In a derivative action brought by one or more shareholders or
members to enforce a right of a corporation or of an unincorporated
association, the corporation or association having failed to
enforce a right which may properly be asserted by it, the complaint
shall be verified and shall allege (1) that the plaintiff was a
shareholder or member at the time of the transaction of which the
plaintiff complains or that the plaintiff's share or membership
thereafter devolved on the plaintiff by operation of law, and (2)
that the action is not a collusive one to confer jurisdiction on
this court which it would not otherwise have. The complaint shall
also allege with particularity the efforts, if any, made by the
plaintiff to obtain the action the plaintiff desires from the
directors or comparable authority and, if necessary, from the
shareholders or members, and the reasons for the plaintiff's
failure to obtain the action or for not making the effort. The
derivative action may not be maintained if it appears that the
plaintiff does not fairly and adequately represent the interests of
the shareholders or members similarly situated in enforcing the
right of the corporation or association. The action shall not be
dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and
notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to
shareholders or members in such manner as the court directs.
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RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This is a new rule. This version of RCFC 23.1 is in conformity
with the corresponding federal rule. The Federal Circuit has ruled
that, under certain circumstances, this court has jurisdiction to
hear shareholder derivative suits. First Hartford Corp. Pension
Plan & Trust v. United States, 194 F.3d 1279 (Fed. Cir. 1999). Cf.
Branch v. United States, 69 F.3d 1571 (Fed. Cir. 1995); and
California Housing Sec., Inc. v. United States, 959 F.2d 955 (Fed.
Cir. 1992).
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 23.2 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 23.2. Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations [Not
used.]
-STATUTE-
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This rule is procedurally unnecessary in light of the opt-in
class-action procedures of RCFC 23.
-End-
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 24 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 24. Intervention
-STATUTE-
(a) Intervention of Right. Upon timely application anyone shall
be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) when a statute of the
United States confers an unconditional right to intervene; or (2)
when the applicant claims an interest relating to the property or
transaction which is the subject of the action and the applicant is
so situated that the disposition of the action may as a practical
matter impair or impede the applicant's ability to protect that
interest, unless the applicant's interest is adequately represented
by existing parties.
(b) Permissive Intervention. Upon timely application anyone may
be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) when a statute of the
United States confers a conditional right to intervene; or (2) when
an applicant's claim or defense and the main action have a question
of law or fact in common. In exercising its discretion the court
shall consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or
prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties.
(c) Procedure. A person desiring to intervene shall serve a
motion to intervene upon the parties as provided in RCFC 5. The
motion shall state the grounds therefor and shall be accompanied by
a pleading setting forth the claim or defense for which
intervention is sought. The same procedure shall be followed when a
statute of the United States gives a right to intervene.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor changes were made to subdivision (c) of this rule in order
to more closely conform to FRCP 24.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 25 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IV. PARTIES
-HEAD-
Rule 25. Substitution of Parties
-STATUTE-
(a) Death.
(1) If a party dies and the claim is not thereby extinguished,
the court may order substitution of the proper parties. The
motion for substitution may be made by any party or by the
successors or representatives of the deceased party, and shall be
served as provided in RCFC 5. Unless the motion for substitution
is made not later than 90 days after the death is suggested upon
the record by service of a statement of the fact of the death as
provided herein for the service of the motion, the action shall
be dismissed as to the deceased party.
(2) In the event of the death of one or more of the plaintiffs
in an action in which the right sought to be enforced survives
only to the surviving plaintiffs, the action does not abate. The
death shall be suggested upon the record and the action shall
proceed in favor of or against the surviving parties.
(b) Incompetency. If a party becomes incompetent, the court upon
motion served as provided in subdivision (a) of this rule may allow
the action to be continued by or against the party's
representative.
(c) Transfer of Interest. In case of any transfer of interest,
the action may be continued by or against the original party,
unless the court upon motion directs the person to whom the
interest is transferred to be substituted in the action or joined
with the original party. Service of the motion shall be made as
provided in subdivision (a) of this rule.
(d) Public Officers; Death or Separation from Office. [Not used.]
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 25 omits the text of subdivision (d) of FRCP 25 which
addresses the substitution of a successor in an action naming a
public officer who dies or is separated from service while the
action is pending.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 26 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 26. General Provisions Governing Discovery; Duty of Disclosure
-STATUTE-
(a) Required Disclosures; Methods to Discover Additional Matter.
(1) Initial Disclosures. Except in categories of proceedings
specified in RCFC 26(a)(1)(E), or to the extent otherwise
stipulated or directed by order, a party must, without awaiting a
discovery request, provide to other parties:
(A) the name and, if known, the address and telephone number
of each individual likely to have discoverable information that
the disclosing party may use to support its claims or defenses,
unless solely for impeachment, identifying the subjects of the
information;
(B) a copy of, or a description by category and location of,
all documents, data compilations, and tangible things that are
in the possession, custody, or control of the party and that
the disclosing party may use to support its claims or defenses,
unless solely for impeachment; and
(C) a computation of any category of damages claimed by the
disclosing party, making available for inspection and copying
as under RCFC 34 the documents or other evidentiary material,
not privileged or protected from disclosure, on which such
computation is based, including materials bearing on the nature
and extent of injuries suffered.
(D) [Not used.]
(E) The following categories of proceedings are exempt from
initial disclosure under RCFC 26(a)(1):
(i) an action for review on an administrative record,
including procurement protest and military pay cases;
(ii) [Not used.];
(iii) an action brought without counsel by a person in
custody of the United States, a state, or a state
subdivision;
(iv, v, vi and vii) [Not used.];
(viii) an action to enforce an arbitration award; and
(ix) an action under the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Act.
These disclosures must be made within 14 days after the filing of
the Joint Preliminary Status Report (see Appendix A ¶ 4)
unless a different time is set by stipulation or court order, or
unless a party objects during the Early Meeting of Counsel (see
Appendix A ¶ 3) that initial disclosures are not appropriate
in the circumstances of the action and states the objection in the
Joint Preliminary Status Report. In ruling on the objection, the
court must determine what disclosures - if any - are to be made,
and set the time for disclosure. Any party first served or
otherwise joined after the Joint Preliminary Status Report must
make these disclosures within 30 days after being served or joined
unless a different time is set by stipulation or court order. A
party must make its initial disclosures based on the information
then reasonably available to it and is not excused from making its
disclosures because it has not fully completed its investigation of
the case or because it challenges the sufficiency of another
party's disclosures or because another party has not made its
disclosures.
(2) Disclosure of Expert Testimony.
(A) In addition to the disclosures required by paragraph (1),
a party shall disclose to other parties the identity of any
person who may be used at trial to present evidence under Rules
702, 703, or 705 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
(B) Except as otherwise stipulated or directed by the court,
this disclosure shall, with respect to a witness who is
retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony in
the case or whose duties as an employee of the party regularly
involve giving expert testimony, be accompanied by a written
report prepared and signed by the witness. The report shall
contain a complete statement of all opinions to be expressed
and the basis and reasons therefor; the data or other
information considered by the witness in forming the opinions;
any exhibits to be used as a summary of or support for the
opinions; the qualifications of the witness, including a list
of all publications authored by the witness within the
preceding ten years; the compensation to be paid for the study
and testimony; and a listing of any other cases in which the
witness has testified as an expert at trial or by deposition
within the preceding four years.
(C) These disclosures shall be made at the times and in the
sequence directed by the court. In the absence of other
directions from the court or stipulation by the parties, see
Appendix A ¶¶ 5, 8, the disclosures shall be made at
least 70 days before the scheduled close of discovery or, if
the evidence is intended solely to contradict or rebut evidence
on the same subject matter identified by another party under
paragraph (2)(B), within 30 days after the disclosure made by
the other party. The parties shall supplement these disclosures
when required under subdivision (e)(1).
(3) Pretrial Disclosures. [Not used. See Appendix A
¶¶ 13, 15, 16.]
(4) Form of Disclosures. Unless the court orders otherwise, all
disclosures under RCFC 26(a)(1) through (3) must be made in
writing, signed, and served.
(5) Methods to Discover Additional Matter. Parties may obtain
discovery by one or more of the following methods: depositions
upon oral examination or written questions; written
interrogatories; production of documents or things or permission
to enter upon land or other property under RCFC 34 or
45(a)(1)(C), for inspection and other purposes; physical and
mental examinations; and requests for admission.
(b) Discovery Scope and Limits. Unless otherwise limited by order
of the court in accordance with these rules, the scope of discovery
is as follows:
(1) In General. Parties may obtain discovery regarding any
matter, not privileged, that is relevant to the claim or defense
of any party, including the existence, description, nature,
custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or
other tangible things and the identity and location of persons
having knowledge of any discoverable matter. For good cause, the
court may order discovery of any matter relevant to the subject
matter involved in the action. Relevant information need not be
admissible at the trial if the discovery appears reasonably
calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. All
discovery is subject to the limitations imposed by RCFC
26(b)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii).
(2) Limitations. By order, the court may alter the limits in
these rules on the number of depositions and interrogatories or
the length of depositions under RCFC 30. By order, the court may
also limit the number of requests under RCFC 36. The frequency or
extent of use of the discovery methods otherwise permitted under
these rules shall be limited by the court if it determines that:
(i) the discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or
duplicative, or is obtainable from some other source that is more
convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive; (ii) the party
seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by discovery in the
action to obtain the information sought; or (iii) the burden or
expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit,
taking into account the needs of the case, the amount in
controversy, the parties' resources, the importance of the issues
at stake in the litigation, and the importance of the proposed
discovery in resolving the issues. The court may act upon its own
initiative after reasonable notice or pursuant to a motion under
RCFC 26(c).
(3) Trial Preparation: Materials. Subject to the provisions of
subdivision (b)(4), a party may obtain discovery of documents and
tangible things otherwise discoverable under subdivision (b)(1)
of this rule and prepared in anticipation of litigation or for
trial by or for another party or by or for that other party's
representative (including the other party's attorney, consultant,
surety, indemnitor, insurer, or agent) only upon a showing that
the party seeking discovery has substantial need of the materials
in the preparation of the party's case and that the party is
unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial
equivalent of the materials by other means. In ordering discovery
of such materials when the required showing has been made, the
court shall protect against disclosure of the mental impressions,
conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney or other
representative of a party concerning the litigation.
A party may obtain without the required showing a statement
concerning the action or its subject matter previously made by that
party. Upon request, a person not a party may obtain without the
required showing a statement concerning the action or its subject
matter previously made by that person. If the request is refused,
the person may move for a court order. The provisions of RCFC
37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the
motion. For purposes of this paragraph, a statement previously made
is (A) a written statement signed or otherwise adopted or approved
by the person making it, or (B) a stenographic, mechanical,
electrical, or other recording, or a transcription thereof, which
is a substantially verbatim recital of an oral statement by the
person making it and contemporaneously recorded.
(4) Trial Preparation: Experts.
(A) A party may depose any person who has been identified as
an expert whose opinions may be presented at trial. If a report
from the expert is required under subdivision (a)(2)(B), the
deposition shall not be conducted until after the report is
provided.
(B) A party may, through interrogatories or by deposition,
discover facts known or opinions held by an expert who has been
retained or specially employed by another party in anticipation
of litigation or preparation for trial and who is not expected
to be called as a witness at trial only as provided in RCFC
35(b) or upon a showing of exceptional circumstances under
which it is impracticable for the party seeking discovery to
obtain facts or opinions on the same subject by other means.
(C) Unless manifest injustice would result, (i) the court
shall require that the party seeking discovery pay the expert a
reasonable fee for time spent in responding to the discovery
under this subdivision; and (ii) with respect to discovery
obtained under subdivision (b)(4)(B) of this rule the court
shall require the party seeking discovery to pay the other
party a fair portion of the fees and expenses reasonably
incurred by the latter party in obtaining facts and opinions
from the expert.
(5) Claims of Privilege or Protection of Trial Preparation
Materials. When a party withholds information otherwise
discoverable under these rules by claiming that it is privileged
or subject to protection as trial preparation material, the party
shall make the claim expressly and shall describe the nature of
the documents, communications, or things not produced or
disclosed in a manner that, without revealing information itself
privileged or protected, will enable other parties to assess the
applicability of the privilege or protection.
(c) Protective Orders. Upon motion by a party or by the person
from whom discovery is sought, accompanied by a certification that
the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with
other affected parties in an effort to resolve the dispute without
court action, and for good cause shown, the court may make any
order which justice requires to protect a party or person from
annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense,
including one or more of the following:
(1) that the disclosure or discovery not be had;
(2) that the disclosure or discovery may be had only on
specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the
time or place;
(3) that the discovery may be had only by a method of discovery
other than that selected by the party seeking discovery;
(4) that certain matters not be inquired into, or that the
scope of the disclosure or discovery be limited to certain
matters;
(5) that discovery be conducted with no one present except
persons designated by the court;
(6) that a deposition, after being sealed, be opened only by
order of the court;
(7) that a trade secret or other confidential research,
development, or commercial information not be revealed or be
revealed only in a designated way; and
(8) that the parties simultaneously file specified documents or
information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed
by the court.
If the motion for a protective order is denied in whole or in part,
the court may, on such terms and conditions as are just, order that
any party or other person provide or permit discovery. The
provisions of RCFC 37(a)(4) apply to award of expenses incurred in
relation to the motion.
(d) Timing and Sequence of Discovery. Except in categories of
proceedings exempted from initial disclosure under RCFC
26(a)(1)(E), or when authorized under these rules or by order or
agreement of the parties, a party may not seek discovery from any
source before the parties have conferred as required by Appendix A
¶ 3. Unless the court upon motion, for the convenience of
parties and witnesses and in the interests of justice, orders
otherwise, methods of discovery may be used in any sequence, and
the fact that a party is conducting discovery, whether by
deposition or otherwise, does not operate to delay any other
party's discovery.
(e) Supplementation of Disclosures and Responses. A party who has
made a disclosure under subdivision (a) or responded to a request
for discovery with a disclosure or response is under a duty to
supplement or correct the disclosure or response to include
information thereafter acquired if ordered by the court or in the
following circumstances:
(1) A party is under a duty to supplement at appropriate
intervals its disclosures under subdivision (a) if the party
learns that in some material respect the information disclosed is
incomplete or incorrect and if the additional or corrective
information has not otherwise been made known to the other
parties during the discovery process or in writing. With respect
to testimony of an expert from whom a report is required under
subdivision (a)(2)(B) the duty extends both to information
contained in the report and to information provided through a
deposition of the expert.
(2) A party is under a duty seasonably to amend a prior
response to an interrogatory, request for production, or request
for admission if the party learns that the response is in some
material respect incomplete or incorrect and if the additional or
corrective information has not otherwise been made known to the
other parties during the discovery process or in writing.
(f) Conference of Parties; Planning for Discovery. [Not used. See
Appendix A ¶ 3.]
(g) Signing of Disclosures, Discovery Requests, Responses, and
Objections.
(1) Every disclosure made pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) or
Appendix A ¶¶ 13, 15, and 16 shall be signed by the
attorney of record in the attorney's individual name, whose
address shall be stated. An unrepresented party shall sign the
disclosure and state the party's address. The signature of the
attorney or party constitutes a certification that to the best of
the signer's knowledge, information, and belief, formed after a
reasonable inquiry, the disclosure is complete and correct as of
the time it is made.
(2) Every discovery request, response, or objection made by a
party represented by an attorney shall be signed by the attorney
of record in the attorney's individual name, whose address shall
be stated. An unrepresented party shall sign the request,
response, or objection and state the party's address. The
signature of the attorney or party constitutes a certification
that to the best of the signer's knowledge, information, and
belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry, the request, response,
or objection is:
(A) consistent with these rules and warranted by existing law
or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or
reversal of existing law;
(B) not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to
harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in
the cost of litigation; and
(C) not unreasonable or unduly burdensome or expensive, given
the needs of the case, the discovery already had in the case,
the amount in controversy, and the importance of the issues at
stake in the litigation.
If a request, response, or objection is not signed, it shall be
stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called
to the attention of the party making the request, response, or
objection, and a party shall not be obligated to take any action
with respect to it until it is signed.
(3) If without substantial justification a certification is
made in violation of the rule, the court, upon motion or upon its
own initiative, shall impose upon the person who made the
certification, the party on whose behalf the disclosure, request,
response, or objection is made, or both, an appropriate sanction,
which may include an order to pay the amount of the reasonable
expenses incurred because of the violation, including a
reasonable attorney's fee.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 26 has been revised to parallel the structure and content of
its counterpart in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The
limited number of changes to the current federal rule, as amended
in 2000, reflect those deemed necessary to accommodate the nature
and jurisdiction of this court. Except for these changes, the rule
shown conforms fully to the text of FRCP 26. Because the Appendix A
Early Meeting of Counsel substantially accomplishes the same
purpose as the FRCP 26(f) conference of counsel, the timing of
initial disclosures was keyed to the former. Consequently, in lieu
of the language of FRCP 26(f), cross reference is made to Appendix
A ¶ 3.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act, referred to in
subd. (a)(1)(E)(ix), probably means subtitle 2 of title XXI of act
July 1, 1944, ch. 373, as added by Pub. L. 99-660, title III, Sec.
311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3758, as amended, which is
classified generally to part 2 (Sec. 300aa-10 et seq.) of
subchapter XIX of chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and
Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see
Tables.
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (a)(2)(A),
are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 27 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 27. Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal
-STATUTE-
(a) Before Action.
(1) Petition. A person who desires to perpetuate testimony
regarding any matter that may be cognizable in the court may file
a verified petition. The petition shall be entitled in the name
of the petitioner and shall show: 1, that the petitioner expects
to be a party to an action cognizable in the court but is
presently unable to bring it or cause it to be brought, 2, the
subject matter of the expected action and the petitioner's
interest therein, 3, the facts which the petitioner desires to
establish by the proposed testimony and the reasons for desiring
to perpetuate it, 4, [Not used.], and 5, the names and addresses
of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony
which the petitioner expects to elicit from each, and shall ask
for an order authorizing the petitioner to take the depositions
of the persons to be examined named in the petition, for the
purpose of perpetuating their testimony.
(2) Notice and Service. The petition shall be served upon the
United States in the same manner as a complaint. See RCFC 4. The
petitioner may thereafter, by motion served upon counsel for the
United States (see RCFC 5), request a hearing or the court may,
sua sponte, by order, set a hearing on the petition.
(3) Order and Examination. If the court is satisfied that the
perpetuation of the testimony may prevent a failure or delay of
justice, it shall make an order designating or describing the
persons whose depositions may be taken and specifying the subject
matter of the examination and whether the depositions shall be
taken upon oral examination or written interrogatories. The
depositions may then be taken in accordance with these rules; and
the court may make orders of the character provided for by RCFC
34 and 35.
(4) Use of Deposition. If a deposition to perpetuate testimony
is taken under these rules, it may be used in any action
involving the same subject matter subsequently brought in this
court, in accordance with the provisions of RCFC 32(a).
(b) Pending Appeal. If an appeal has been taken from a judgment
of the court or before the taking of an appeal if the time therefor
has not expired, the court may allow the taking of the depositions
of witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for use in the event of
further proceedings in this court. In such case the party who
desires to perpetuate the testimony may make a motion for leave to
take the depositions, upon the same notice and service thereof as
if the action was pending in this court. The motion shall show (1)
the names and addresses of persons to be examined and the substance
of the testimony which the party expects to elicit from each; (2)
the reasons for perpetuating their testimony. If the court finds
that the perpetuation of the testimony is proper to avoid a failure
or delay of justice, it may make an order allowing the depositions
to be taken and may make orders of the character provided for by
RCFC 34 and 35, and thereupon the depositions may be taken and used
in the same manner and under the same conditions as are prescribed
in these rules for depositions taken in actions pending in this
court.
(c) Perpetuation by Action. [Not used.]
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 27 closely parallels FRCP 27, the only differences being
those necessary for compatibility with the jurisdiction and other
rules of the court.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 28 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 28. Persons Before Whom Depositions may be Taken
-STATUTE-
(a) Within the United States. Within the United States or within
a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States, depositions shall be taken before an officer
authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States or
of the place where the examination is held, or before a person
appointed by the court. A person so appointed has power to
administer oaths and take testimony. The term officer as used in
RCFC 30, 31 and 32 includes a person appointed by the court or
designated by the parties under RCFC 29.
(b) In Foreign Countries. Depositions may be taken in a foreign
country (1) pursuant to any applicable treaty or convention, or (2)
pursuant to a letter of request (whether or not captioned a letter
rogatory), or (3) on notice before a person authorized to
administer oaths in the place where the examination is held, either
by the law thereof or by the law of the United States, or (4)
before a person commissioned by the court, and a person so
commissioned shall have the power by virtue of the commission to
administer any necessary oath and take testimony. A commission or a
letter of request shall be issued on application and notice and on
terms that are just and appropriate. It is not requisite to the
issuance of a commission or a letter of request that the taking of
the deposition in any other manner is impracticable or
inconvenient; and both a commission and a letter of request may be
issued in proper cases. A notice or commission may designate the
person before whom the deposition is to be taken either by name or
descriptive title. A letter of request may be addressed "To the
Appropriate Authority in [here name the country]." When a letter of
request or any other device is used pursuant to any applicable
treaty or convention, it shall be captioned in the form prescribed
by that treaty or convention. Evidence obtained in response to a
letter of request need not be excluded merely because it is not a
verbatim transcript, because the testimony was not taken under
oath, or because of any similar departure from the requirements for
depositions taken within the United States under these rules.
(c) Disqualification for Interest. No deposition shall be taken
before a person who is a relative or employee or attorney or
counsel of any of the parties, or is a relative or employee of such
attorney or counsel, or is financially interested in the action.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 28 parallels in form and content FRCP 28. The single
difference between the two rules occurs in subdivision (a): the
court's rule eliminates the reference to other courts by omitting
the phrasing "in which the action is pending."
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 29 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 29. Stipulations Regarding Discovery Procedure
-STATUTE-
Unless otherwise directed by the court, the parties may by
written stipulation (1) provide that depositions may be taken
before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in
any manner and when so taken may be used like other depositions,
and (2) modify other procedures governing or limitations placed
upon discovery, except that stipulations extending the time
provided in RCFC 33, 34, and 36 for responses to discovery may, if
they would interfere with any time set for completion of discovery,
for hearing of a motion, or for trial, be made only with the
approval of the court.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 29 conforms to FRCP 29.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 30 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 30. Depositions Upon Oral Examination
-STATUTE-
(a) When Depositions May Be Taken; When Leave Required.
(1) A party may take the testimony of any person, including a
party, by deposition upon oral examination without leave of court
except as provided in paragraph (2). The attendance of witnesses
may be compelled by subpoena as provided in RCFC 45.
(2) A party must obtain leave of court, which shall be granted
to the extent consistent with the principles stated in RCFC
26(b)(2), if the person to be examined is confined in prison or
if, without the written stipulation of the parties,
(A) a proposed deposition would result in more than ten
depositions being taken under this rule or RCFC 31 by the
plaintiffs, or by the defendants, or by third-party defendants;
(B) the person to be examined already has been deposed in the
case; or
(C) a party seeks to take a deposition before the time
specified in RCFC 26(d) unless the notice contains a
certification, with supporting facts, that the person to be
examined is expected to leave the United States and be
unavailable for examination in this country unless deposed
before that time.
(b) Notice of Examination: General Requirements; Method of
Recording; Production of Documents and Things; Deposition of
Organization; Deposition by Telephone.
(1) A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon
oral examination shall give reasonable notice in writing to every
other party to the action. The notice shall state the time and
place for taking the deposition and the name and address of each
person to be examined, if known, and, if the name is not known, a
general description sufficient to identify the person or the
particular class or group to which the person belongs. If a
subpoena duces tecum is to be served on the person to be
examined, the designation of the materials to be produced as set
forth in the subpoena shall be attached to, or included in, the
notice.
(2) The party taking the deposition shall state in the notice
the method by which the testimony shall be recorded. Unless the
court orders otherwise, it may be recorded by sound,
sound-and-visual, or stenographic means, and the party taking the
deposition shall bear the cost of the recording. Any party may
arrange for a transcription to be made from the recording of a
deposition taken by non-stenographic means.
(3) With prior notice to the deponent and other parties, any
party may designate another method to record the deponent's
testimony in addition to the method specified by the person
taking the deposition. The additional record or transcript shall
be made at that party's expense unless the court otherwise
orders.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a deposition shall
be conducted before an officer appointed or designated under RCFC
28 and shall begin with a statement on the record by the officer
that includes (A) the officer's name and business address; (B)
the date, time, and place of the deposition; (C) the name of the
deponent; (D) the administration of the oath or affirmation to
the deponent; and (E) an identification of all persons present.
If the deposition is recorded other than stenographically, the
officer shall repeat items (A) through (C) at the beginning of
each unit of recorded tape or other recording medium. The
appearance or demeanor of deponents or attorneys shall not be
distorted through camera or sound-recording techniques. At the
end of the deposition, the officer shall state on the record that
the deposition is complete and shall set forth any stipulations
made by counsel concerning the custody of the transcript or
recording and the exhibits, or concerning other pertinent
matters.
(5) The notice to a party deponent may be accompanied by a
request made in compliance with RCFC 34 for the production of
documents and tangible things at the taking of the deposition.
The procedure of RCFC 34 shall apply to the request.
(6) A party may in the party's notice and in a subpoena name as
the deponent a public or private corporation or a partnership or
association or governmental agency and describe with reasonable
particularity the matters on which examination is requested. In
that event, the organization so named shall designate one or more
officers, directors, or managing agents, or other persons who
consent to testify on its behalf, and may set forth, for each
person designated, the matters on which the person will testify.
A subpoena shall advise a non-party organization of its duty to
make such a designation. The persons so designated shall testify
as to matters known or reasonably available to the organization.
This subdivision (b)(6) does not preclude taking a deposition by
any other procedure authorized in these rules.
(7) The parties may stipulate in writing or the court may upon
motion order that a deposition be taken by telephone or other
remote electronic means. For the purposes of this rule and RCFC
28(a), a deposition taken by such means is taken at the place
where the deponent is to answer questions.
(c) Examination and Cross-Examination; Record of Examination;
Oath; Objections.
Examination and cross-examination of witnesses may proceed as
permitted at the trial under the provisions of the Federal Rules of
Evidence except Rules 103 and 615. The officer before whom the
deposition is to be taken shall put the witness on oath or
affirmation and shall personally, or by someone acting under the
officer's direction and in the officer's presence, record the
testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken
stenographically or recorded by any other method authorized by
subdivision (b)(2) of this rule. All objections made at the time of
the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the
deposition, to the manner of taking it, to the evidence presented,
to the conduct of any party, or to any other aspect of the
proceedings shall be noted by the officer upon the record of the
deposition; but the examination shall proceed, with the testimony
being taken subject to the objections. In lieu of participating in
the oral examination, parties may serve written questions in a
sealed envelope on the party taking the deposition and the party
taking the deposition shall transmit them to the officer, who shall
propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim.
(d) Schedule and Duration; Motion to Terminate or Limit
Examination.
(1) Any objection during a deposition must be stated concisely
and in a non-argumentative and non-suggestive manner. A person
may instruct a deponent not to answer only when necessary to
preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation directed by the
court, or to present a motion under RCFC 30(d)(4).
(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the court or stipulated by
the parties, a deposition is limited to one day of seven hours.
The court must allow additional time consistent with RCFC
26(b)(2) if needed for a fair examination of the deponent or if
the deponent or another person, or other circumstance, impedes or
delays the examination.
(3) If the court finds that any impediment, delay, or other
conduct has frustrated the fair examination of the deponent, it
may impose upon the persons responsible an appropriate sanction,
including the reasonable costs and attorney's fees incurred by
any parties as a result thereof.
(4) At any time during the deposition, on motion of a party or
of the deponent and upon a showing that the examination is being
conducted in bad faith or in such manner as unreasonably to
annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the court may
order the officer conducting the examination to cease forthwith
from taking the deposition, or may limit the scope and manner of
the taking of the deposition as provided in RCFC 26(c). If the
order made terminates the examination, it may be resumed
thereafter only upon the order of the court. Upon demand of the
objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition must be
suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an order.
The provisions of RCFC 37(a)(4) apply to the award of expenses
incurred in relation to the motion.
(e) Review by Witness; Changes; Signing.
If requested by the deponent or a party before completion of the
deposition, the deponent shall have 30 days after being notified by
the officer that the transcript or recording is available in which
to review the transcript or recording and, if there are changes in
form or substance, to sign a statement reciting such changes and
the reasons given by the deponent for making them. The officer
shall indicate in the certificate prescribed by subdivision (f)(1)
whether any review was requested and, if so, shall append any
changes made by the deponent during the period allowed.
(f) Certification and Delivery by Officer; Exhibits; Copies.
(1) The officer must certify that the witness was duly sworn by
the officer and that the deposition is a true record of the
testimony given by the witness. This certificate must be in
writing and accompany the record of the deposition. Unless
otherwise ordered by the court, the officer must securely seal
the deposition in an envelope or package indorsed with the title
of the action and marked "Deposition of [here insert name of
witness]" and must promptly send it to the attorney who arranged
for the transcript or recording, who must store it under
conditions that will protect it against loss, destruction,
tampering, or deterioration. Documents and things produced for
inspection during the examination of the witness must, upon the
request of a party, be marked for identification and annexed to
the deposition and may be inspected and copied by any party,
except that if the person producing the materials desires to
retain them the person may (A) offer copies to be marked for
identification and annexed to the deposition and to serve
thereafter as originals if the person affords to all parties fair
opportunity to verify the copies by comparison with the
originals, or (B) offer the originals to be marked for
identification, after giving to each party an opportunity to
inspect and copy them, in which event the materials may then be
used in the same manner as if annexed to the deposition. Any
party may move for an order that the original be annexed to and
returned with the deposition to the court, pending final
disposition of the case.
(2) Unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed by the
parties, the officer shall retain stenographic notes of any
deposition taken stenographically or a copy of the recording of
any deposition taken by another method. Upon payment of
reasonable charges therefor, the officer shall furnish a copy of
the transcript or other recording of the deposition to any party
or to the deponent.
(3) [Not used.]
(g) Failure to Attend or to Serve Subpoena; Expenses.
(1) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a
deposition fails to attend and proceed therewith and another
party attends in person or by attorney pursuant to the notice,
the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such
other party the reasonable expenses incurred by that party and
that party's attorney in attending, including reasonable
attorney's fees.
(2) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a
deposition of a witness fails to serve a subpoena upon the
witness and the witness because of such failure does not attend,
and if another party attends in person or by attorney because
that party expects the deposition of that witness to be taken,
the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such
other party the reasonable expenses incurred by that party and
that party's attorney in attending, including reasonable
attorney's fees.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 30 parallels the structure and content of its counterpart in
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The limited number of
differences reflect those necessary for compatibility with the
jurisdiction and other rules of the court.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (c), are set
out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 31 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 31. Depositions Upon Written Questions
-STATUTE-
(a) Serving Questions; Notice.
(1) A party may take the testimony of any person, including a
party, by deposition upon written questions without leave of
court except as provided in paragraph (2). The attendance of
witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoena as provided in
RCFC 45.
(2) A party must obtain leave of court, which shall be granted
to the extent consistent with the principles stated in RCFC
26(b)(2), if the person to be examined is confined in prison or
if, without the written stipulation of the parties,
(A) a proposed deposition would result in more than ten
depositions being taken under this rule or RCFC 30 by the
plaintiffs, or by the defendants, or by third-party defendants;
(B) the person to be examined has already been deposed in the
case; or
(C) a party seeks to take a deposition before the time
specified in RCFC 26(d).
(3) A party desiring to take a deposition upon written
questions shall serve them upon every other party with a notice
stating (1) the name and address of the person who is to answer
them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general
description sufficient to identify the person or the particular
class or group to which the person belongs, and (2) the name or
descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the
deposition is to be taken. A deposition upon written questions
may be taken of a public or private corporation or a partnership
or association or governmental agency in accordance with the
provisions of RCFC 30(b)(6).
(4) Within 14 days after the notice and written questions are
served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties.
Within 7 days after being served with cross questions, a party
may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within 7
days after being served with redirect questions, a party may
serve recross questions upon all other parties. The court may for
cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.
(b) Officer to Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the
notice and copies of all questions served shall be delivered by the
party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the
notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by RCFC
30(c), (e) and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in
response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and deliver the
deposition to the party taking it, attaching thereto the copy of
the notice and the questions received by the officer.
(c) Notice of Receipt. When the deposition is received, the party
taking it shall promptly give notice thereof to all other parties.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 31 closely parallels the text of FRCP 31. Subdivision (a) is
identical in wording to the current federal civil rule.
Subdivisions (b) and (c) are nearly identical, the only differences
being those necessary to reflect the court's practice of not
requiring depositions to be filed.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 32 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 32. Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings
-STATUTE-
(a) Use of Depositions. At the trial or upon the hearing of a
motion or an interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a
deposition, so far as admissible under the rules of evidence
applied as though the witness were then present and testifying, may
be used against any party who was present or represented at the
taking of the deposition or who had reasonable notice thereof, in
accordance with any of the following provisions:
(1) Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of
contradicting or impeaching the testimony of deponent as a
witness, or for any other purpose permitted by the Federal Rules
of Evidence.
(2) The deposition of a party or of anyone who at the time of
taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing
agent, or a person designated under RCFC 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to
testify on behalf of a public or private corporation, partnership
or association or governmental agency which is a party may be
used by an adverse party for any purpose.
(3) The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be
used by any party for any purpose if the court finds:
(A) that the witness is dead; or
(B) that the witness is out of the United States, unless it
appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the
party offering the deposition; or
(C) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because
of age, illness, infirmity, or imprisonment; or
(D) that the party offering the deposition has been unable to
procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or
(E) upon application and notice, that the witness is at a
greater distance than 100 miles from the place of trial or
hearing, unless the court also finds (i) that the absence of
the witness was procured by the party offering the deposition
or (ii) that it is not in the interests of justice, with due
regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of
witnesses orally in open court, to allow the deposition to be
used; or
(F) upon application and notice, that such exceptional
circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of
justice and with due regard to the importance of presenting the
testimony of witnesses orally in open court, to allow the
deposition to be used.
A deposition taken without leave of court pursuant to a notice
under RCFC 30(a)(2)(C) shall not be used against a party who
demonstrates that, when served with the notice, it was unable
through the exercise of diligence to obtain counsel to represent it
at the taking of the deposition; nor shall a deposition be used
against a party who, having received less than 11 days notice of a
deposition, has promptly upon receiving such notice filed a motion
for a protective order under RCFC 26(c)(2) requesting that the
deposition not be held or be held at a different time or place and
such motion is pending at the time the deposition is held.
(4) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a
party, an adverse party may require the offeror to introduce any
other part which ought in fairness to be considered with the part
introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.
Substitution of parties pursuant to RCFC 25 does not affect the
right to use depositions previously taken; and, when an action
has been brought in any court of the United States or of any
state and another action involving the same subject matter is
afterward brought between the same parties or their
representatives or successors in interest, all depositions
lawfully taken and duly filed in the former action may be used in
the latter as if originally taken therefor. A deposition
previously taken may also be used as permitted by the Federal
Rules of Evidence.
(b) Objections to Admissibility. Subject to the provisions of
RCFC 28(b) and subdivision (d)(3) of this rule, objection may be
made at the trial or hearing to receiving in evidence any
deposition or part thereof for any reason which would require the
exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and
testifying.
(c) Form of Presentation. Except as otherwise directed by the
court, a party offering deposition testimony pursuant to this rule
may offer it in stenographic or nonstenographic form, but, if in
nonstenographic form, the party shall also provide the court with a
transcript of the portions so offered.
(d) Effect of Errors and Irregularities in Depositions.
(1) As to Notice. All errors and irregularities in the notice
for taking a deposition are waived unless written objection is
promptly served upon the party giving the notice.
(2) As to Disqualification of Officer. Objection to taking a
deposition because of disqualification of the officer before whom
it is to be taken is waived unless made before the taking of the
deposition begins or as soon thereafter as the disqualification
becomes known or could be discovered with reasonable diligence.
(3) As to Taking of Deposition.
(A) Objections to the competency of a witness or to the
competency, relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not
waived by failure to make them before or during the taking of
the deposition, unless the ground of the objection is one which
might have been obviated or removed if presented at that time.
(B) Errors and irregularities occurring at the oral
examination in the manner of taking the deposition, in the form
of the questions or answers, in the oath or affirmation, or in
the conduct of parties, and errors of any kind which might be
obviated, removed, or cured if promptly presented, are waived
unless seasonable objection thereto is made at the taking of
the deposition.
(C) Objections to the form of written questions submitted
under RCFC 31 are waived unless served in writing upon the
party propounding them within the time allowed for serving the
succeeding cross or other questions and within 5 days after
service of the last questions authorized.
(4) As to Completion and Return of Deposition. Errors and
irregularities in the manner in which the testimony is
transcribed or the deposition is prepared, signed, certified,
sealed, indorsed, transmitted, or otherwise dealt with by the
officer under RCFC 30 and 31 are waived unless a motion to
suppress the deposition or some part thereof is made with
reasonable promptness after such defect is, or with due diligence
might have been, ascertained.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 32 is identical to FRCP 32, except for (i) omission of the
last sentence in subdivision (c), applicable only in jury trials,
(ii) deletion of the word "filed" in subdivision (d)(4), because
this court does not require that depositions be routinely filed,
and (iii) revisions of subparagraphs (a)(3)(B) and (E) to require
application and notice for the use of depositions of a witness who
is at a greater distance than 100 miles from the place of hearing.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (a)(1), (4)
are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 33 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 33. Interrogatories to Parties
-STATUTE-
(a) Availability. Without leave of court or written stipulation,
any party may serve upon any other party written interrogatories,
not exceeding 25 in number including all discrete subparts, to be
answered by the party served or, if the party served is a public or
private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental
agency, by any officer or agent, who shall furnish such information
as is available to the party. Leave to serve additional
interrogatories shall be granted to the extent consistent with the
principles of RCFC 26(b)(2). Without leave of court or written
stipulation, interrogatories may not be served before the time
specified in RCFC 26(d).
(b) Answers and Objections.
(1) Each interrogatory shall be answered separately and fully
in writing under oath, unless it is objected to, in which event
the objecting party shall state the reasons for objection and
shall answer to the extent the interrogatory is not
objectionable.
(2) The answers are to be signed by the person making them, and
the objections signed by the attorney making them.
(3) The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served
shall serve a copy of the answers, and objections if any, within
30 days after the service of the interrogatories. A shorter or
longer time may be directed by the court or, in the absence of
such an order, agreed to in writing by the parties subject to
RCFC 29.
(4) All grounds for an objection to an interrogatory shall be
stated with specificity. Any ground not stated in a timely
objection is waived unless the party's failure to object is
excused by the court for good cause shown.
(5) The party submitting the interrogatories may move for an
order under RCFC 37(a) with respect to any objection to or other
failure to answer an interrogatory.
(c) Scope; Use at Trial. Interrogatories may relate to any
matters which can be inquired into under RCFC 26(b)(1), and the
answers may be used to the extent permitted by the rules of
evidence.
An interrogatory otherwise proper is not necessarily
objectionable merely because an answer to the interrogatory
involves an opinion or contention that relates to fact or the
application of law to fact, but the court may order that such an
interrogatory need not be answered until after designated discovery
has been completed or until a pretrial conference or other later
time.
(d) Option to Produce Business Records.
Where the answer to an interrogatory may be derived or
ascertained from the business records of the party upon whom the
interrogatory has been served or from an examination, audit or
inspection of such business records, including a compilation,
abstract or summary thereof, and the burden of deriving or
ascertaining the answer is substantially the same for the party
serving the interrogatory as for the party served, it is a
sufficient answer to such interrogatory to specify the records from
which the answer may be derived or ascertained and to afford to the
party serving the interrogatory reasonable opportunity to examine,
audit or inspect such records and to make copies, compilations,
abstracts or summaries. A specification shall be in sufficient
detail to permit the interrogating party to locate and to identify,
as readily as can the party served, the records from which the
answer may be ascertained.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 33 is identical to FRCP 33.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 34 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 34. Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land for
Inspection and Other Purposes
-STATUTE-
(a) Scope. Any party may serve on any other party a request (1)
to produce and permit the party making the request, or someone
acting on the requestor's behalf, to inspect and copy, any
designated documents (including writings, drawings, graphs, charts,
photographs, phonorecords, and other data compilations from which
information can be obtained, translated, if necessary, by the
respondent through detection devices into reasonably usable form),
or to inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things which
constitute or contain matters within the scope of RCFC 26(b) and
which are in the possession, custody or control of the party upon
whom the request is served; or (2) to permit entry upon designated
land or other property in the possession or control of the party
upon whom the request is served for the purpose of inspection and
measuring, surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling the
property or any designated object or operation thereon, within the
scope of RCFC 26(b).
(b) Procedure. The request shall set forth, either by individual
item or by category, the items to be inspected, and describe each
with reasonable particularity. The request shall specify a
reasonable time, place, and manner of making the inspection and
performing the related acts. Without leave of court or written
stipulation, a request may not be served before the time specified
in RCFC 26(d).
The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written
response within 30 days after the service of the request. A shorter
or longer time may be directed by the court or, in the absence of
such an order, agreed to by the parties, subject to RCFC 29. The
response shall state, with respect to each item or category, that
inspection and related activities will be permitted as requested,
unless the request is objected to, in which event the reasons for
objection shall be stated. If objection is made to part of an item
or category, the part shall be specified and inspection permitted
of the remaining parts. The party submitting the request may move
for an order under RCFC 37(a) with respect to any objection to or
other failure to respond to the request or any part thereof, or any
failure to permit inspection as requested.
A party who produces documents for inspection shall produce them
as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize
and label them to correspond with the categories in the request.
(c) Persons Not Parties. A person not a party to the action may
be compelled to produce documents and things or to submit to an
inspection as provided in RCFC 45.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 34 is identical to FRCP 34.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 35 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 35. Physical and Mental Examinations of Persons
-STATUTE-
(a) Order for Examination. When the mental or physical condition
(including the blood group) of a party or of a person in the
custody or under the legal control of a party, is in controversy,
the court may order the party to submit to a physical or mental
examination by a suitably licensed or certified examiner or to
produce for examination the person in the party's custody or legal
control. The order may be made only on motion for good cause shown
and upon notice to the person to be examined and to all parties and
shall specify the time, place, manner, conditions, and scope of the
examination and the person or persons by whom it is to be made.
(b) Report of Examiner.
(1) If requested by the party against whom an order is made
under RCFC 35(a) or the person examined, the party causing the
examination to be made shall deliver to the requesting party a
copy of the detailed written report of the examiner setting out
the examiner's findings, including results of all tests made,
diagnoses and conclusions, together with like reports of all
earlier examinations of the same condition. After delivery the
party causing the examination shall be entitled upon request to
receive from the party against whom the order is made a like
report of any examination, previously or thereafter made, of the
same condition, unless, in the case of a report of examination of
a person not a party, the party shows that the party is unable to
obtain it. The court on motion may make an order against a party
requiring delivery of a report on such terms as are just, and if
an examiner fails or refuses to make a report the court may
exclude the examiner's testimony if offered at trial.
(2) By requesting and obtaining a report of the examination so
ordered or by taking the deposition of the examiner, the party
examined waives any privilege the party may have in that action
or any other involving the same controversy, regarding the
testimony of every other person who has examined or may
thereafter examine the party in respect of the same mental or
physical condition.
(3) This subdivision applies to examinations made by agreement
of the parties, unless the agreement expressly provides
otherwise. This subdivision does not preclude discovery of a
report of an examiner or the taking of a deposition of the
examiner in accordance with the provisions of any other rule.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 35 is identical to FRCP 35, except for the omission of the
words, "in which the action is pending," in subdivision a.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 36 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 36. Requests for Admission
-STATUTE-
(a) Request for Admission. A party may serve upon any other party
a written request for the admission, for purposes of the pending
action only, of the truth of any matters within the scope of RCFC
26(b)(1) set forth in the request that relate to statements or
opinions of fact or of the application of law to fact, including
the genuineness of any documents described in the request. Copies
of documents shall be served with the request unless they have been
or are otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and
copying. Without leave of court or written stipulation, requests
for admission may not be served before the time specified in RCFC
26(d).
Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be
separately set forth. The matter is admitted unless, within 30 days
after service of the request, or within such shorter or longer time
as the court may allow or as the parties may agree to in writing,
subject to RCFC 29, the party to whom the request is directed
serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or
objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party or by the
party's attorney. If objection is made, the reasons therefor shall
be stated. The answer shall specifically deny the matter or set
forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot
truthfully admit or deny the matter. A denial shall fairly meet the
substance of the requested admission, and when good faith requires
that a party qualify an answer or deny only a part of the matter of
which an admission is requested, the party shall specify so much of
it as is true and qualify or deny the remainder. An answering party
may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for
failure to admit or deny unless the party states that the party has
made reasonable inquiry and that the information known or readily
obtainable by the party is insufficient to enable the party to
admit or deny. A party who considers that a matter of which an
admission has been requested presents a genuine issue for trial may
not, on that ground alone, object to the request; the party may,
subject to the provisions of RCFC 37(c), deny the matter or set
forth reasons why the party cannot admit or deny it.
The party who has requested the admissions may move to determine
the sufficiency of the answers or objections. Unless the court
determines that an objection is justified, it shall order that an
answer be served. If the court determines that an answer does not
comply with the requirements of this rule, it may order either that
the matter is admitted or that an amended answer be served. The
court may, in lieu of these orders, determine that final
disposition of the request be made at a pre-trial conference or at
a designated time prior to trial. The provisions of RCFC 37(a)(4)
apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.
(b) Effect of Admission. Any matter admitted under this rule is
conclusively established unless the court on motion permits
withdrawal or amendment of the admission. Subject to the provision
of RCFC 16 governing amendment of a pre-trial order, the court may
permit withdrawal or amendment when the presentation of the merits
of the action will be subserved thereby and the party who obtained
the admission fails to satisfy the court that withdrawal or
amendment will prejudice that party in maintaining the action or
defense on the merits. Any admission made by a party under this
rule is for the purpose of the pending action only and is not an
admission by the party for any other purpose nor may it be used
against the party in any other proceeding.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 36 is identical to FRCP 36.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 37 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
-HEAD-
Rule 37. Failure to Make Disclosure or Cooperate in Discovery;
Sanctions
-STATUTE-
(a) Motion for Order Compelling Disclosure or Discovery. A party,
upon reasonable notice to other parties and all persons affected
thereby, may apply for an order compelling disclosure or discovery
as follows:
(1) Appropriate Court. [Not used.]
(2) Motion.
(A) If a party fails to make a disclosure required by RCFC
26(a), any other party may move to compel disclosure and for
appropriate sanctions. The motion must include a certification
that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to
confer with the party not making the disclosure in an effort to
secure the disclosure without court action.
(B) If a deponent fails to answer a question propounded or
submitted under RCFC 30 or 31, or a corporation or other entity
fails to make a designation under RCFC 30(b)(6) or 31(a), or a
party fails to answer an interrogatory submitted under RCFC 33,
or if a party, in response to a request for inspection
submitted under RCFC 34, fails to respond that inspection will
be permitted as requested or fails to permit inspection as
requested, the discovering party may move for an order
compelling an answer, or a designation, or an order compelling
inspection in accordance with the request. The motion must
include a certification that the movant has in good faith
conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party
failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the
information or material without court action. When taking a
deposition on oral examination, the proponent of the question
may complete or adjourn the examination before applying for an
order.
(3) Evasive or Incomplete Disclosure, Answer, or Response. For
purposes of this subdivision an evasive or incomplete disclosure,
answer, or response is to be treated as a failure to disclose,
answer, or respond.
(4) Expenses and Sanctions.
(A) If the motion is granted or if the disclosure or
requested discovery is provided after the motion was filed, the
court shall, after affording an opportunity to be heard,
require the party or deponent whose conduct necessitated the
motion or the party or attorney advising such conduct or both
of them to pay to the moving party the reasonable expenses
incurred in making the motion, including attorney's fees,
unless the court finds that the motion was filed without the
movant's first making a good faith effort to obtain the
disclosure or discovery without court action, or that the
opposing party's nondisclosure, response, or objection was
substantially justified, or that other circumstances make an
award of expenses unjust.
(B) If the motion is denied, the court may enter any
protective order authorized under RCFC 26(c) and shall, after
affording an opportunity to be heard, require the moving party
or the attorney filing the motion or both of them to pay to the
party or deponent who opposed the motion the reasonable
expenses incurred in opposing the motion, including attorney's
fees, unless the court finds that the making of the motion was
substantially justified or that other circumstances make an
award of expenses unjust.
(C) If the motion is granted in part and denied in part, the
court may enter any protective order authorized under RCFC
26(c) and may, after affording an opportunity to be heard,
apportion the reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the
motion among the parties and persons in a just manner.
(b) Failure to Comply With Order.
(1) Sanctions Concerning Deponents. If a deponent fails to be
sworn or to answer a question after being directed to do so by
the court, the failure may be considered a contempt of court.
(2) Sanctions Concerning Parties. If a party or an officer,
director, or managing agent of a party or a person designated
under RCFC 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a party
fails to obey an order to provide or permit discovery, including
an order made under subdivision (a) of this rule or RCFC 35, or
if a party fails to obey an order entered under RCFC 16(b), the
court may make such orders in regard to the failure as are just,
and among others the following:
(A) An order that the matters regarding which the order was
made or any other designated facts shall be taken to be
established for the purposes of the action in accordance with
the claim of the party obtaining the order;
(B) An order refusing to allow the disobedient party to
support or oppose designated claims or defenses, or prohibiting
that party from introducing designated matters in evidence;
(C) An order striking out pleadings or parts thereof, or
staying further proceedings until the order is obeyed, or
dismissing the action or proceeding or any part thereof, or
rendering a judgment by default against the disobedient party;
(D) In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition
thereto, an order treating as a contempt of court the failure
to obey any orders except an order to submit to a physical or
mental examination;
(E) Where a party has failed to comply with an order under
RCFC 35(a) requiring the party to produce another for
examination, such orders as are listed in paragraphs (A), (B)
and (C) of this subdivision, unless the party failing to comply
shows that that party is unable to produce such person for
examination.
In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto,
the court shall require the party failing to obey the order or
the attorney advising that party or both to pay the reasonable
expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by the failure,
unless the court finds that the failure was substantially
justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses
unjust.
(c) Failure to Disclose; False or Misleading Disclosure; Refusal
to Admit.
(1) A party that without substantial justification fails to
disclose information required by RCFC 26(a) or 26(e)(1), or to
amend a prior response to discovery as required by RCFC 26(e)(2),
is not, unless such failure is harmless, permitted to use as
evidence at a trial, at a hearing, or on a motion any witness or
information not so disclosed. In addition to or in lieu of this
sanction, the court, on motion and after affording an opportunity
to be heard, may impose other appropriate sanctions. In addition
to requiring payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney's
fees, caused by the failure, these sanctions may include any of
the actions authorized under RCFC 37(b)(2)(A), (B), and (C).
(2) If a party fails to admit the genuineness of any document
or the truth of any matter as requested under RCFC 36, and if the
party requesting the admissions thereafter proves the genuineness
of the document or the truth of the matter, the requesting party
may apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to
pay the reasonable expenses incurred in making that proof,
including reasonable attorney's fees. The court shall make the
order unless it finds that (A) the request was held objectionable
pursuant to RCFC 36(a), or (B) the admission sought was of no
substantial importance, or (C) the party failing to admit had
reasonable ground to believe that the party might prevail on the
matter, or (D) there was other good reason for the failure to
admit.
(d) Failure of Party To Attend at Own Deposition or Serve Answers
to Interrogatories or Respond to Request for Inspection. If a party
or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party or a person
designated under RCFC 30(b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a
party fails (1) to appear before the officer who is to take the
deposition, after being served with a proper notice, or (2) to
serve answers or objections to interrogatories submitted under RCFC
33, after proper service of the interrogatories, or (3) to serve a
written response to a request for inspection submitted under RCFC
34, after proper service of the request, the court in which the
action is pending on motion may make such orders in regard to the
failure as are just, and among others it may take any action
authorized under subparagraphs (A), (B) and (C) of subdivision
(b)(2) of this rule. Any motion specifying a failure under clause
(2) or (3) of this subdivision shall include a certification that
the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with
the party failing to answer or respond in an effort to obtain such
answer or response without court action. In lieu of any order or in
addition thereto, the court shall require the party failing to act
or the attorney advising that party or both to pay the reasonable
expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by the failure unless
the court finds that the failure was substantially justified or
that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.
The failure to act described in this subdivision may not be
excused on the ground that the discovery sought is objectionable
unless the party failing to act has a pending motion for a
protective order as provided by RCFC 26(c).
(e) [Abrogated in federal rule.]
(f) [Repealed.]
(g) Failure to Participate in the Framing of a Discovery Plan. If
a party or a party's attorney fails to participate in good faith in
the development and submission of a proposed discovery plan as
required by Appendix A ¶ 3, the court may, after opportunity
for hearing, require such party or attorney to pay to any other
party the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by
the failure.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 37 parallels the structure and content of FRCP 37. The
limited number of differences reflect those necessary for
compatibility with the jurisdiction and other rules of the court.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX VI. TRIALS 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
VI. TRIALS
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 38 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 38. Jury Trial of Right [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 39 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 39. Trial by Jury or by the Court [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 40 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 40. Setting Cases for Trial
-STATUTE-
Setting a case for trial is the responsibility of the judge to
whom the case is assigned, and may be made (1) without request of
the parties or (2) upon request of a party and notice to the other
parties or (3) in such other manner as the court deems expedient.
All trials shall be scheduled by the judge by order filed with the
clerk. Precedence shall be given to actions entitled thereto by any
statute of the United States.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The text of RCFC 40 parallels, but is not identical to, FRCP 40.
Like its federal rules counterpart, however, the purpose of the
rule is to identify the responsibility of the judge in scheduling a
matter for trial. The changes made to the text of the rule are
minor and intended to clarify the rule's essential purpose, i.e.,
that it is the judge's responsibility to determine the date and
place of trial in accordance with 28 U.S.C. Secs. 173, 798(a), and
2503(c).
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 40.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 40.1. Assignment and Transfer of Cases
-STATUTE-
(a) After the complaint has been served on the United States, or
after recusal or disqualification of a judge to whom a case has
been assigned, the case shall be assigned (or reassigned) forthwith
to a judge at random.
(b) To promote docket efficiency, to conform to the requirements
of any case management plan, or for the efficient administration of
justice, a case may be transferred by order of the assigned judge
to another judge upon the agreement of both judges. A motion to
transfer may be initiated by a party. See RCFC 40.2.
(c) The chief judge may reassign any case if the chief judge
deems such action necessary for the efficient administration of
justice.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 40.1 has no FRCP counterpart. The substance of the rule
formerly appeared in these rules as part of paragraph (1) of RCFC
77(f). The renumbering of RCFC 77(f) reflects its more logical
placement in the structure of the court's rules.
The new language introduced by the rule - subdivision (b) -
represents a codification of internal procedures.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 40.2 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 40.2. Related Cases
-STATUTE-
(a) Directly-Related Cases.
(1) At the time a complaint is filed, the filing attorney (or
pro se plaintiff) shall file and serve on all parties who have
appeared a Notice of Directly-Related Case(s). Cases are deemed
directly related when an earlier-filed case and the action being
filed:
(A) involve the same parties and are based on the same or
similar claims; or
(B) involve the same contract, property or patent.
(2) Where a Notice of Directly-Related Cases is filed along
with the new complaint, the clerk shall assign the case to the
judge to whom the earliest-filed directly-related case is
assigned. If the judge to whom the related case is assigned
determines that the case in question is not in fact directly
related, the judge will return the case to the clerk for random
assignment.
(3) Where the existence of directly-related cases becomes
apparent only after initial assignment, the Notice of
Directly-Related Cases shall be filed in all related cases,
captioned in the name of the earliest-filed case. Solely for the
purpose of filing this notice, counsel in the later-filed case
may appear in the earlier-filed case. The Notice may be
accompanied by a motion to transfer and a suggestion for
consolidation under RCFC 42.1. The judge in the earliest-filed
case, after consultation with the judge in the later-filed case,
will grant or deny the motion to transfer.
(4) Content of the Notice of Directly-Related Case(s). The
notice of related case shall contain: the title and case number
of the related case; a brief statement of the relationship of the
actions according to the criteria set forth in subdivision (a);
and a statement addressing whether assignment to a single judge
or other action, including consolidation, is or is not likely to
conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient
determination of the actions.
(b) Indirectly-Related Cases.
(1) Whenever it appears to a party that there are two or more
cases before the court that present common issues of fact and
that transfer, consolidation, or the adoption of a coordinated
discovery schedule would significantly promote the efficient
administration of justice, the party may file a Notice of
Indirectly-Related Cases. The notice shall be captioned in the
name of the earliest-filed case which is related. Solely for
purposes of filing the notice, counsel may appear in an
earlier-filed case.
(2) The notice shall list the name and docket number of all
indirectly-related cases and shall detail the reasons supporting
the proposed action. Counsel shall serve all parties in the
related cases. The clerk shall file the notice in those cases and
furnish a courtesy copy of the notice to the chief judge. Solely
for the purpose of responding to the notice, counsel in the
related cases may appear in the earliest-filed case to file a
response to the notice. The response shall be filed within 21
days of service and captioned in the name of the earliest-filed
case. Responses shall be served on counsel in all cases. The
clerk shall file copies of the responses in each of the cases and
shall furnish courtesy copies to the chief judge.
(3) The presiding judge of the earliest-filed case shall call a
meeting of all of the presiding judges to determine what, if any,
action is appropriate. The parties to each action shall be
notified of any resulting decision.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 40.2 has no FRCP counterpart. The subject of the rule -
Related Cases - previously appeared in these rules as RCFC 77(f)
(as revised by General Order No. 36). The renumbering of the rule
reflects its more logical placement in the structure of the court's
rules.
Unlike the predecessor rule, RCFC 40.2 recognizes two types of
related cases: directly-related cases and indirectly-related cases.
Directly-related cases retain the definition that applied under
former RCFC 77(f). Thus, cases that "involve the same parties and
are based on the same or similar claims" or "involve the same
contract, property, or patent" are deemed to be directly related.
Cases that are directly related share an identity of parties and/or
subject matter that, for the sake of consistency in outcome,
warrant their assignment to a single judge. Indirectly-related
cases, by contrast, share only "common issues of fact." In the
interests of efficiency and the conservation of resources, such
cases may warrant consolidated management during their pretrial
stage.
In addition to recognizing two forms of related cases, RCFC 40.2
also prescribes the notice procedures that are to be followed for
the identification of such cases to the court and interested
counsel.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 40.3 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 40.3. Complaints Against Judges
-STATUTE-
(a) The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 372(c)(18), directs the United States Court of Federal Claims
to prescribe rules for the filing of complaints against judges of
the court who have engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective
and expeditious administration of the business of the court or who
are unable to discharge all the duties of the office by reason of
mental or physical disability.
(b) A copy of these rules, titled "Rules of the United States
Court of Federal Claims Governing Complaints of Judicial Misconduct
and Disability," is available upon request from the Office of the
Clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims, 717 Madison
Place, NW, Washington, DC 20005. Pursuant to these rules, written
complaints may be filed with the clerk.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 40.3 has no FRCP counterpart. However, the notice provided
by the rule is in accordance with the recommendations of the
Judicial Conference of the United States, urging that such notice
be made part of the court's rules.
The rule replaces former Appendix B ("Procedures for Processing
Complaints of Judicial Misconduct") and its supplementing order,
General Order No. 34 dated June 3, 1993. Inclusion of the rule as a
subpart of RCFC 40 is intended to further a more coherent
organizational structure for the court's rules.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, referred to in
subd. (a), probably means the Judicial Councils Reform and Judicial
Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96-458, Oct. 15, 1980,
94 Stat. 2035. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title of 1980 Amendments note set out under section 1 of
this title and Tables.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 41 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 41. Dismissal of Actions
-STATUTE-
(a) Voluntary Dismissal: Effect Thereof.
(1) By Plaintiff; by Stipulation. Subject to the provisions of
RCFC 23, and of any statute of the United States, an action may
be dismissed by the plaintiff without order of court (i) by
filing a notice of dismissal at any time before service of an
answer or of a motion for summary judgment, whichever first
occurs, or (ii) by filing a stipulation of dismissal signed by
all parties who have appeared in the action. Unless otherwise
stated in the notice of dismissal or stipulation, the dismissal
is without prejudice, except that a notice of dismissal operates
as an adjudication upon the merits when filed by a plaintiff who
has once dismissed in any court of the United States an action
based on or including the same claim.
(2) By Order of Court. Except as provided in paragraph (1) of
this subdivision of this rule, an action shall not be dismissed
at the plaintiff's instance save upon order of the court and upon
such terms and conditions as the court deems proper. If a
counterclaim has been pleaded by the United States prior to the
service upon it of the plaintiff's motion to dismiss, the action
shall not be dismissed against the defendant's objection unless
the counterclaim can remain pending for independent adjudication
by the court. Unless otherwise specified in the order, a
dismissal under this paragraph is without prejudice.
(b) Involuntary Dismissal: Effect Thereof. For failure of the
plaintiff to prosecute or to comply with these rules or any order
of court, the court may dismiss on its own motion or defendant may
move for dismissal of an action or any claim. Unless the court in
its order for dismissal otherwise specifies, a dismissal under this
subdivision of this rule and any dismissal not provided for in this
rule, other than a dismissal for lack of jurisdiction, or for
failure to join a party under RCFC 19, operates as an adjudication
upon the merits.
(c) Dismissal of Counterclaim or Third-Party Claim. The
provisions of this rule apply to the dismissal of any counterclaim
or third-party claim. A voluntary dismissal by the claimant alone
pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of this rule shall be
made before a responsive pleading is served or, if there is none,
before the introduction of evidence at the trial or hearing.
(d) Costs of Previously-Dismissed Action. If a plaintiff who has
once dismissed an action in any court commences an action based
upon or including the same claim against the defendant, the court
may make such order for the payment of costs of the action
previously dismissed as it may deem proper and may stay the
proceedings in the action until the plaintiff has complied with the
order.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor changes were made to more closely conform the rule to FRCP
41. Substantively, however, the rule remains unchanged.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 42 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 42. Consolidation; Separate Trials
-STATUTE-
(a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of
law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint
hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions;
it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such
orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid
unnecessary costs or delay.
(b) Separate Trials. The court, in furtherance of convenience or
to avoid prejudice, or when separate trials will be conducive to
expedition and economy, may order a separate trial of any claim,
counterclaim, or third-party claim, or of any separate issue or of
any number of claims, counterclaims, third-party claims, or issues.
(c) Separate Determination of Liability. Upon stipulation of the
parties, approved by the court, or upon order of the court, a trial
may be limited to the issues of law and fact relating to the right
of a party to recover, reserving the determination of the amount of
recovery, if any, for further proceedings. In any case, whether or
not a stipulation or order has been made under subdivision (c) of
this rule, the court, upon determining that a party is entitled to
recover, may reserve determination of the amount of the recovery
for further proceedings. Any motion for reconsideration shall be
filed not later than 10 days after a separate determination of
liability.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 42 remains unchanged. Thus, as before, the rule parallels in
part FRCP 42 and, in addition, includes subdivision (c) ("Separate
Determination of Liability") permitting the liability phase of a
lawsuit to be separated from, and decided independently of, the
quantum phase.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 42.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 42.1. Motions to Consolidate
-STATUTE-
Motions to consolidate shall be directed to the judge to whom the
relevant cases are assigned. In the event the relevant cases are
assigned to different judges, a motion to transfer may be made
pursuant to RCFC 40.1, with a suggestion of the appropriateness of
consolidation.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 42.1 has no FRCP counterpart. It identifies the procedure
applicable to motions for the consolidation of actions pending
before different judges.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 43 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 43. Taking of Testimony
-STATUTE-
(a) Form. In every trial the testimony of witnesses shall be
taken in open court, unless a federal law, these rules, the Federal
Rules of Evidence, or other rules adopted by the Supreme Court
provide otherwise. The court may, for good cause shown in
compelling circumstances and upon appropriate safeguards, permit
presentation of testimony in open court by contemporaneous
transmission from a different location.
(b), (c) [Abrogated in federal rule.]
(d) Affirmation in Lieu of Oath. Whenever under these rules an
oath is required to be taken, a solemn affirmation may be accepted
in lieu thereof.
(e) Evidence on Motions. When a motion is based on facts not
appearing of record the court may hear the matter on affidavits
presented by the respective parties, but the court may direct that
the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or
deposition.
(f) Interpreters. The court may appoint an interpreter of its own
selection and may fix the interpreter's reasonable compensation.
The compensation shall be paid out of funds provided by law or by
one or more of the parties as the court may direct and may be taxed
ultimately as costs, in the discretion of the court.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule is identical to FRCP 43.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (a), are set
out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 44 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 44. Proof of Official Record
-STATUTE-
(a) Authentication.
(1) Domestic. An official record kept within the United States,
or any state, district, or commonwealth, or within a territory
subject to the administrative or judicial jurisdiction of the
United States, or an entry therein, when admissible for any
purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof or
by a copy attested by the officer having the legal custody of the
record, or by the officer's deputy, and accompanied by a
certificate that such officer has the custody. The certificate
may be made by a judge of a court of record of the district or
political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated
by the seal of the court, or may be made by any public officer
having a seal of office and having official duties in the
district or political subdivision in which the record is kept,
authenticated by the seal of the officer's office.
(2) Foreign. A foreign official record, or an entry therein,
when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official
publication thereof; or a copy thereof, attested by a person
authorized to make the attestation, and accompanied by a final
certification as to the genuineness of the signature and official
position (i) of the attesting person, or (ii) of any foreign
official whose certificate of genuineness of signature and
official position relates to the attestation or is in a chain of
certificates of genuineness of signature and official position
relating to the attestation. A final certification may be made by
a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, vice consul,
or consular agent of the United States, or a diplomatic or
consular official of the foreign country assigned or accredited
to the United States. If reasonable opportunity has been given to
all parties to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of the
documents, the court may, for good cause shown, (i) admit an
attested copy without final certification or (ii) permit the
foreign official record to be evidenced by an attested summary
with or without a final certification. The final certification is
unnecessary if the record and the attestation are certified as
provided in a treaty or convention to which the United States and
the foreign country in which the official record is located are
parties.
(b) Lack of Record. A written statement that after diligent
search no record or entry of a specified tenor is found to exist in
the records designated by the statement, authenticated as provided
in subdivision (a)(1) of this rule in the case of a domestic
record, or complying with the requirements of subdivision (a)(2) of
this rule for a summary in the case of a foreign record, is
admissible as evidence that the records contain no such record or
entry.
(c) Other Proof. This rule does not prevent the proof of official
records or of entry or lack of entry therein by any other method
authorized by law.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 44 is identical to FRCP 44.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 44.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 44.1. Determination of Foreign Law
-STATUTE-
A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a
foreign country shall give notice by pleadings or other reasonable
written notice. The court, in determining foreign law, may consider
any relevant material or source, including testimony, whether or
not submitted by a party or admissible under the Federal Rules of
Evidence. The court's determination shall be treated as a ruling on
a question of law.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule is identical to FRCP 44.1.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in text, are set out
in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 45 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 45. Subpoena
-STATUTE-
(a) Form (See Appendix of Forms, Forms 6 and 7A); Issuance.
(1) Every subpoena shall
(A) state the name of the court; and
(B) state the title of the action and its docket number; and
(C) command each person to whom it is directed to attend and
give testimony or to produce and permit inspection and copying
of designated books, documents or tangible things in the
possession, custody or control of that person, or to permit
inspection of premises, at a time and place therein specified;
and
(D) set forth the text of subdivisions (c) and (d) of this
rule.
A command to produce evidence or to permit inspection may be joined
with a command to appear at trial or hearing or at deposition, or
may be issued separately.
(2) [Not used.]
(3) The clerk shall issue a subpoena, signed but otherwise in
blank, to a party requesting it, who shall complete it before
service. An attorney as officer of the court, authorized to sign
filings under RCFC 83.1, may also issue and sign a subpoena on
behalf of the Court of Federal Claims.
(b) Service.
(1) A subpoena may be served by any person who is not a party
and is not less than 18 years of age. Service of a subpoena upon
a person named therein shall be made by delivering a copy thereof
to such person and, if the person's attendance is commanded, by
tendering to that person the fees for one day's attendance and
the mileage allowed by law. See 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1821. When the
subpoena is issued on behalf of the United States or an officer
or agency thereof, fees and mileage need not be tendered. Prior
notice of any commanded production of documents and things or
inspection of premises before trial shall be served on each party
in the manner prescribed by RCFC 5(b).
(2) Subject to the provisions of clause (ii) of subparagraph
(c)(3)(A) of this rule, a subpoena may be served at any place
that is within 100 miles of the place of the deposition, hearing,
trial, production, or inspection specified in the subpoena; but
the court upon proper application and good cause shown may
authorize the service of a subpoena at any other place. A
subpoena directed to a witness in a foreign country who is a
national or resident of the United States shall issue under the
circumstances and in the manner and be served as provided in
Title 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1783.
(3) Proof of service when necessary shall be made by filing
with the clerk of the court a statement of the date and manner of
service and of the names of the persons served, certified by the
person who made the service.
(c) Protection of Persons Subject to Subpoenas.
(1) A party or an attorney responsible for the issuance and
service of a subpoena shall take reasonable steps to avoid
imposing undue burden or expense on a person subject to that
subpoena. The court shall enforce this duty and impose upon the
party or attorney in breach of this duty an appropriate sanction,
which may include, but is not limited to, lost earnings and a
reasonable attorney's fee.
(2)(A) A person commanded to produce and permit inspection and
copying of designated books, papers, documents or tangible things
or inspection of premises need not appear in person at the place
of production or inspection unless commanded to appear for
deposition, hearing or trial.
(B) Subject to paragraph (d)(2) of this rule, a person
commanded to produce and permit inspection and copying may,
within 14 days after service of the subpoena or before the time
specified for compliance if such time is less than 14 days after
service, serve upon the party or attorney designated in the
subpoena written objection to inspection or copying of any or all
of the designated materials or of the premises. If objection is
made, the party serving the subpoena shall not be entitled to
inspect and copy the materials or inspect the premises except
pursuant to an order of the court. If objection has been made,
the party serving the subpoena may, upon notice to the person
commanded to produce, move at any time for an order to compel the
production. Such an order to compel production shall protect any
person who is not a party or an officer of a party from
significant expense resulting from the inspection and copying
commanded.
(3)(A) On timely motion, the court shall quash or modify the
subpoena if it
(i) fails to allow reasonable time for compliance;
(ii) requires a person who is not a party or an officer of a
party to travel to a place more than 100 miles from the place
where that person resides, is employed or regularly transacts
business in person, except that, subject to the provisions of
clause (c)(3)(B)(iii) of this rule, such a person may in order
to attend trial be commanded to travel from any such place, or
(iii) requires disclosure of privileged or other protected
matter and no exception or waiver applies, or
(iv) subjects a person to undue burden.
(B) If a subpoena
(i) requires disclosure of a trade secret or other
confidential research, development, or commercial information,
or
(ii) requires disclosure of an unretained expert's opinion or
information not describing specific events or occurrences in
dispute and resulting from the expert's study made not at the
request of any party, or
(iii) requires a person who is not a party or an officer of a
party to incur substantial expense to travel more than 100
miles to attend trial, the court may, to protect a person
subject to or affected by the subpoena, quash or modify the
subpoena or, if the party in whose behalf the subpoena is
issued shows a substantial need for the testimony or material
that cannot be otherwise met without undue hardship and assures
that the person to whom the subpoena is addressed will be
reasonably compensated, the court may order appearance or
production only upon specified conditions.
(d) Duties in Responding to Subpoena.
(1) A person responding to a subpoena to produce documents
shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of
business or shall organize and label them to correspond with the
categories in the demand.
(2) When information subject to a subpoena is withheld on a
claim that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial
preparation materials, the claim shall be made expressly and
shall be supported by a description of the nature of the
documents, communications, or things not produced that is
sufficient to enable the demanding party to contest the claim.
(e) Contempt. Failure by any person without adequate excuse to
obey a subpoena served upon that person may be deemed a contempt of
the court from which the subpoena issued. An adequate cause for
failure to obey exists when a subpoena purports to require a
nonparty to attend or produce at a place not within the limits
provided by clause (ii) of subparagraph (c)(3)(A).
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 45 conforms to FRCP 45 to the extent feasible given the
court's nationwide jurisdiction.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 46 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 46. Exceptions Unnecessary
-STATUTE-
Formal exceptions to rulings or orders of the court are
unnecessary; but for all purposes for which an exception has
heretofore been necessary it is sufficient that a party, at the
time the ruling or order of the court is made or sought, makes
known to the court the action which the party desires the court to
take or the party's objection to the action of the court and the
grounds therefor; and, if a party has no opportunity to object to a
ruling or order at the time it is made, the absence of an objection
does not thereafter prejudice the party.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule is identical to the corresponding FRCP.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 47 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 47. Selection of Jurors [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 48 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 48. Number of Jurors - Participation in Verdict [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 49 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 49. Special Verdicts and Interrogatories [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 50 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 50. Judgment as a Matter of Law in Jury Trials; Alternative
Motion for New Trial; Conditional Rulings [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 51 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 51. Instructions to Jury: Objection [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 52 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 52. Findings by the Court; Judgment on Partial Findings
-STATUTE-
(a) Effect. In all actions tried upon the facts, the court shall
find the facts specially and state separately its conclusions of
law thereon, and judgment shall be entered pursuant to RCFC 58; and
in granting or refusing interlocutory injunctions the court shall
similarly set forth the findings of fact and conclusions of law
which constitute the grounds of its action. Requests for findings
are not necessary for purposes of review. Findings of fact, whether
based on oral or documentary evidence, shall not be set aside
unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the
opportunity of the trial court to judge of the (!1) credibility of
the witnesses. It will be sufficient if the findings of fact and
conclusions of law are stated orally and recorded in open court
following the close of the evidence or appear in an opinion or
memorandum of decision filed by the court. Findings of fact and
conclusions of law are unnecessary on decisions of motions under
RCFC 12 or 56 or any other motion except as provided in subdivision
(c) of this rule.
(b) Amendment. On a party's motion filed no later than 10 days
after entry of judgment, the court may amend its findings - or make
additional findings - and may amend the judgment accordingly. The
motion may accompany a motion for a new trial under RCFC 59. The
sufficiency of the evidence to support the findings may be
questioned whether or not the party raising the question objected
to the findings, moved to amend them, or moved for partial
findings.
(c) Judgment on Partial Findings. If during a trial a party has
been fully heard on an issue and the court finds against the party
on that issue, the court may enter judgment as a matter of law
against that party with respect to a claim or defense that cannot
under the controlling law be maintained or defeated without a
favorable finding on that issue, or the court may decline to render
any judgment until the close of all the evidence. Such a judgment
shall be supported by findings of fact and conclusions of law as
required by subdivision (a) of this rule.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The principal change in RCFC 52 relates to the enlargement of
subdivision (c) to include, among issues subject to judgment on
partial findings, the adjudication of issues critical to the legal
sufficiency of a "defense." The amendment makes clear that
judgments as a matter of law may be entered against both plaintiffs
and defendants and with respect to issues or defenses that may not
be wholly dispositive of a claim or defense.
-FOOTNOTE-
(!1) So in original.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 53 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VI. TRIALS
-HEAD-
Rule 53. Masters
-STATUTE-
(a) Appointment and Compensation. The chief judge, at the request
of the presiding judge, may appoint a special master. As used in
these rules, the word "master" includes a referee, an auditor, an
examiner, and an assessor. The compensation to be allowed to a
master shall be fixed by the court, and shall be charged upon such
of the parties or paid out of any fund or subject matter of the
action, which is in the custody and control of the court as the
court may direct. The master shall not retain the master's report
as security for the master's compensation; but when the party
ordered to pay the compensation allowed by the court does not pay
it after notice and within the time prescribed by the court, the
master is entitled to a writ of execution against the delinquent
party.
(b) Reference. A reference to a master shall be the exception and
not the rule. Save in matters of account and of difficult
computation of damages, a reference shall be made only upon a
showing that some exceptional condition requires it.
(c) Powers. The order of reference to the master may specify or
limit the master's powers and may direct the master to report only
upon particular issues or to do or perform particular acts or to
receive and report evidence only and may fix the time and place for
beginning and closing the hearings and for the filing of the
master's report. Subject to the specifications and limitations
stated in the order, the master has and shall exercise the power to
regulate all proceedings in every hearing before the master and to
do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the
efficient performance of the master's duties under the order. The
master may require the production before the master of evidence
upon all matters embraced in the reference, including the
production of all books, papers, vouchers, documents, and writings
applicable thereto. The master may rule upon the admissibility of
evidence unless otherwise directed by the order of reference and
has the authority to put witnesses on oath and may examine them and
may call the parties to the action and examine them upon oath. When
a party so requests, the master shall make a record of the evidence
offered and excluded in the same manner and subject to the same
limitations as provided in the Federal Rules of Evidence for a
court sitting without a jury.
(d) Proceedings.
(1) Meetings. When a reference is made, the clerk shall
forthwith furnish the master with a copy of the order of
reference. Upon receipt thereof unless the order of reference
otherwise provides, the master shall forthwith set a time and
place for the first meeting of the parties or their attorneys to
be held within 20 days after the date of the order of reference
and shall notify the parties or their attorneys. It is the duty
of the master to proceed with all reasonable diligence. Either
party, on notice to the parties and master, may apply to the
court for an order requiring the master to speed the proceedings
and to make the report. If a party fails to appear at the time
and place appointed, the master may proceed ex parte or, in the
master's discretion, adjourn the proceedings to a future day,
giving notice to the absent party of the adjournment.
(2) Witnesses. The parties may procure the attendance of
witnesses before the master by the issuance and service of
subpoenas as provided in RCFC 45. If without adequate excuse a
witness fails to appear or give evidence, the witness may be
punished as for a contempt and be subjected to the consequences,
penalties, and remedies provided in RCFC 37 and 45.
(3) Statement of Accounts. When matters of accounting are in
issue before the master, the master may prescribe the form in
which the accounts shall be submitted and in any proper case may
require or receive in evidence a statement by a certified public
accountant who is called as a witness. Upon objection of a party
to any of the items thus submitted or upon a showing that the
form of statement is insufficient, the master may require a
different form of statement to be furnished, or the accounts or
specific items thereof to be proved by oral examination of the
accounting parties or upon written interrogatories or in such
other manner as the master directs.
(e) Report.
(1) Contents and Filing. The master shall prepare a report upon
the matters submitted to the master by the order of reference
and, if required to make findings of fact and conclusions of law,
the master shall set them forth in the report. The master shall
file the report with the clerk of the court and serve on all
parties notice of the filing. Unless otherwise directed by the
order of reference, the master shall file with the report a
transcript of the proceedings and of the evidence and the
original exhibits. Unless otherwise directed by the order of
reference, the master shall serve a copy of the report on each
party.
(2) Acceptance of Report. The court shall accept the master's
findings of fact unless clearly erroneous. Within 10 days after
being served with notice of the filing of the report any party
may serve written objections thereto upon the other parties.
Application to the court for action upon the report and upon
objections thereto shall be by motion. The court after hearing
may adopt the report or may modify it or may reject it in whole
or in part or may receive further evidence or may recommit it
with instructions.
(3) In Jury Actions. [Not used.]
(4) Stipulation as to Findings. The effect of a master's report
is the same whether or not the parties have consented to the
reference; but, when the parties stipulate that a master's
findings of fact shall be final, only questions of law arising
upon the report shall thereafter be considered.
(5) Draft Report. Before filing the master's report, a master
may submit a draft thereof to counsel for all parties for the
purpose of receiving their suggestions.
(f) Application to Magistrate Judge. [Not used.]
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Subdivision (a) recognizes that the chief judge has the power to
appoint special masters pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 798. Paragraph
(2) of subdivision (d) recognizes the court's power to utilize
contempt procedures in appropriate circumstances.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (c), are set
out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX VII. JUDGMENT 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
VII. JUDGMENT
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 54 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 54. Judgments; Costs
-STATUTE-
(a) Definition; Form. "Judgment" as used in these rules includes
a decree and any order from which an appeal lies. A judgment shall
not contain a recital of pleadings, the report of a master, or the
record of prior proceedings.
(b) Judgment Upon Multiple Claims or Involving Multiple Parties.
When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action,
whether as a claim, counterclaim, or third-party claim, or when
multiple parties are involved, the court may direct the entry of a
final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims
or parties only upon an express determination that there is no just
reason for delay and upon an express direction for the entry of
judgment. In the absence of such determination and direction, any
order or other form of decision, however designated, which
adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities
of fewer than all the parties shall not terminate the action as to
any of the claims or parties, and the order or other form of
decision is subject to revision at any time before the entry of
judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities
of all the parties.
(c) Demand for Judgment. A judgment by default shall not be
different in kind from or exceed in amount that prayed for in the
demand for judgment. Except as to a party against whom a judgment
is entered by default, every final judgment shall grant the relief
to which the party in whose favor it is rendered is entitled, even
if the party has not demanded such relief in the party's pleadings.
(d) Costs; Attorneys' Fees.
(1) Costs Other than Attorneys' Fees. Costs other than
attorneys' fees may be awarded to the prevailing party to the
extent permitted by law. See 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2412(a).
(A) Filing Bill of Costs. A prevailing party may request the
clerk to tax allowable costs by filing a Bill of Costs as set
forth in the Appendix of Forms (Form 4) within 30 days after
the date of final judgment, as defined in 28 U.S.C. Sec.
2412(d)(2)(G). In any case where any costs other than the fee
for filing the action are being requested, the bill of costs
shall be supported by affidavit and accompanied by a memorandum
setting forth the grounds and authorities supporting the
request. Any vouchers, receipts or invoices supporting the cost
being requested shall be attached as exhibits.
(B) Objections to Bill of Costs. (i) An adverse party may
object to the Bill of Costs or to any item claimed therein by
filing objections within 28 days after the service of the Bill
of Costs. Within 7 days after service of the objections, the
prevailing party may file a reply. Unless a conference is
scheduled by the clerk, the taxation of costs or any
disallowance will be made by the clerk on the record. (ii) A
party may request the court to review the clerk's action by
filing a motion within 14 days after action by the clerk. The
court's review of the clerk's action will be made on the
existing record unless otherwise ordered.
(C) Costs in Settlements. The clerk will not tax costs on any
action terminated by settlement wherein the judgment is entered
pursuant to RCFC 68 or is dismissed pursuant to RCFC 41(a).
Settlement agreements must resolve any issue relating to costs.
In the absence of special agreement, parties will bear their
own costs.
(D) No Extensions. No extensions of time under this rule will
be permitted and the failure of a prevailing party to timely
file a Bill of Costs shall constitute a waiver of any claim for
costs.
(2) Attorneys' Fees.
(A) Claims for attorneys' fees and related nontaxable
expenses shall be made by motion unless the substantive law
governing the action provides for the recovery of such fees as
an element of damages to be proved at trial. See Appendix of
Forms, Form 5.
(B) Unless otherwise provided by statute or order of the
court, the motion must be filed no later than 30 days after the
date of final judgment, as defined in 28 U.S.C. Sec.
2412(d)(2)(G); must specify the judgment and the statute, rule,
or other grounds entitling the moving party to the award; and
must state the amount sought. If directed by the court, the
motion shall also disclose the terms of any agreement with
respect to fees to be paid for the services for which claim is
made.
(C) The court may determine issues of liability for fees
before receiving submissions bearing on issues of evaluation of
services for which liability is imposed by the court. The court
shall find the facts and state its conclusions of law as
provided in RCFC 52(a).
(D) The responding party shall have 28 days from the service
of the motion pursuant to subdivision (d)(2)(A) to file a
response, to which plaintiff may reply within 14 days after
service of the response. After the filing of a motion, and
response and reply, if any, the judge will enter an order
prescribing the procedure to be followed, either specially or
pursuant to the rules of the court, or take such other action
as may be deemed appropriate. In addition, the court may refer
issues relating to the value of services to a special master
under RCFC 53 without regard to the provisions of subdivision
(b) thereof.
(E) The provisions of subdivisions (d)(2)(A) through (D) do
not apply to claims for fees and expenses as sanctions for
violations of these rules or under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1927.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 54(d) was revised in several respects. The subdivision was
modified to conform its structure to FRCP 54(d). In addition, the
subdivision, as re-written, departs from its FRCP counterpart in
several respects:
First, because the allowance of attorneys' fees and costs in this
court is almost always determined under the provisions of 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 2412 (a) & (d) (the Equal Access to Justice Act), it was
deemed advisable to reflect this fact in paragraph (d)(2) rather
than to retain the broader, but potentially misleading, language
that appears in FRCP 54(d)(1). See Neal & Co. v. United States, 121
F.3d 683 (Fed. Cir. 1997).
Second, Subdivision (d)(1) was enlarged beyond the scope of its
FRCP counterpart by the incorporation of RCFC 77.4 ("Taxation of
Costs").
Third, Subdivision (d)(2) brings together relevant sections of
its FRCP counterpart and former RCFC 81(e) ("Application for
Attorneys' Fees").
Finally, the time periods for objecting to a Bill of Costs and
for requesting review of the clerk's action are enlarged.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 55 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 55. Default
-STATUTE-
(a) Entry. When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative
relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend as
provided by these rules and that fact is made to appear by
affidavit or otherwise, the clerk shall enter the party's default.
(b) Judgment. No judgment by default shall be entered unless the
claimant establishes a claim or right to relief by evidence
satisfactory to the court. The party entitled to a judgment by
default shall apply to the court therefor; but no judgment by
default shall be entered against an infant or incompetent person
unless represented in the action by a general guardian, committee,
conservator, or other such representative who has appeared therein.
If the party against whom judgment by default is sought has
appeared in the action, the party (or, if appearing by
representative, the party's representative) shall be served with
written notice of the application for judgment at least 3 days
prior to the hearing on such application. If, in order to enable
the court to enter judgment or to carry it into effect, it is
necessary to take an account or to determine the amount of damages
or to establish the truth of any averment by evidence or to make an
investigation of any other matter, the court may conduct such
hearings or order such references as it deems necessary and proper.
(c) Setting Aside Default. For good cause shown the court may set
aside an entry of default and, if a judgment by default has been
entered, may likewise set it aside in accordance with RCFC 60(b).
(d) Plaintiffs; Counterclaimants. The provisions of this rule
apply whether the party entitled to the judgment by default is a
plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a
counterclaim. In all cases a judgment by default is subject to the
limitations of RCFC 54(c).
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 55 recognizes the distinction between entry of default and
entry of judgment for default. Substantial changes were made. The
language in former subdivision (b)(1), permitting entry of default
judgment by the clerk, is omitted. Additionally, the protection
previously afforded only to the United States - prohibiting entry
of default judgments absent a showing by the claimant of a right to
relief by evidence satisfactory to the court - is expanded to
include all parties. Judgment requires proof and involvement of the
court.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 56 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 56. Summary Judgment
-STATUTE-
(a) For Claimant. A party seeking to recover upon a claim or
counterclaim or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, at any time
after the expiration of 60 days from the commencement of the action
in this court or after service of a motion for summary judgment by
the adverse party, move with or without supporting affidavits for a
summary judgment in such party's favor upon all or any part
thereof.
(b) For Defending Party. A party against whom a claim or
counterclaim is asserted or a declaratory judgment is sought may,
at any time, move with or without supporting affidavits for a
summary judgment in the party's favor as to all or any part
thereof.
(c) Motion and Proceedings Thereon. The judgment sought shall be
rendered forthwith if the pleadings, depositions, answers to
interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the
affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment
as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character,
may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a
genuine issue as to the amount of damages.
(d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion. If on motion under this
rule judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the
relief asked and a trial is necessary, the court at the hearing of
the motion, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it
and by interrogating counsel, shall if practicable ascertain what
material facts exist without substantial controversy and what
material facts are actually and in good faith controverted. It
shall thereupon make an order specifying the facts that appear
without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the
amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and
directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. Upon
the trial of the action the facts so specified shall be deemed
established, and the trial shall be conducted accordingly.
(e) Form of Affidavits; Further Testimony; Defense Required.
Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal
knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in
evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is
competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or
certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an
affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The court
may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions,
answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits. When a motion
for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this
rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or
denials of the adverse party's pleading, but the adverse party's
response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this rule, must
set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for
trial. If the adverse party does not so respond, summary judgment,
if appropriate, shall be entered against the adverse party.
(f) When Affidavits are Unavailable. Should it appear from the
affidavits of a party opposing the motion that the party cannot for
reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify the
party's opposition, the court may refuse the application for
judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be
obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may
make such other order as is just.
(g) Affidavits Made in Bad Faith. Should it appear to the
satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits
presented pursuant to this rule are presented in bad faith or
solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order
the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of
the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused
the other party to incur, including reasonable attorney's fees, and
any offending party or attorney may be adjudged guilty of contempt.
(h) Procedures. The following procedures shall be followed with
respect to motions for summary judgment other than in actions
seeking review of a decision on the basis of an administrative
record:
(1) The moving or cross-moving party shall file, together with
its motion, a separate document titled Proposed Findings of
Uncontroverted Fact. This document shall contain concise,
separately numbered paragraphs setting forth all of the material
facts upon which the party bases its motion and as to which the
party believes there is no genuine dispute. Each paragraph shall
contain citations to the opposing party's pleadings or to
documentary evidence, such as affidavits or exhibits, filed with
the motion or otherwise part of the record in the case.
(2) The opposing party shall file, together with its
opposition, a response to the requested findings by indicating,
immediately below each finding, whether it agrees or disagrees
with the finding as stated. If the opposing party does not agree
with the proposed finding, it shall note the basis for its
objection and may draft a proposed revision of the finding
directly below the challenged finding. The opposing party may
also file proposed findings of uncontroverted fact as to any
relevant matters not covered by the moving party's statement.
Such additional statements of proposed findings shall be set
forth with the proposed findings applicable to any cross-motion,
but in the absence of a cross-motion shall be set forth in a
separate document. Responses to such additional proposed findings
shall be filed in a format which conforms to the instructions
noted above.
(3) The parties may dispense with the documents called for in
subdivision (h)(1)-(2) if they file, no later than the time of
the initial motion, a comprehensive stipulation of all of the
material facts upon which they intend to rely. In determining any
motion for summary judgment, the court will, absent persuasive
reason to the contrary, deem the material facts claimed and
adequately supported by the moving party to be established,
except to the extent that such material facts are controverted by
affidavit or other written or oral evidence.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The subdivision structure of RCFC 56 was reordered to more
closely conform to FRCP 56. In addition, the subdivision outlining
the procedures for filing a RCFC 56 motion was changed to eliminate
the Statement of Genuine Issues and to require parties to express
their views on any particular fact by noting them on a single page,
which may include a redraft of the challenged finding.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 56.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 56.1. Review of Decision on the Basis of Administrative Record
-STATUTE-
(a) Standards. RCFC 56(a)-(b) applies, with the exception that
any supplementation of the administrative record shall be by
stipulation or by court order.
(b) Procedures.
(1) The moving or cross-moving party shall file, together with
its motion, a separate document titled Statement of Facts setting
forth the facts necessary to resolve the issues presented on
review. This document shall contain concise, separately numbered
paragraphs setting forth all of the facts upon which the party
bases its motion and which are supported by the record. Each
paragraph shall contain citations to the opposing party's
pleadings or to documentary evidence in the record.
(2) The opposing party shall file, together with its opposition
or cross-motion, a separate document titled Counter-Statement of
Facts. This document shall indicate immediately below each
statement of fact whether it agrees or disagrees with the fact as
stated. The party shall state the precise nature of its
disagreement and give its version of the events supported by
record citations. The opposing party may also file Proposed
Additional Facts as to any relevant matters not covered by the
moving party's statement to which the movant shall respond in
like format.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 56.1 has no FRCP counterpart. In the interests of procedural
clarity, the text of subdivision (a) was modified to reflect
current practice with respect to supplementation of the
administrative record and subdivision (b)(2) was modified to make
explicit an opposing party's right to file an opposition as well as
a cross-motion. In addition, the rule was conformed to RCFC 56
practice, in that the statement of facts and counterstatement of
facts are presented in a single document. In other respects, RCFC
56.1 remains unchanged.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 56.2 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 56.2. Remand; Extension or Termination of Stay of Proceedings
on Remand; Disposition of Case
-STATUTE-
(a) Remand.
(1) Issuance of Remand Order. At the request of a party or on
its own motion, the court may in any case within its jurisdiction
by order remand appropriate matters to any administrative or
executive body or official with such direction as may be deemed
proper and just.
(2) Content of Remand Order. An order of remand shall (A)
delineate the area of further consideration or action deemed
warranted on the remand, (B) fix the duration of the remand
period, not to exceed 6 months, and (C) specify the extent to
which court proceedings shall be stayed during the remand period.
(3) Service of Order. A certified copy of any order issued
pursuant to this rule shall be served by the clerk on the
administrative or executive body or official to whom the order is
directed. A copy of the order shall be served on each party in
conformity with RCFC 5.
(4) Transmittal of Administrative Record. Following service of
the order as provided for in this rule, the clerk shall transmit
the administrative record, if any, to the Department of Justice
for return to the administrative or executive body or official to
whom the order of remand is directed.
(5) Advice of Administrative Action. In every case in which an
order of remand is entered pursuant to this rule, the attorney of
record for the party so designated in the order of remand shall
report to the court the status of proceedings on remand at
intervals of 90 days or less, beginning with the date of the
order.
(b) Extension or Termination of Stay of Proceedings on Remand;
Disposition of Case.
(1) Extension. If the administrative or executive body or
official has not, during the period of stay provided for in an
order of remand pursuant to subdivision (a), rendered a decision
on the matter remanded, the party to whom opportunity was
afforded to obtain further administrative consideration shall, by
motion pursuant to RCFC 6, request an extension of the stay of
proceedings, or, by motion pursuant to RCFC 7, request the
initiation of proceedings toward otherwise disposing of the case.
(2) Disposition at Administrative Level. If, during the period
of the stay of proceedings as provided for in a remand order, the
parties dispose of the case at the administrative level, the
plaintiff shall file a motion to dismiss the case with prejudice.
(3) Decision on Remand. Upon completion of proceedings pursuant
to an order of remand under subdivision (a), the administrative
or executive body or official to whom the order was directed
shall forward to the clerk for filing 4 copies of the decision or
final action on remand. A copy of such decision or action shall
be served on each party by the clerk.
(4) Action by the Parties. Within 30 days after the filing of a
decision or final action pursuant to subdivision (3), each party
shall file with the clerk a notice indicating whether or not the
decision or final action on remand affords a satisfactory basis
for disposition of the claim at the administrative level, or
whether further proceedings before the court are deemed required,
and, if such proceedings are desired, what those proceedings
should be. A copy of such notice shall be served on each adverse
party in conformity with RCFC 5. Thereafter, the court will enter
an order prescribing the procedure to be followed, either
specially or pursuant to the rules of the court, or take such
other action as may be deemed appropriate.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 56.2 has no FRCP counterpart. The rule formerly appeared in
these rules as RCFC 60.1. The renumbering of RCFC 60.1 is intended
to reflect its more logical placement in the organizational
structure of the court's rules.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 57 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 57. Declaratory Judgments
-STATUTE-
The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to 28
U.S.C. Secs. 1491(b)(2) and 1507 shall be in accordance with these
rules. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a
judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate.
The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory
judgment and may advance it on the calendar.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The reference to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1491(a) was amended to reflect
the corresponding change in that statute. The court's authority to
render declaratory judgments in the context of procurement protests
is found in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1491(b)(2).
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 58 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 58. Entry of Judgment
-STATUTE-
(a) Separate Document.
(1) Every judgment and amended judgment must be set forth on a
separate document, but a separate document is not required for an
order disposing of a motion:
(A) to amend or make additional findings of fact under RCFC
52(b);
(B) for attorney fees under RCFC 54;
(C) for new trial, or to alter or amend the judgment, under
RCFC 59; or
(D) for relief under RCFC 60.
(2) Subject to RCFC 54(b):
(A) the clerk must, without awaiting the court's direction,
promptly prepare, sign and enter the judgment when the court
awards only costs or a sum certain, or denies all relief;
(B) the court must promptly approve the form of the judgment,
which the clerk must promptly enter, when the court grants
relief not described in paragraph (a)(2) of this rule.
(b) Time of Entry. Judgment is entered for purposes of RCFC 52,
54(d)(2)(B), 59, 60, and 62:
(1) when it is entered in the civil docket under RCFC 79(a),
and
(2) if a separate document is required by paragraph (a)(1) of
this rule, upon the earlier of these events:
(A) when it is set forth on a separate document, or
(B) when 60 days have run from entry on the civil docket
under RCFC 79(a).
(c) Cost or Fee Awards.
(1) Entry of judgment may not be delayed, nor the time for
appeal extended, in order to tax costs or award fees except as
provided in RCFC 58(c)(2).
(2) When a timely motion for attorney fees is made under RCFC
54(d)(2) the court may act before a notice of appeal has been
filed and has become effective to order that the motion have the
same effect under Rule 4(a)(4) of the Federal Rules of Appellate
Procedure as a timely motion under RCFC 59.
(d) Request for Entry. A party may request that judgment be set
forth on a separate document as required by RCFC 58(a)(1).
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 58 is essentially identical to the text that was proposed in
August 2000 by the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of
the Judicial Conference of the United States, with the exception of
any references to trial by jury.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, referred to in subd.
(c)(2), are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 58.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 58.1. Notice of Appeal
-STATUTE-
Review of a decision of this court shall be obtained by filing
with the clerk an original and the requisite number of copies of a
notice of appeal (but not fewer than four) within the time and
manner prescribed for appeals to United States courts of appeal as
provided for in Rule 3 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure,
together with the fee provided in RCFC 77.1(c)(2) of the Rules of
the United States Court of Federal Claims.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Although the rule has no FRCP counterpart, it is a necessary
component of the court's rules because it prescribes the time and
manner for the filing of an appeal from a decision of this court.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, referred to in text,
are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 59 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 59. New Trials; Rehearings; Amendment of Judgments;
Reconsideration
-STATUTE-
(a) Grounds.
(1) A new trial or rehearing or reconsideration may be granted
to all or any of the parties and on all or part of the issues,
for any of the reasons established by the rules of common law or
equity applicable as between private parties in the courts of the
United States. On a motion under this rule, the court may open
the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony,
amend findings of fact and conclusions of law or make new
findings and conclusions, and direct the entry of a new judgment.
(2) The court, at any time while a suit is pending before it,
or after proceedings for review have been instituted, or within 2
years after the final disposition of the suit, may grant the
United States a new trial and stay the payment of any judgment
upon satisfactory evidence, cumulative or otherwise, that any
fraud, wrong, or injustice has been done to the United States.
(b) Time for Motion and Response. Except as provided in
subdivision (a)(2), a motion for a new trial, or for amendment or
reconsideration of a judgment, shall be filed no later than 10 days
after the entry of the judgment. When such a motion is based on
affidavits, they shall be filed with the motion. No response to any
motion under this rule may be filed, unless requested by the court.
The court will not rule in favor of any motion under this rule
without first requesting by order a response to the motion.
(c) [Not used.]
(d) On Court's Initiative; Notice; Specifying Grounds. No later
than 10 days after entry of judgment the court, on its own, may
order a new trial for any reason that would justify granting one on
a party's motion. After giving the parties notice and an
opportunity to be heard, the court may grant a timely motion for a
new trial for a reason not stated in the motion. When granting a
new trial on its own initiative or for a reason not stated in a
motion, the court shall specify the grounds in its order.
(e) Motion to Alter or Amend a Judgment. Any motion to alter or
amend a judgment shall be filed no later than 10 days after entry
of the judgment.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor changes in wording were made to more closely conform to
FRCP 59. Subdivision (c) was deleted to reflect the difference in
Court of Federal Claims practice, set out in subdivision (b), which
directs that a response to a RCFC 59 motion is only required when
directed by the court, even if the motion is accompanied by an
affidavit. Other differences were retained, including the
distinction between final and non-final orders, which can be the
subject of motions for reconsideration at any time before final
judgment.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 60 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 60. Relief from Judgment or Order
-STATUTE-
(a) Clerical Mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders or
other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight
or omission may be corrected by the court at any time of its own
initiative or on the motion of any party and after such notice, if
any, as the court orders. During the pendency of an appeal, such
mistakes may be so corrected before the appeal is docketed in the
appellate court, and thereafter while the appeal is pending may be
so corrected with leave of the appellate court.
(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect; Newly Discovered
Evidence; Fraud, Etc. On motion and upon such terms as are just,
the court may relieve a party or the party's legal representative
from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following
reasons: (1) mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect;
(2) newly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have
been discovered in time to move for a new trial under RCFC 59(b);
(3) fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic),
misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party; (4) the
judgment is void; (5) the judgment has been satisfied, released, or
discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been
reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that
the judgment should have prospective application; or (6) any other
reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The
motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1),
(2), and (3) not more than one year after the judgment, order, or
proceeding was entered or taken. A motion under this subdivision
(b) does not affect the finality of a judgment or suspend its
operation. This rule does not limit the power of a court to
entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment,
order, or proceeding, or to set aside a judgment for fraud upon the
court. Writs of coram nobis, coram vobis, audita querela, and bills
of review and bills in the nature of a bill of review, are
abolished, and the procedure for obtaining any relief from a
judgment shall be by motion as prescribed in these rules or by an
independent action.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor changes in wording were made to more closely conform to
FRCP 60. Necessary differences were retained.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 61 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 61. Harmless Error
-STATUTE-
No error in either the admission or the exclusion of evidence and
no error or defect in any ruling or order or in anything done or
omitted by the court or by any of the parties is ground for
granting a new trial or for vacating, modifying, or otherwise
disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to take such action
appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice. The
court at every stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or
defect in the proceeding which does not affect the substantial
rights of the parties.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule as written is identical to FRCP 61.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 62 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 62. Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment
-STATUTE-
(a) Automatic Stay; Exceptions - Injunctions and Patent
Accountings. Except as stated herein, no execution shall issue upon
a judgment nor shall proceedings be taken for its enforcement until
the expiration of 10 days after its entry. Unless otherwise ordered
by the court, an interlocutory or final judgment in an action for
an injunction, or a judgment or order directing an accounting in an
action for infringement of letters patent, shall not be stayed
during the period after its entry and until an appeal is taken or
during the pendency of an appeal. The provisions of subdivision (c)
of this rule govern the suspending, modifying, restoring, or
granting of an injunction during the pendency of an appeal.
(b) Stay on Motion for New Trial or for Judgment. In its
discretion and on such conditions for the security of the adverse
party as are proper, the court may stay the execution of or any
proceedings to enforce a judgment pending the disposition of a
motion for a new trial or to alter or amend a judgment made
pursuant to RCFC 59, or of a motion for relief from a judgment or
order made pursuant to RCFC 60, or of a motion for amendment to the
findings or for additional findings made pursuant to RCFC 52(b).
(c) Injunction Pending Appeal. When an appeal is taken from an
interlocutory or final judgment granting, dissolving, or denying an
injunction, the court in its discretion may suspend, modify,
restore, or grant an injunction during the pendency of the appeal
upon such terms as to bond or otherwise as it considers proper for
the security of the rights of the adverse party.
(d) Stay Upon Appeal. When an appeal is taken the appellant by
giving a supersedeas bond may obtain a stay subject to the
exceptions contained in subdivision (a) of this rule. The bond may
be given at or after the time of filing the notice of appeal or of
procuring the order allowing the appeal, as the case may be. The
stay is effective when the supersedeas bond is approved by the
court.
(e) Stay in Favor of the United States or Agency Thereof. When an
appeal is taken by the United States or an officer or agency
thereof or by direction of any department of the Government of the
United States and the operation or enforcement of the judgment is
stayed, no bond, obligation, or other security shall be required
from the appellant.
(f) Stay According to State Law. [Not used.]
(g) Power of Appellate Court Not Limited. The provisions in this
rule do not limit any power of an appellate court or of a judge or
justice thereof to stay proceedings during the pendency of an
appeal or to suspend, modify, restore, or grant an injunction
during the pendency of an appeal or to make any order appropriate
to preserve the status quo or the effectiveness of the judgment
subsequently to be entered.
(h) Stay of Judgment as to Multiple Claims or Multiple Parties.
When a court has ordered a final judgment under the conditions
stated in RCFC 54(b), the court may stay enforcement of that
judgment until the entering of a subsequent judgment or judgments
and may prescribe such conditions as are necessary to secure the
benefit thereof to the party in whose favor the judgment is
entered.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor changes in text were made to subdivision (a) in order to
more closely conform the rule to FRCP 62. However, certain
necessary differences were retained.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 63 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VII. JUDGMENT
-HEAD-
Rule 63. Inability of a Judge to Proceed
-STATUTE-
If a trial or hearing has been commenced and the judge is unable
to proceed, any other judge may proceed with it upon certifying
familiarity with the record and determining that the proceedings in
the case may be completed without prejudice to the parties. The
successor judge shall at the request of a party recall any witness
whose testimony is material and disputed and who is available to
testify again without undue burden. The successor judge may also
recall any other witness.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Subdivisions (b) and (c) were deleted as unnecessary. The
substance of each is covered in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 455 and in the Codes
of Conduct for Judges and Judicial Employees. The rule as rewritten
is essentially identical to FRCP 63.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL
REMEDIES 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 64 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 64. Seizure of Person or Property [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 65 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 65. Injunctions
-STATUTE-
(a) Preliminary Injunction.
(1) Notice. No preliminary injunction shall be issued without
notice to the adverse party.
(2) Consolidation of Hearing With Trial on Merits. Before or
after the commencement of the hearing of an application for a
preliminary injunction, the court may order the trial of the
action on the merits to be advanced and consolidated with the
hearing of the application. Even when this consolidation is not
ordered, any evidence received upon an application for a
preliminary injunction which would be admissible upon the trial
on the merits becomes part of the record on the trial and need
not be repeated upon the trial.
(b) Temporary Restraining Order; Notice; Hearing; Duration. A
temporary restraining order may be granted without written or oral
notice to the adverse party or that party's attorney only if (1) it
clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or by the
verified complaint that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or
damage will result to the applicant before the adverse party or
that party's attorney can be heard in opposition, and (2) the
applicant's attorney certifies to the court in writing the efforts,
if any, which have been made to give the notice and the reasons
supporting the attorney's claim that notice should not be required.
Every temporary restraining order granted without notice shall be
indorsed with the date and hour of issuance; shall be filed
forthwith in the clerk's office and entered of record; shall define
the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was
granted without notice; and shall expire by its terms within such
time after entry, not to exceed 10 days, as the court fixes, unless
within the time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is
extended for a like period or unless the party against whom the
order is directed consents that it may be extended for a longer
period. The reasons for the extension shall be entered of record.
In case a temporary restraining order is granted without notice,
the motion for a preliminary injunction shall be set down for
hearing at the earliest possible time and takes precedence of all
matters except older matters of the same character; and when the
motion comes on for hearing the party who obtained the temporary
restraining order shall proceed with the application for a
preliminary injunction and, if the party does not do so, the court
shall dissolve the temporary restraining order. On 2 days' notice
to the party who obtained the temporary restraining order without
notice or on such shorter notice to that party as the court may
prescribe, the adverse party may appear and move its dissolution or
modification and in that event the court shall proceed to hear and
determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice
require.
(c) Security. No restraining order or preliminary injunction
shall issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant, in
such sum as the court deems proper, for the payment of such costs
and damages as may be incurred or suffered by any party who is
found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. No such
security shall be required of the United States or of an officer or
agency thereof.
The provisions of RCFC 65.1 apply to a surety upon a bond or
undertaking under this rule.
(d) Form and Scope of Injunction or Restraining Order. Every
order granting an injunction and every restraining order shall set
forth the reasons for its issuance; shall be specific in terms;
shall describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the
complaint or other document, the act or acts sought to be
restrained; and is binding only upon the parties to the action,
their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and
upon those persons in active concert or participation with them who
receive actual notice of the order by personal service or
otherwise.
(e) Employer and Employee. These rules do not modify any statute
of the United States relating to temporary restraining orders and
preliminary injunctions in actions affecting employer and employee.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Minor textual changes were made to subdivision (b) in order to
more closely conform to its FRCP counterpart. Additionally,
subdivision (f) (titled "Procedures") has been relocated to
Appendix C. (Appendix C supersedes former General Order No. 38,
dated May 7, 1998, which described the court's standard practices
in procurement protest cases filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec.
1491(b).)
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 65.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 65.1. Security: Proceedings Against Sureties
-STATUTE-
(a) Proceedings. Whenever these rules require or permit the
giving of security by a party, and security is given in the form of
a bond or stipulation or other undertaking with one or more
sureties, each surety submits to the jurisdiction of the court and
irrevocably appoints the clerk of the court as the surety's agent
upon whom any papers affecting the surety's liability on the bond
or undertaking may be served. The surety's liability may be
enforced on motion without the necessity of an independent action.
The motion and such notice of the motion as the court prescribes
may be served on the clerk of the court, who shall forthwith mail
copies to the sureties if their addresses are known.
(b) Sureties. Acceptable sureties on bonds shall be those bonding
companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of
the Treasury. See the latest U.S. Treasury Dept. Circ. 570. When a
court decision provides for the giving of security, the clerk will
furnish counsel with the appropriate bond form.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Subdivision (a) is identical to FRCP 65.1. Subdivision (b)
(titled "Sureties"), although unique to this court, provides
information useful to the court's practitioners and is therefore
being retained.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 66 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 66. Receivers Appointed by Federal Courts [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 67 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 67. Deposit in Court [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 68 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 68. Offer of Judgment
-STATUTE-
At any time more than 10 days before the trial begins, a party
defending against a claim may serve upon the adverse party an offer
to allow judgment to be taken against the defending party for the
money or property or to the effect specified in the offer, with
costs then accrued. If within 10 days after the service of the
offer the adverse party serves written notice that the offer is
accepted, either party may then file the offer and notice of
acceptance together with proof of service thereof, and thereupon
the clerk shall enter judgment. An offer not accepted shall be
deemed withdrawn and evidence thereof is not admissible except in a
proceeding to determine costs. If the judgment finally obtained by
the offeree is not more favorable than the offer, the offeree must
pay the costs incurred after the making of the offer. The fact that
an offer is made but not accepted does not preclude a subsequent
offer. When the liability of one party to another has been
determined by order or judgment, but the amount or extent of the
liability remains to be determined by further proceedings, the
party adjudged liable may make an offer of judgment, which shall
have the same effect as an offer made before trial if it is served
within a reasonable time not less than 10 days prior to the
commencement of hearings to determine the amount or extent of
liability.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
A minor change in wording was made in order to more closely
conform to FRCP 68.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 69 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 69. Execution [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 70 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 70. Judgment for Specific Acts; Vesting Title [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 71 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
-HEAD-
Rule 71. Process in Behalf of and Against Persons Not Parties [Not
used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-HEAD-
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 71A 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-HEAD-
Rule 71A. Condemnation of Property [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 72 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-HEAD-
Rule 72. Notice of Appeal [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Chapter IX of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, titled
"Special Proceedings," (comprising FRCP 71A - FRCP 73) has not been
included in the main body of the court's rules. Instead, rules
relating to the court's special proceedings appear in the
appendices to the rules.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 73 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-HEAD-
Rule 73. Magistrate Judges; Trial by Consent and Appeal Options
[Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 74-76 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
-HEAD-
Rule 74-76. [Abrogated.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX X. COURT AND CLERK 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
X. COURT AND CLERK
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 77 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 77. Court and Clerk
-STATUTE-
(a) Court Always Open. The court shall be deemed always open for
the purpose of filing any pleading or other proper paper, of
issuing and returning process, and of making and directing all
interlocutory motions, orders, and rules.
(b) Trials and Hearings; Proceedings in Chambers.
(1) Proceedings Generally. All trials upon the merits shall be
conducted in open court and so far as convenient in a regular
courtroom. All other acts or proceedings may be done or conducted
by a judge in chambers, without the attendance of the clerk or
other court officials or at any other place designated by order.
(2) Trials or Hearings in Foreign Countries. Upon motion of a
party or upon the judge's own initiative, and upon a
determination by the judge to whom the case is assigned that the
interests of economy, efficiency, and justice will be served, the
chief judge of the Court of Federal Claims may issue an order
authorizing a judge of the court to conduct proceedings,
including evidentiary hearings and trials, in a foreign country
whose laws do not prohibit such proceedings.
(c) Clerk's Office and Orders by Clerk. The clerk's office with
the clerk or a deputy in attendance shall be open during business
hours on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and the following
holidays: New Year's Day, Inauguration Day, Birthday of Martin
Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Day, and any other day designated as a holiday by the
President or the Congress of the United States. All motions and
applications in the clerk's office for issuing process, process to
enforce and execute judgments, for entering defaults or judgments
by default, and for other proceedings which do not require
allowance or order of the court are grantable of course by the
clerk; but the clerk's action may be suspended or altered or
rescinded by the court upon cause shown.
(d) Notice of Orders or Judgments. Immediately upon the entry of
an order or judgment the clerk shall serve a notice of the entry in
the manner provided for in RCFC 5 upon each party who is not in
default for failure to appear and shall make a note in the docket
of the service. Any party may in addition serve a notice of such
entry in the manner provided in RCFC 5 for the service of papers.
Lack of notice of the entry by the clerk does not affect the time
to appeal or relieve or authorize the court to relieve a party for
failure to appeal within the time allowed, except as permitted in
Rule 4(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
In order to more closely parallel the structure and content of
FRCP 77, RCFC 77 has been modified as follows:
Former subdivisions (a) (referring to the court's "Name"), (b)
(referring to the court's "Seal"), (d) (captioned "Citations") and
(e) (identifying the court's judicial power as being exercisable by
a single judge, except in congressional reference cases), have been
deleted as unnecessary.
Subdivision (b) (formerly subdivision (h) of this rule) is
changed in two respects. First, in order better to reflect its
content, the subdivision is retitled to read "Trials and Hearings;
Proceedings in Chambers" (in lieu of "Trials and Hearings; Orders
in Chambers"). Second, the subdivision has been divided into
paragraphs (1) and (2). Paragraph (1), captioned "Proceedings
Generally," retains the rule's earlier language; paragraph (2),
captioned "Trials or Hearings in Foreign Countries," is new.
Paragraph (2) was added to recognize the court's authority under 28
U.S.C. Sec. 798(b) to conduct trials or hearings in foreign
countries.
Former subdivision (f) (titled "Assignment of Cases") was
renumbered as RCFC 40.1.
Former subdivision (g) (titled "Signing of Orders for Absent
Judges") was renumbered as RCFC 77.2(b).
Former subdivisions (l) & (k) (titled, respectively, "Scheduling
Courtrooms" and "Fee Schedule"), were renumbered as RCFC 77.1.
Finally, former subdivision (m) was deleted in order to recognize
the right of certain court employees to participate in pro bono
legal work under the guidelines prescribed for that purpose by the
Codes of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, referred to in subd.
(d), are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 77.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 77.1. Business Hours, Scheduling and Fees
-STATUTE-
(a) Business Hours. The Office of the Clerk is open during the
hours 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on business days. A night box is
provided for filing with the Office of the Clerk between the hours
of 5:15 p.m. and 12:00 midnight on any business day for papers due
that day. The box is located inside the gate at the garage entrance
on H Street. It is suggested that counsel telephone the clerk's
office by 9:30 a.m. of the next day as to receipt, (202) 219-9562.
(b) Scheduling. The clerk shall schedule the use of courtrooms in
Washington, D.C., and shall be responsible for all arrangements for
courtrooms and other facilities required by the court at locations
other than in Washington, D.C. All conferences, oral arguments,
trials, and other recorded appearances shall be scheduled by the
judge by order filed with the clerk.
(c) Fee Schedule.
(1) Fees for services rendered by the clerk are payable in
advance; all checks are to be made payable to "Clerk, United
States Court of Federal Claims."
(2) Fees are:
Admission to practice and certificate $50.00
thereof
(Calligraphied certificate $25.00)
Duplicate certificate of admission or $15.00
certificate of good standing
Filing complaint $150.00
Filing intervening complaint $150.00
Certifying any document or paper $7.00
Reproducing any record, entry or other $.50 per page
paper for a maximum of 50 pages
Filing Notice of Appeal $105.00 (includes $5.00
notice of appeal and
$100.00 Court of Appeals
fees)
Receipt of monthly listing of court $15.00
orders and opinions (per year)
Returned check fee $35.00
Record search (per name or item $20.00
searched)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Such other fees as authorized by the Judicial Conference of the
United States.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Former RCFC 77.1 was deleted in its entirety. Current RCFC 77.1
reflects portions of the text of former subdivisions (c) as well as
subdivisions (h) and (i) of RCFC 77.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 77.2 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 77.2. Authorization to Act on Certain Motions
-STATUTE-
(a) Clerk Authorization. Any motion for enlargement of time to
answer or respond to the complaint or, for substitution of counsel,
may be acted upon by the clerk of the court if (1) the motion
states that opposing counsel has no objection, (2) no opposition to
the motion has been timely filed, or (3) opposing counsel files a
consent.
In acting on motions for enlargement of time under this
subdivision of the rule, the total enlargement of time allowed by
the clerk with respect to any matter shall not exceed 60 days.
(b) Signing of Orders for Absent Judges. If the judge to whom the
action is assigned is not available and there is an emergency
necessitating an order, the matter shall be presented to the chief
judge, or to another judge designated by the assigned judge.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This rule has no FRCP counterpart. The rule was changed in
several respects. First, former subdivisions (a) and (b) were
combined into a new subdivision (a). Second, language in former
subdivision (a) relating to the "permanent withdrawal of papers"
was deleted to reflect corresponding changes in RCFC 77.3 that
abolish the practice of permitting the withdrawal of papers from
the clerk's office. Third, former subdivisions (c) and (d) were
deleted as unnecessary. Finally, new subdivision (b) reflects text
transferred from former subdivision (g) of RCFC 77.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 77.3 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 77.3. Withdrawal of Papers, Exhibits
-STATUTE-
(a) Withdrawal for Trial. The reporter engaged to transcribe the
evidence may temporarily withdraw all papers and exhibits for use
during any trial session. All exhibits admitted into evidence or
designated to accompany the transcript shall remain in the
reporter's custody until the transcript of the court session is
filed with the clerk.
(b) Withdrawal of Papers and Exhibits. No papers or exhibits
filed with the court shall be temporarily or permanently withdrawn
from the office or custody of the clerk except by order of the
court. No such order will be entered except in extraordinary
circumstances. In the event of such withdrawal, a record of the
filing and the order of withdrawal shall be preserved.
(c) Disposition of Physical Exhibits. All physical exhibits,
including models, diagrams, depositions, transcripts, briefs,
tables, and charts shall be removed from the clerk's custody by the
party by whom they were produced or offered within sixty (60) days
after the entry of final judgment by this court, or, in the event
of an appeal, within ninety (90) days after the receipt and filing
of a mandate or other process or certificate showing the
disposition of the case by the appellate court; otherwise, such
exhibits shall be deemed abandoned and shall be destroyed or
otherwise disposed of by the clerk.
(d) Sealed Materials. Unless otherwise specified by order, no
earlier than five years after the entry of final judgment by this
court, or, in the event of appeal, within five years after the
receipt and filing of a mandate or other process or certificate
showing disposition of the case by the appellate court, the clerk
may notify the parties that materials maintained under seal shall
be unsealed, absent timely notice of objection by either party.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This rule has no FRCP counterpart. The rule has been amended in
several respects:
First, former subdivision (a) was deleted, thereby eliminating
the practice of permitting temporary withdrawal of exhibits and
papers by the parties. The need to accommodate the copying of
extensive parts of a record should be addressed directly through
arrangements made by the clerk.
Subdivision (a), formerly subdivision (b), was amended to clarify
that the reporter is to retain custody of the transcript and
exhibits until they are filed with the clerk.
New subdivision (b), formerly subdivision (c), clarifies that no
withdrawal of papers or exhibits from the clerk's office may occur
in the absence of a court order, and then only in extraordinary
circumstances. The fact of withdrawal shall be preserved in the
court's docketing entries.
New subdivision (c), formerly subdivision (d), was rewritten to
clarify the practice with respect to the disposition of physical
exhibits and to make clear the parties' obligation to retrieve such
exhibits, to avoid their loss through routine disposal. The
reference to in camera materials was omitted, because such
materials are not filed with the Office of the Clerk.
New subdivision (d) establishes a procedure for handling
materials filed under seal, requiring the parties affirmatively to
indicate a desire to maintain filings in closed cases under seal.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 78 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 78. Motions Day [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 79 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 79. Books and Records Kept by the Clerk and Entries Therein
-STATUTE-
(a) Civil Docket. The clerk shall keep a book known as "civil
docket" of such form and style as may be prescribed by the Director
of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts with the
approval of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and shall
enter therein each civil action to which these rules are made
applicable. Actions shall be assigned consecutive file numbers. The
file number of each action shall be noted on the folio of the
docket whereon the first entry of the action is made. All papers
filed with the clerk, all process issued and returns made thereon,
except for subpoenas, all appearances, orders, and judgments shall
be entered chronologically in the docket on the folio assigned to
the action and shall be marked with its file number. These entries
shall be brief but shall show the nature of each paper filed or
writ issued and the substance of each order or judgment of the
court and of the returns showing execution of process. The entry of
an order or judgment shall show the date the entry is made.
(b) Civil Judgments and Orders. The clerk shall keep, in such
form and manner as the Director of the Administrative Office of the
United States Courts with the approval of the Judicial Conference
of the United States may prescribe, a correct copy of every final
judgment or appealable order, or order affecting title to or lien
upon real or personal property, and any other order which the court
may direct to be kept.
(c) Indices; Calendars. Suitable indices of the civil docket and
of every civil judgment and order referred to in subdivision (b) of
this rule shall be kept by the clerk under the direction of the
court.
(d) Other Books and Records of the Clerk. The clerk shall also
keep such other books and records as may be required from time to
time by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United
States Courts with the approval of the Judicial Conference of the
United States.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The word "civil" was added to subdivision (a) to more closely
conform the rule to FRCP 79. RCFC 79 as it now reads is essentially
identical to FRCP 79.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 80 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 80. Record or Transcript as Evidence
-STATUTE-
Whenever the testimony of a witness at a trial or hearing which
was reported is admissible in evidence at a later trial, it may be
proved by the transcript thereof duly certified by the person who
reported the testimony.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Former subdivisions (a), (b) and (c) were deleted and minor
changes were made to former subdivision (d) in order to more
closely conform the rule to FRCP 80.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 80.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
X. COURT AND CLERK
-HEAD-
Rule 80.1. Instructions to Reporters
-STATUTE-
(a) Record of Proceedings. The court will furnish a reporter to
take down the trial proceedings and transcribe the same in any
trial.
(b) Reporter; Control. The reporter shall be under the
jurisdiction and control of the judge.
(c) Caption Page. There shall be stated on the caption page: (a)
the style of the cause in which the testimony is taken; (b) the
place and date of its taking; (c) the identity of the party by whom
each witness is called; (d) the name of the judge; and (e) the
appearances of counsel. See Appendix of Forms, Form 3.
(d) Testimony. It shall appear in the transcript of the
proceedings and testimony by whom each witness was examined and
cross-examined. At the top of each page shall appear the name of
the witness and the nature of his examination, such as Roe-direct,
Roe-cross, Roe-redirect.
(e) Preparation of Transcript. The reporter shall transcribe all
testimony on nontransparent white paper, either 8 1/2 inches wide
by 11 inches long, or 8 inches wide by 10 1/2 inches long, bound
on the left margin. The pages shall be numbered consecutively, with
a minimum of 25 lines per page. It is not necessary for the
witnesses to sign the transcripts of their testimony.
(f) Exhibits. All exhibits offered by either of the parties shall
bear the caption and number of the case, the exhibit numbers, in
figures, whether for plaintiff or defendant unless the court
provides for the offering parties to otherwise designate their
exhibits, and the number of sheets in each exhibit. All exhibits
admitted in evidence or designated to accompany the transcript
shall accompany and be filed with the transcript of the testimony,
but shall not be affixed thereto.
(g) Certificate of Reporter. The reporter shall append to the
transcript of the testimony a certificate similar to Appendix of
Forms (Forms 3A and 3B). The certificate shall be signed by the
reporter.
(h) index.(!1) At the beginning of each volume of the transcript
of testimony, there shall be an index containing: (a) the names of
the witnesses examined, citing the pages of the transcript where
direct, cross, redirect, or recross-examination of the respective
witnesses began; and (b) the exhibits in the case, first for the
plaintiff and then for the defendant, with a brief statement of the
nature of each of the exhibits and with references to the pages of
the transcript where said respective exhibits were (1) offered and
(2) received in evidence. In addition, upon the preparation of the
final transcript, where the number of pages exceeds 500, a master
index containing the same information shall be prepared and bound
separately.
(i) Return of Transcript and Exhibits. Unless otherwise ordered
by the judge, the reporter shall file the transcript of trial
proceedings, including the exhibits admitted in evidence or
designated to accompany the transcript, with the clerk within 30
days after the conclusion of the trial session at which such
proceedings were had. The filing may be accomplished by personal
delivery of the transcript and exhibits to the clerk's office or by
enclosing them in a packet and transmitting them to the Clerk,
United States Court of Federal Claims, 717 Madison Place, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20005, in sufficient time for the transcript and
exhibits to be filed within the prescribed period. The obligation
for the filing of the transcript and exhibits within the prescribed
period rests upon the reporter.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 80.1 has no FRCP counterpart. The rule's principal text
formerly appeared in these rules as Appendix A. The incorporation
of former Appendix A into the main body of the rules reflects a
more logical placement of its subject matter in the organizational
structure of the court's rules. Additionally, as part of this
rule's relocation, Forms A and B of former Appendix A (pertaining
to reporter certifications) were assigned to the new Appendix of
Forms. They appear there as Forms 3A and 3B.
Other changes introduced in this rule include the following:
Subdivision (a) of the rule formerly appeared in these rules as
paragraph (b)(1) of RCFC 39. The changes introduced in new
subdivision (a) were deemed necessary in order to eliminate
uncertainty as to the court's authority to furnish a reporter for
trials scheduled outside of the United States.
Subdivision (b) of the rule formerly appeared as paragraph (b)(2)
of RCFC 39.
Subdivision (i) of the rule formerly appeared as paragraph (b)(3)
of RCFC 39. Additionally, subdivision (i) reflects the change in
the court's name.
-FOOTNOTE-
(!1) So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 81 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 81. Applicability in General [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 82 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 82. Jurisdiction and Venue Unaffected [Not used.]
-STATUTE-
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 83 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 83. Rules by Court of Federal Claims; Judge's Directives
-STATUTE-
(a) Rules. The United States Court of Federal Claims, acting by a
majority of its judges, may, after giving appropriate public notice
and an opportunity for comment, make and amend rules governing its
practice. Such rules, to the extent permitted by this court's
jurisdiction, shall be consistent with the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure and to any uniform numbering system prescribed by the
Judicial Conference of the United States. A rule takes effect on
the date specified by the court and remains in effect unless
amended by the court. Copies of rules and amendments shall be made
available to the public.
(b) Procedures When There is no Controlling Law. A judge may
regulate practice in any manner consistent with federal law or
rules adopted under 28 U.S.C. Secs. 2072, or 2503(b). No sanction
or other disadvantage may be imposed for non-compliance with any
requirement not in federal law, federal rules, or these rules,
unless the alleged violator has been furnished in the particular
case with actual notice of the requirement.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 83 is modeled after FRCP 83. The rule recognizes the court's
rule-making authority as set forth at 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2503, as well
as the individual judge's authority to regulate practice in an
individual case, so long as that practice is consistent with
federal law and rules.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subd. (a),
are set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 83.1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 83.1. Attorneys
-STATUTE-
(a) Attorneys Eligible to Practice. Only attorneys who are
members of the bar of this court and who comply with these rules
may enter an appearance, file pleadings, and practice in this
court, provided that any attorney admitted to practice before the
highest court of any state, territory, possession or the District
of Columbia may participate pro hac vice in any proceeding at the
request of and in the presence of the attorney of record for a
party to the proceeding, or otherwise with the approval of the
court. All attorneys who were members in good standing of the bar
of the United States Court of Claims are eligible to practice
herein. See RCFC 83.1(c)(2) concerning authorization to sign
filings.
(b) Admission to Practice.
(1) Qualifications; Oath. Any person of good moral character
who has been admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the
United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit, or the highest court of any state, territory,
possession, or the District of Columbia, and is in good standing
therein, may be admitted to practice before this court upon oral
motion or by verified application, as provided in this rule, and
upon taking or subscribing to the following oath: I, ________, do
solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution
of the United States and that I will conduct myself in an upright
manner as an attorney of this court.
(2) Upon Oral Motion.
(A) In Washington, D.C. An oral motion for admission may be
made by a member of the bar of this court before any judge, and
the judge or the clerk shall administer the oath. Motions for
admission will be heard the first Thursday of each month which
is not a legal holiday as defined by RCFC 6(a). Where the first
Thursday of the month falls on a legal holiday, admissions will
be held on the second Thursday of the month. Applicants for
admission must appear in the clerk's office no later than 9:30
a.m. to pay the admission fee and fill out the necessary
papers. Motions will be heard promptly at 10:00 a.m., in
Courtroom No. 4, Room 501, National Courts Building, 717
Madison Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Applicants who for
special reasons are unable to appear for admission on the first
Thursday of the month should contact the Office of the Clerk to
make appropriate arrangements.
(B) Outside Washington, D.C. An oral motion for admission may
be made by a member of the bar of this court before a judge
outside Washington, D.C., who shall administer the oath. As a
preliminary to the motion, the attorney who moves the admission
shall submit to the judge the appropriate form obtained from
the judge and completed by the applicant. In the absence of an
oral motion for admission in conformity with this subdivision,
the applicant may advise the judge of the applicant's
qualifications as set forth in subdivision (b)(1). Upon
consideration thereof, and upon representation by the attorney
that such attorney will promptly apply to the clerk for
admission by verified application as provided in subdivision
(b)(3), the judge may permit the applicant to participate in
the particular proceeding.
(3) By Verified Application. Without need for appearing in
person, admission may be made upon presentation to the clerk of a
verified application showing that the applicant is possessed of
the qualifications described in subdivision (b)(1). See Appendix
of Forms, Form 1. The application shall be accompanied by: (A) a
certificate of a judge or of the clerk of any of the courts
specified in subdivision (b)(1) indicating that the applicant is
a member of the bar of such court and is in good standing
therein; (B) two letters or signed statements of members of the
bar of this court or of the Supreme Court of the United States,
not related to the applicant, affirming that the applicant is
personally known to them, that the applicant possesses all the
qualifications required for admission to the bar of this court,
that they have examined the application, and that the applicant's
personal and professional character and standing are good; and
(C) an oath in the form prescribed in subdivision (b)(1) signed
by the applicant and administered by an officer authorized to
administer oaths in the state, territory, possession, or the
District of Columbia, where the oath is administered, or as
permitted by 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1746.
(4) Fee for Admission. Unless the applicant is an attorney
representing the United States before this court, an admission
fee as provided for in RCFC 77.1 (c)(2) shall be paid in advance
in cash or by check payable to "Clerk, United States Court of
Federal Claims."
(5) Admission of Foreign Attorneys. An attorney, barrister, or
advocate who is qualified to practice in the highest court of any
foreign state may be specially admitted for purposes limited to a
particular case. Such attorney, barrister or advocate shall not,
however, be authorized to act as attorney of record. In the case
of such applicants, the oath shall not be required and there
shall be no fee. Such admission shall be only on written motion
of a member of the bar of this court, filed with the clerk at
least 3 days prior to the consideration of the motion by the
court.
(c) Attorneys of Record.
(1) One for Each Party. There shall be but one attorney of
record for a party in any case at any one time, and such attorney
of record shall be an individual (and not a firm) who has been
admitted to practice before this court. Any other attorneys
assisting the attorney of record shall be designated as "of
counsel."
(2) Authorization to Sign Filings. Any attorney who is a member
of the bar of this court may sign any filing in the attorney of
record's name. An attorney who signs the name of the attorney of
record shall so indicate by adding the following after the name
of the attorney of record: "by [the signing attorney's full
name]." Authorization to sign filings shall not relieve the
attorney of record from the provisions of RCFC 11.
(3) Appearance. For parties other than the United States, the
attorney of record shall include on the initial pleading or paper
said attorney's name, address, telephone, and facsimile number.
For the United States the attorney who is to appear as the
attorney of record shall, promptly after service of the
complaint, file with the clerk and serve on all other parties a
notice of appearance setting forth the identical information. The
attorneys of record for all parties shall promptly file with the
clerk and serve on all other parties a notice of any change in
address.
(4) Change by Parties Other than the United States. A party
other than the United States may by leave of court on motion
change the party's attorney at any time. The motion may be signed
by said party in person or by the newly designated attorney
accompanied by an affidavit of appointment executed by such
attorney. If the consent of the previous attorney of record is
annexed to or endorsed on the motion, substitution shall be
accomplished by an appropriate entry on the docket by the clerk.
When the motion is not thus shown to have the consent of the
previous attorney, such attorney shall be served with the motion,
and shall have 14 days to show cause why the motion should not be
allowed.
(5) Change by the United States. A new notice of appearance
shall be filed and served on all parties by the United States
whenever a case is reassigned to another attorney.
(6) Withdrawal of Attorney. No attorney of record for a
plaintiff or a third party may withdraw such attorney's
appearance except by leave of the court on motion and after
notice is served on such attorney's client.
(7) Death of Attorney. If the attorney of record dies, a
suggestion of such attorney's death shall be made, and a motion
to substitute another attorney admitted to practice before this
court may be made by the plaintiff.
(8) Unrepresented Party. An individual may represent oneself or
a member of one's immediate family as a party before the court.
Any other party, however, must be represented by an attorney who
is admitted to practice in this court. A corporation may only be
represented by counsel. The terms counsel or attorney in these
rules shall include unrepresented parties.
(d) Honorary Membership. Honorary membership in the bar of the
court may be granted from time to time to distinguished
professionals of the United States or of other nations who are
knowledgeable in the affairs of law and government in their
respective countries. After nomination by the chief judge and
approval by the court, the candidate for honorary membership will
be presented at the bar in person. A certificate of honorary
membership in the bar will be presented to the person so honored.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This rule has no FRCP counterpart. Former RCFC 83.1 ("Content of
Briefs or Memoranda; Length of Briefs or Memoranda") has been
renumbered as RCFC 5.2. The renumbering of RCFC 83.1 was intended
to reflect its more logical placement in the organizational
structure of this court's rules.
The substance of the rule reflects the text of former RCFC 81, as
modified. Paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) (formerly paragraph
(d)(2) of RCFC 81) was amended to formalize the court's practice of
allowing joint filings to be signed by one counsel, on behalf of
both counsel, when authorized to do so by opposing counsel. Also,
subdivision (e) of former RCFC 81 (relating to attorneys' fees and
expenses) was not retained as part of this rule but was, instead,
incorporated into RCFC 54(d)(2).
In addition, former General Order No. 15, "Honorary Bar
Membership," was slightly modified and moved to new subdivision
83.1(d).
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 83.2 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 83.2. Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
-STATUTE-
The United States Court of Federal Claims, in furtherance of its
inherent power and responsibility to supervise the conduct of
attorneys who are admitted to practice before it, or admitted for
the purpose of a particular proceeding pursuant to RCFC 83.1(a) and
(b)(5), promulgates the following Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement
superseding all of its other rules pertaining to disciplinary
enforcement heretofore promulgated.
(a) Attorneys Convicted of Crimes.
(1) Upon the filing with the court of a certified copy of a
judgment of conviction demonstrating that any attorney admitted
to practice before the court has been convicted in any court of
the United States, or the District of Columbia, or of any state,
territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States of a
serious crime as hereinafter defined, the court shall enter an
order immediately suspending that attorney, whether the
conviction resulted from a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or
from a verdict after trial or otherwise, and regardless of the
pendency of any appeal, until final disposition of a disciplinary
proceeding to be commenced upon such conviction. A copy of such
order shall immediately be served upon the attorney. Upon good
cause shown, the court may set aside such order when it appears
in the interest of justice so to do.
(2) The term serious crime shall include any felony and any
lesser crime a necessary element of which, as determined by the
statutory or common law definition of such crime in the
jurisdiction where the judgment was entered, involves false
swearing, misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file
income tax returns, deceit, bribery, extortion, misappropriation,
theft, or an attempt or a conspiracy or solicitation of another
to commit a serious crime.
(3) A certified copy of a judgment of conviction of an attorney
for any crime shall be conclusive evidence of the commission of
that crime in any disciplinary proceeding instituted against that
attorney based upon the conviction.
(4) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of
conviction of an attorney for a serious crime, the court shall,
in addition to suspending that attorney in accordance with the
provisions of this rule, refer the matter to counsel for the
institution of a disciplinary proceeding before the court in
which the sole issue to be determined shall be the extent of the
final discipline to be imposed as a result of the conduct
resulting in the conviction, provided that a disciplinary
proceeding so instituted will not be brought to final hearing
until all appeals from the conviction are concluded.
(5) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of
conviction of an attorney for a crime not constituting a serious
crime, the court may refer the matter to counsel for whatever
action counsel may deem warranted, including the institution of a
disciplinary proceeding before the court; provided, however, that
the court may in its discretion make no reference with respect to
convictions for minor offenses.
(6) An attorney suspended under the provisions of this rule
will be reinstated immediately upon the filing of a certificate
demonstrating that the underlying conviction of a serious crime
has been reversed, but the reinstatement will not terminate any
disciplinary proceeding then pending against the attorney, the
disposition of which shall be determined by the court on the
basis of all available evidence pertaining to both guilt and the
extent of discipline to be imposed.
(b) Discipline Imposed by Other Courts; Disbarment on Consent or
Representation in Other Courts.
(1) Any attorney admitted to practice before the court shall,
upon being subjected to public discipline by any other court of
the United States or District of Columbia, or by a court of any
state, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United
States, promptly inform the clerk of such action.
(2) Any attorney admitted to practice before the court shall,
upon being disbarred on consent or resigning from the bar of any
other court of the United States or the District of Columbia, or
from the bar of any state, territory, commonwealth, or possession
of the United States while an investigation into allegations of
misconduct is pending, promptly inform the clerk of such
disbarment on consent or resignation.
(3) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment or order
demonstrating that an attorney admitted to practice before the
court has been disciplined by another court or upon accepting
disbarment on consent or resignation, the court shall forthwith
issue a notice directed to the attorney containing: a copy of the
judgment or order from the other court or a copy of the
communication indicating disbarment on consent or resignation;
and an order to show cause directing that the attorney inform the
court within 30 days after service of that order upon the
attorney, personally or by mail of any claim by the attorney
predicated upon the grounds set forth in paragraph (5), and that
the imposition of the identical discipline by the court would be
unwarranted and the reasons therefor.
(4) In the event the discipline imposed in the other
jurisdiction has been stayed there, any reciprocal discipline
imposed in the court shall be deferred until such stay expires.
(5) Upon the expiration of 30 days from service of the notice
issued pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3), the court
shall impose the identical discipline unless the
respondent-attorney demonstrates, or the court finds, that upon
the face of the record upon which the discipline in another
jurisdiction is predicated it clearly appears:
(A) that the procedure was so lacking in notice or
opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due
process;
(B) or that there was such an infirmity of proof establishing
the misconduct as to give rise to the clear conviction that the
court could not, consistent with its duty, accept as final the
conclusion on that subject;
(C) or that the imposition of the same discipline by the
court would result in grave injustice;
(D) or that the misconduct established is deemed by the court
to warrant substantially different discipline.
Where the court determines that any of said elements exist, it
shall enter such other order as it deems appropriate.
(6) In all other respects, a final adjudication in another
court that an attorney has been guilty of misconduct shall
establish conclusively the misconduct for purposes of a
disciplinary proceeding in the court.
(7) The court may at any stage appoint counsel to prosecute the
disciplinary proceedings.
(c) Standards for Professional Conduct.
(1) For misconduct defined in this rule and after notice and
opportunity to be heard, any attorney admitted to practice before
the court may be disbarred, suspended from practice before the
court, publicly reprimanded, or subjected to such other
disciplinary action as the circumstances may warrant.
(2) Acts or omissions by an attorney admitted to practice
before the court, individually or in concert with any other
person or persons, which violate the Code of Professional
Responsibility adopted by the court shall constitute misconduct
and shall be grounds for discipline, whether or not the act or
omission occurred in the course of an attorney-client
relationship. The Code of Professional Responsibility adopted by
the court is the American Bar Association Model Rules of
Professional Conduct, as amended from time to time by the
Association, except as otherwise provided by specific rule of the
court.
(d) Disciplinary Proceedings
(1) When misconduct or allegations of misconduct which, if
substantiated, would warrant discipline on the part of an
attorney admitted to practice before the court shall come to the
attention of a judge or special master of the court, whether by
complaint or otherwise, and the applicable procedure is not
otherwise mandated by this rule, the judge or special master
shall refer the matter to the chief judge for determination
whether the matter should be referred to a disciplinary judge for
a formal disciplinary proceeding or the formulation of such other
recommendation as may be appropriate.
(2) Should the disciplinary judge conclude after review that a
formal disciplinary proceeding should not be initiated against
the respondent-attorney because sufficient evidence is not
present, or because there is pending another proceeding against
the respondent-attorney the disposition of which in the judgment
of the disciplinary judge should be awaited before further action
by the court is considered or for any other valid reason, the
disciplinary judge shall file with the court a recommendation for
disposition of the matter, whether by dismissal, admonition,
deferral, or otherwise setting forth the reasons therefor.
(3) To initiate formal disciplinary proceedings, the
disciplinary judge shall file an order of the court upon a
showing of probable cause requiring the respondent-attorney to
show cause within 30 days after service of that order upon that
attorney, personally, or by mail, why the attorney should not be
disciplined.
(4) Upon the respondent-attorney's answer to the order to show
cause, if any issue of fact is raised or the respondent-attorney
wishes to be heard in mitigation, the disciplinary judge shall
set the matter for prompt hearing.
(e) Disbarment on Consent While Under Disciplinary Investigation
or Prosecution
(1) Any attorney admitted to practice before the court who is
the subject of an investigation into or a pending proceeding
involving allegations of misconduct may consent to disbarment,
but only by delivering to the court an affidavit stating that the
attorney desires to consent to disbarment and that:
(A) the attorney's consent is freely and voluntarily
rendered; the attorney is not being subjected to coercion or
duress; the attorney is fully aware of the implications of so
consenting;
(B) the attorney is aware that there is a presently pending
investigation or proceeding involving allegations that there
exist grounds for the attorney's discipline the nature of which
the attorney shall specifically set forth;
(C) the attorney acknowledges that the material facts so
alleged are true; and
(D) the attorney so consents because the attorney knows that
if charges were predicated upon the matters under
investigation, or if the proceeding were prosecuted, the
attorney could not successfully defend himself.
(2) Upon receipt of the required affidavit, the court shall
enter an order disbarring the attorney.
(3) The order disbarring the attorney on consent shall be a
matter of public record. However, the affidavit required under
the provisions of this rule shall not be publicly disclosed or
made available for use in any other proceeding except upon order
of the court.
(f) Reinstatement.
(1) After Disbarment or Suspension. An attorney suspended for
three months or less shall be automatically reinstated at the end
of the period of suspension upon the filing with the court of an
affidavit of compliance with the provisions of the order. An
attorney suspended for more than three months or disbarred may
not resume practice until reinstated by order of the court,
except as provided in subdivision (a) of this rule.
(2) Time of Application Following Disbarment. A person who has
been disbarred after hearing or by consent may not apply for
reinstatement until the expiration of at least one year from the
effective day of the disbarment.
(3) Hearing on Application. Petitions for reinstatement by a
disbarred or suspended attorney under this rule shall be filed
with the Clerk, and directed to the chief judge of the court.
Such petitions shall demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence
that the petitioner has the moral qualifications, competency and
learning in the law before the court and that the petitioner's
resumption to the practice of law will not be detrimental to the
integrity and standing of the bar or to the administration of
justice, or subversive of the public interest. Upon receipt of
the petition, the chief judge shall promptly assign the petition
to one or more judges of the court for prompt action. The judge
or judges assigned to the matter shall within 30 days after
referral issue an order of reinstatement based upon the petition
or, schedule a hearing at which the petitioner shall have the
burden of demonstrating the elements listed above.
(4) Deposit for Costs of Proceeding. The court may direct that
petitions for reinstatement under this rule shall be accompanied
by an advance cost deposit in an amount to be set from time to
time by the court to cover anticipated costs of the reinstatement
proceeding.
(5) Conditions of Reinstatement. If the petitioner is found
unfit to resume the practice of law, the petition shall be
dismissed. If the petitioner is found fit to resume the practice
of law, the judgment shall reinstate the petitioner, provided
that the judgment may make reinstatement conditional upon the
payment of all or part of the costs of the proceedings, and upon
the making of partial or complete restitution to parties harmed
by the petitioner whose conduct led to the suspension or
disbarment. Provided further, that if the petitioner has been
suspended or disbarred for 5 years or more, reinstatement may be
conditioned, in the discretion of the judge or judges before whom
the matter is heard, upon the furnishing of proof of competency
and learning in law, which proof may include certification by the
bar examiners of a state or other jurisdiction of the attorney's
successful completion of an examination for admission to practice
subsequent to the date of suspension or disbarment.
(6) Successive Petitions. No petition for reinstatement under
this Appendix shall be filed within one year following an adverse
judgment upon a petition for reinstatement filed by or on behalf
of the same person.
(g) Attorneys Specially Admitted.
Whenever an attorney applies to be admitted or is admitted to the
court for purposes of a particular proceeding pursuant to RCFC
83.1(a) or(b)(5), the attorney shall be deemed thereby to have
conferred disciplinary jurisdiction upon the court for any alleged
misconduct of that attorney arising in the course of or in the
preparation for such proceeding.
(h) Service of Papers and Other Notices.
(1) Service of an order to show cause instituting a formal
disciplinary proceeding shall be made by personal service or by
registered or certified mail addressed to the respondent-attorney
at such attorney's last known address. If service by registered
or certified mail is ineffective, the court shall enter an order
as appropriate to effect service.
(2) Service of any other papers or notices required by this
rule shall be deemed to have been made if such paper or notice is
addressed to the respondent-attorney at such attorney's last
known address or the respondent-attorney at the address indicated
in the most recent pleading or other document filed in the course
of any proceeding.
(i) Appointment of Counsel.
The court may appoint as counsel one or more members of the bar
of the court to investigate allegations of misconduct or to
prosecute disciplinary proceedings under this rule, provided,
however, that the respondent-attorney may move to disqualify an
attorney so appointed who is or has been engaged as an adversary of
the respondent-attorney in any matter. Counsel, once appointed, may
not resign unless permission to do so is given by the court.
(j) Payment of Fees and Costs.
At the conclusion of any disciplinary investigation or
prosecution, if any, under this rule, counsel may make application
to the court for an order awarding reasonable fees and reimbursing
costs expended in the course of such disciplinary investigation or
prosecution. Any such order shall be submitted to the clerk who
shall pay the amount required thereunder from the funds collected
pursuant to subdivision (j).
(k) Duties of the Clerk.
(1) Upon being informed that an attorney admitted to practice
before the court has been convicted of any crime, the clerk shall
determine whether the clerk of the convicting court has forwarded
a certificate of such conviction to the court. If a certificate
has not been so forwarded, the clerk shall promptly obtain a
certificate and file it with the court.
(2) Upon being informed that an attorney admitted to practice
before the court has been subjected to discipline by another
court, the clerk shall determine whether a certified copy of the
disciplinary judgment or order has been filed with the court,
and, if not, the clerk shall promptly obtain a certified copy of
the disciplinary judgment or order and file it with the court.
(3) Whenever it appears that any person disbarred or suspended
or censured or disbarred on consent by the court is admitted to
practice law in any other jurisdiction or before any other court,
the clerk shall, within 10 days of that disbarment, suspension,
censure, or disbarment on consent, transmit to the disciplinary
authority in such other jurisdiction, or for such other court, a
certified copy of the order of disbarment, suspension, censure,
or disbarment on consent, as well as the last known office and
residence address of the defendant or respondent-attorney.
(4) The clerk shall notify the National Discipline Data Bank
operated by the American Bar Association of any order imposing
public discipline upon any attorney admitted to practice before
the court.
(5) The clerk shall utilize a portion of the fee for admission
required by RCFC 77.1(c) to defray the payment of fees and costs
under subdivision (i) of this rule and any other costs incurred
by the administration of this rule.
(g742l ) Jurisdiction.
Nothing contained in this rule shall be construed to deny to the
court such powers as are necessary for the court to maintain
control over proceedings conducted before it, such as proceedings
for contempt, issuance of public reprimands, or imposition of fines
of not more than $1,000.00.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Former RCFC 83.2 has been renumbered RCFC 7.1. New RCFC 83.2
formerly appeared in these rules as Appendix F. The incorporation
of former Appendix F into the main body of the court's rules
reflects a more logical placement of its subject matter in the
organizational structure of the court's rules.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 83.3 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 83.3. Legal Assistance by Law Students
-STATUTE-
(a) Appearance. Subject to the provisions of this rule, an
eligible law student may enter an appearance in this court on
behalf of any party provided the party on whose behalf the student
appears has consented thereto in writing and a "supervising
attorney," as defined in this rule, has also indicated approval of
that appearance in writing. In each case, the written consent and
approval shall be filed with the clerk.
(b) Activities.
(1) Appearance on Briefs and Other Written Pleadings,
Participation in Oral Argument and Other Activities. A law
student who has entered an appearance in a case pursuant to
paragraph (a) may:
(A) Appear on the brief(s) and other written pleadings,
provided the supervising attorney has read, approved, and
co-signed the brief(s);
(B) Participate in all proceedings ordered by a judge or
special master provided the supervising attorney is present at
such proceedings;
(C) Engage in all other activities on behalf of the client in
all ways that a licensed attorney may, subject to the general
direction of the supervising attorney. However, a student may
make no binding commitments on behalf of a client absent prior
approval of both the client and the supervising attorney. In
any matter in which testimony is taken, including depositions,
the student must be accompanied by the supervising attorney.
Documents or papers filed with the court must be read,
approved, and co-signed by the supervising attorney.
(2) Limitations on Activities. The court retains the authority
to establish exceptions to the activities in paragraph (1), and
also to limit a student's participation in any individual case.
(c) Eligibility. In order to be eligible to make an appearance
pursuant to this rule, the law student must:
(1) Be a law student in good standing, enrolled in a law school
approved by the American Bar Association;
(2) Have completed legal studies amounting to at least two
semesters, or the equivalent if the school is on some basis other
than a semester basis;
(3) Have knowledge of the Rules of the United States Court of
Federal Claims, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the American
Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct;
(4) Be enrolled for credit in a clinical program at an
accredited law school that maintains malpractice insurance for
its activities and conducts its activities under the direction of
a faculty member of such law school;
(5) Be certified by the dean of the law school as being of good
character and sufficient legal ability, and as being adequately
trained, in accordance with paragraphs (1)-(4) above, to fulfill
the responsibilities of a legal intern to both the client and the
court. Such certification must be filed with the clerk and may be
withdrawn at any time by the dean upon written notice to the
clerk;
(6) Be certified by the chief judge to practice pursuant to
this rule. This certification may be withdrawn at any time by the
chief judge or, in a given case, by the judge or special master
before whom the law student has entered an appearance, without
notice of hearing and without any showing of cause; and
(7) Neither ask for nor receive any fee or compensation of any
kind from the client on whose behalf service is rendered.
However, this rule shall not prevent a lawyer, legal aid bureau,
law school, or the Government from paying compensation to the
eligible law student, nor shall it prevent any of them from
making such charges for its services as may otherwise be proper,
nor shall it prevent any clinical program from receiving
otherwise proper fees and expenses under RCFC 54(d)(2).
(d) Supervising Attorneys. A supervising attorney referred to in
this rule shall be deemed the attorney of record pursuant to RCFC
83.1(c) and must:
(1) Be a member in good standing of the bar of this court;
(2) Be an attorney whose service as a supervising attorney for
the clinical program is approved by the dean of the law school in
which the law student is enrolled;
(3) Be certified by this court as a student supervisor;
(4) Assist and counsel the student in activities allowed under
this rule and review such activities with the student, all to the
extent appropriate under the circumstances, for the proper
practical training of the student and the protection of the
client;
(5) Assist the student in his or her preparation of the case to
the extent the supervising attorney considers necessary and be
available for consultation with represented clients;
(6) Be present with the student in any proceedings before a
judge or special master;
(7) Co-sign all pleadings and other documents filed with the
court;
(8) Be responsible to supplement oral or written work of the
student as necessary to ensure proper representation of the
client;
(9) Assume full professional responsibility for the student's
guidance in any work undertaken and for the quality of the
student's work; and
(10) Agree to notify the dean of the appropriate law school of
any alleged failure on the part of the student to abide by the
letter and spirit of this rule.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
RCFC 83.3 replaces former General Order No. 35, adopted on
September 3, 1993. The only changes are stylistic or to correct
cross-references.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Rules of Evidence, referred to in subd. (c)(3), are
set out in this Appendix.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 83.4 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 83.4. Advisory Council
-STATUTE-
(a) Membership. The United States Court of Federal Claims
Advisory Council is established to advise the court on matters
pertaining to the administration of the court and its relationship
to the bar and the public. The Council shall consist of no fewer
than 20 members of the bar of the court and shall include
representatives of all of the court's practice areas. Members shall
serve three year terms. The chief judge shall fill any vacancies.
The chief judge shall designate one or more of the judges as a
liaison member between the court and the Council.
(b) Organization. The Council shall meet at such times and places
as agreed upon by the members. All members of the Council,
including the chief judge and the court's liaison member[s], may
attend meetings and participate in discussions. The chief judge
shall designate a chairperson. The council members may designate
other officers, and committees and take all other steps appropriate
to the conduct of the council's business. Each member, except the
liaison member[s], shall be entitled to vote on matters before the
Council. The chief judge shall provide facilities at the court to
accommodate meetings of the Council.
(c) Function. The Council may consider any matters its members
deem relevant to the operation of the court. The Council may
transmit its recommendations to the court informally or formally by
letter to the chief judge. The Council shall promptly consider and
make a recommendation on any matter referred to it by the court.
The court may consider any recommendation of the Council and take
such action as it deems appropriate.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
New RCFC 83.4 replaces General Order No. 7, which established the
Advisory Council on April 5, 1983. In addition to minor stylistic
and formatting changes, the new rule changes the number of members
allowed on the Council and makes the chief judge responsible for
designating the chairperson.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 84 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 84. Forms
-STATUTE-
Forms referenced in these rules are set forth in the Appendix of
Forms.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 85 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 85. Title
-STATUTE-
These rules may be known and cited as the Rules of the United
States Court of Federal Claims.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule has been changed to reflect the change in the court's
name. These rules may be cited as "RCFC."
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 86 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
-HEAD-
Rule 86. Effective Date
-STATUTE-
These rules as revised are effective on May 1, 2002. They govern
all proceedings in actions brought after they take effect and also
all further proceedings in actions then pending, except to the
extent that in the opinion of the court their application in a
particular action pending when the rules take effect would not be
feasible or would work injustice, in which event the former
procedure applies.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
The rule reflects the effective date of the most recent revisions
to the court's rules. In addition, the rule adopts the practice of
the federal civil rules to presume application of rule changes to
pending cases.
Future revisions to these rules will be posted on the court's
website at www.uscfc.uscourts.gov.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. A 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX A
-HEAD-
App. A
-MISC1-
APPENDIX A
CASE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE
I. PURPOSE
1. These case management procedures are intended to promote
cooperation among counsel, assist in the early identification of
issues, minimize the cost and delay of litigation and enhance the
potential for settlement. (As used in this appendix, "counsel"
shall be construed to include unrepresented parties.)
2. Uniformity of practice within the court also is an important
goal of these procedures. For the purpose of promoting the
efficient administration of justice, a judge may modify these
procedures as appropriate, or the parties may suggest the
modification of these procedures to meet the needs of a particular
case.
II. EARLY MEETING OF COUNSEL
3. Subsequent to the filing of defendant's answer or, if
applicable, a reply to a counterclaim, and, in any event, within
sufficient time to permit the parties to file a Joint Preliminary
Status Report in accordance with paragraph 4, plaintiff's counsel
shall communicate with defense counsel, and counsel shall confer:
(a) To initiate preparation of the Joint Preliminary Status
Report pursuant to paragraphs 4-6.
(b) To identify each party's factual and legal contentions.
(c) To discuss each party's discovery needs and discovery
schedule, including the initial disclosures required by RCFC
26(a)(1) and additional documents that are to be the subject of
discovery, e.g., determine what is needed; the objections, if
any, to supplying it; and where it is available, with follow-up
letters to provide a record. Informal discovery is encouraged.
The parties are encouraged to cooperate in the conduct of
discovery and to make additional voluntary disclosures through
informal discovery.
(d) To discuss the expected means of resolving the dispute,
i.e., whether by trial or dispositive motion.
(e) To discuss settlement of the action, including use of
alternative dispute resolution. See Appendix H.
Participating counsel shall be counsel of record and such other
attorneys as necessary so that participating counsel for each party
are knowledgeable about the case and the identity of witnesses and
location of documents.
III. JOINT PRELIMINARY STATUS REPORT
4. No later than 49 days after defendant's answer or plaintiff's
reply to a counterclaim is served, the parties shall file with the
clerk a Joint Preliminary Status Report signed by both parties,
setting forth answers to the following questions. Separate views
may be set forth on any point on which parties cannot agree.
(a) Does the court have jurisdiction over the action?
(b) Should the case be consolidated with any other case and the
reasons therefor?
(c) Should trial of liability and damages be bifurcated and the
reasons therefor?
(d) Should further proceedings in this case be deferred pending
consideration of another case before this court or any other
tribunal and the reasons therefor?
(e) In cases other than tax refund actions, will a remand or
suspension be sought and the reasons therefor and the proposed
duration?
(f) Will additional parties be joined and, if so, a statement
describing such parties, their relationship to the case, and the
efforts to effect joinder and the schedule proposed to effect
joinder?
(g) Does either party intend to file a motion pursuant to RCFC
12(b), 12(c) or 56 and, if so, a schedule for the intended
filing?
(h) What are the relevant factual and legal issues?
(i) What is the likelihood of settlement? Is alternative
dispute resolution contemplated?
(j) Do the parties anticipate proceeding to trial? Does any
party, or do the parties jointly, request expedited trial
scheduling and, if so, the reasons why the case is appropriate
therefor? A request for expedited trial scheduling is generally
appropriate when the parties anticipate that discovery, if any,
can be completed within a 90-day period, the case may be tried
within 3 days, no dispositive motion is anticipated, and a bench
ruling is sought. The requested place of trial shall be stated.
Before such a request is made, the parties shall confer
specifically on this subject.
(k) Are there special issues regarding electronic case
management needs?
(g742l ) Is there other information of which the court should
be aware at this time?
5. If discovery is required, the Joint Preliminary Status Report
should set forth a proposed discovery plan, including proposed
deadlines. The parties should propose a deadline for fact
discovery, for the disclosure of any experts' reports, and for
depositions or other discovery of experts. See RCFC 26(a)(2)
concerning disclosure of experts and discovery planning.
6. Unless otherwise ordered, the Joint Preliminary Status Report
shall be deferred indefinitely if on or before the date the Joint
Preliminary Status Report is due a dispositive motion addressing
all issues is filed.
IV. PRELIMINARY SCHEDULING CONFERENCE AND SCHEDULING ORDER
7. Preliminary Scheduling Conference. After the filing of the
Joint Preliminary Status Report the judge will ordinarily conduct
the preliminary scheduling conference contemplated by RCFC 16(b) to
acquaint the court with the issues in the case, to discuss any
special problems that may exist, and to establish a schedule for
further proceedings. In the interest of justice and judicial
economy, a Preliminary Scheduling Conference will not be scheduled
if, in the court's discretion, further discussion of the matters
presented in the Joint Preliminary Status Report would not be
useful.
8. Scheduling Order. After the preliminary scheduling conference
or, if none is held, after the filing of the Joint Preliminary
Status Report, the judge shall promptly enter the scheduling order
called for by RCFC 16(b).
V. DISCOVERY
9. Interrogatories, Requests for Admission, Responses. A party
shall number interrogatories and requests for admission
sequentially without repeating the numbers it has used in any prior
set of interrogatories or requests for admission. By counsel's
signature to the answers and pursuant to RCFC 11, counsel for the
responding party shall certify that counsel has made diligent
effort to provide answers to all portions of interrogatories or
requests for admission not specifically objected to.
10. Discovery Motions. A motion to compel or protect from
discovery shall contain a statement that the movant has in good
faith conferred or attempted to confer to resolve the matters in
dispute.
VI. POST-DISCOVERY PROCEEDINGS
11. Post-Discovery Conference. Upon completion of all discovery
(including discovery of any experts), the court will hold a
post-discovery conference to determine how the case will proceed.
The attorneys appearing at the post-discovery conference shall be
the attorneys who are expected to try the case and are thoroughly
familiar with it. At the conference, counsel will be called upon to
(i) address the factual and legal issues in dispute, (ii) discuss
the evidence and decisional law that each side offers in support of
its position, and (iii) identify the best means of resolving the
dispute, i.e., whether by summary judgment, trial, or by an
alternative method of dispute resolution.
12. Scheduling Order. See generally RCFC 16 and 56. Promptly
after the post-discovery conference, the judge shall enter a
scheduling order to address further proceedings. For cases that
will proceed by summary judgment in accordance with RCFC 56, the
order shall establish a schedule for the filing of summary judgment
motions and briefs. For cases to be resolved by trial, the order
may set (1) the time and place of trial, (2) the time and place of
the final pretrial conference and (3) the date by which the
memoranda and disclosures called for by paragraphs 14-18 are due.
13. Meeting of Counsel. For cases to be resolved by trial,
counsel for the parties shall meet no later than 63 days before the
pretrial conference and accomplish the following.
(a) Exhibits. Exchange a list of all exhibits (including
summaries, see Fed. R. Evid. 1006) to be used at trial for
case-in-chief or rebuttal purposes, except those to be used
exclusively for impeachment. Each exhibit on the list shall be
identified by an exhibit number and description. Unless
previously exchanged, counsel for the parties shall exchange a
copy of each exhibit listed. In the case of exhibits to be
offered as summaries under Fed. R. Evid. 1006, the offering party
shall provide opposing counsel with a statement with respect to
each summary exhibit describing the source(s) for the items or
figures listed (e.g., ledgers, journals, payrolls, invoices,
checks, time cards, etc.), the location(s) of the source(s), the
time when the source(s) may be examined or audited by the
opposing party, the name and address of the person(s) who
prepared each summary and who will be made available to the
opposing party during any examination or audit of the source
material to provide information and explanations necessary for
verification of the information in the summary. Failure to list
an exhibit shall result, absent agreement of the parties or a
showing of a compelling reason for the failure, in an exclusion
of the exhibit at trial. See also RCFC 26(a)(1), (2) and (3).
(b) Witnesses. Exchange a final list of names, addresses, and
telephone numbers of witnesses, including expert witnesses, who
may be called at trial for case-in-chief or rebuttal purposes,
except those to be used exclusively for impeachment. Failure of a
party to list a witness shall result, absent agreement of the
parties or a showing of a compelling reason for the failure, in
the exclusion of that witness' testimony at trial. Any witness
whose identity has not been previously disclosed shall be subject
to discovery. As to each witness, the party shall indicate the
specific topics to be addressed in the expected testimony.
(c) Confer:
(1) To disclose to opposing counsel the intention to file a
motion for leave to file transcript of deposition for
introduction at trial;
(2) To resolve, if possible, any objections to the admission
of testimony (including deposition testimony) or exhibits;
(3) To disclose to opposing counsel all contentions as to
applicable facts and law, unless previously disclosed;
(4) To engage in good-faith, diligent efforts to stipulate
and agree to facts about which the parties know, or have reason
to know, there can be no dispute for the purpose of simplifying
the issues at trial;
(5) To consider agreement to submitting the case to the court
for resolution (including any factual disputes) on the basis of
a submitted documentary record by the parties. See also RCFC
43(e); and
(6) To exhaust all possibilities of settlement.
14. Memorandum of Contentions of Fact and Law.
(a) Plaintiff's Memorandum. No later than 49 days before the
pretrial conference, plaintiff shall file a Memorandum of
Contentions of Fact and Law. The memorandum shall contain the
following:
(1) A full but concise statement of the facts plaintiff
expects to prove and a discussion of plaintiff's position with
respect to the facts on which defendant is expected to rely.
(2) A statement of the issues of fact and law to be resolved
by the court. The issues should be set forth in sufficient
detail to enable the court to resolve the case in its entirety
by addressing each of the issues listed.
(3) A discussion of the legal principles plaintiff contends
are applicable, as well as plaintiff's response to defendant's
anticipated legal position. Any objection to a witness or
exhibit listed under paragraph 13 shall be made in the
Memorandum of Contentions of Fact and Law, or in a separate
motion filed on the same date.
(4) If plaintiff believes that bifurcation of issues for
trial is appropriate, the memorandum shall contain a request
therefor, together with a statement of reasons.
(b) Defendant's Memorandum. No later than 21 days before the
pretrial conference, defendant shall file its responsive
memorandum with the same form and contents as plaintiff's.
(c) Responses. The parties will cooperate in the exchanges
specified in paragraph 13. Consequently, any responses to matters
expected to be raised by the opposing party should be included in
each party's Memorandum of Contentions of Fact and Law. However,
if anything new or unexpected is discovered, it may be addressed
in a brief response which must be filed under cover of motion for
leave immediately upon learning of it.
(d) Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. The judge
may, in lieu of the memoranda of contentions of fact and law,
order the filing of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of
law, including, at the judge's direction, annotations to the
exhibits or witnesses on which the party will rely to prove the
findings.
15. Witness List.
(a) Each party shall file, together with the Memorandum of
Contentions of Fact and Law, a separate statement setting forth a
list of witnesses to be called at trial for case-in-chief or
rebuttal purposes, except those to be used exclusively for
impeachment. The witness list shall separately identify those
whom the party expects to present and those whom the party may
call if the need arises. As to each witness, the party shall
indicate the specific topics to be addressed in the expected
testimony and the time needed for direct examination.
(b) Any party intending to present substantive evidence by way
of deposition testimony, other than as provided by Federal Rule
of Evidence 801(d), shall serve and file a separate motion for
leave to file the transcript of this testimony. The motion shall
show cause why the deposition testimony should be admitted and
identify specifically the portions of the transcript(s) the party
intends to use at trial. See RCFC 32(a)(2) & (3). If the motion
is granted, only those portions of the transcript may be filed.
16. Exhibit List. Each party shall file, together with the
Memorandum of Contentions of Fact and Law, a separate statement
setting forth a list of exhibits it expects to offer at trial for
case-in-chief or rebuttal purposes (including summaries to be
offered pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 1006), other than those to be
used exclusively for impeachment. The exhibit list shall separately
identify those exhibits which the party expects to offer and those
which the party may offer if the need arises.
17. Stipulations. The parties are encouraged before or after the
pretrial conference to file a stipulation setting forth all matters
as to which they agree.
VII. OTHER MATTERS
18. Joint Exhibits. Prior to the final pretrial conference, the
parties should review the exhibit lists filed with the court and
consolidate as many exhibits as possible into a set of joint
exhibits for use at trial. All joint exhibits shall be identified
in a joint exhibit list that identifies each exhibit by a joint
exhibit number and description.
19. Post-Trial Briefing. The judge may order the filing of
post-trial briefs, which may include, at the judge's direction,
either a statement of facts or proposed findings of fact, together
with citations to the record. Post-trial briefing is not a matter
of right.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix A represents the court's standard pretrial order. The
case management procedures contained in Appendix A reflect those
procedures which, in the collective experience of the court and the
members of its bar, are considered most beneficial in securing the
prompt and expeditious resolution of claims and disputes. Some
important changes have been introduced. Chief among these are
procedures calling for a preliminary scheduling conference to be
set following the filing of the Joint Preliminary Status Report,
and a post-discovery conference following the completion of
discovery. The expectation reflected in these conference procedures
is that early and ongoing involvement of the court during the
pretrial development of a case can contribute both to a prompt
identification of the issues and to a narrowing of the scope of the
dispute.
The promulgation of Appendix A as a synthesis of the views of the
bench and the bar is intended to encourage standardization in
pretrial practice procedures. Appendix A recognizes, however, that
the pretrial procedures to be followed in any particular case
ultimately depend upon the needs of that case. Hence, Appendix A
permits modifications of its procedures, either at a judge's
initiative (or at the parties' suggestion), when such modification
will promote "the efficient administration of justice."
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. B 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX B
-HEAD-
App. B
-MISC1-
APPENDIX B
VACCINE RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
I. SCOPE OF RULES; COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1. Scope of Rules.
These rules govern all proceedings before the United States Court
of Federal Claims pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program established by 42 U.S.C. Secs. 300aa-10 et
seq. (1994) (Vaccine Act). These rules govern both proceedings
before the Office of Special Masters, as well as any subsequent
proceedings before a judge of the Court of Federal Claims. These
rules are to be cited as the Vaccine Rules. In all matters not
specifically provided for by the Vaccine Rules, the special master
or the court may regulate the applicable practice, consistent with
these rules and with the purpose of the Vaccine Act, to decide
cases promptly and efficiently. In proceedings before the Office of
Special Masters, the Rules of the United States Court of Federal
Claims (RCFC) apply only to the extent referenced in the Vaccine
Rules. In proceedings before a judge, the RCFC will apply except to
the extent that such rules are inconsistent with the Vaccine Rules.
Rule 2. Commencement of Proceedings.
(a) Petition. A proceeding for compensation under the Vaccine Act
shall be commenced by the filing of a petition, accompanied by the
documents required under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-11(c) and the Vaccine
Rules, in the United States Court of Federal Claims. Petitioner
shall forward an original and two copies of the petition, by mail
or other delivery, to
Clerk
United States Court of Federal Claims
717 Madison Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
(b) Fee. The petition shall be accompanied by a $150 filing fee.
(c) Service upon Respondent.
(1) Petitioner shall serve one copy of the petition and
accompanying documents upon the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, by first class or certified mail, c/o Director, Bureau
of Health Professionals 5600 Fishers Lane Suite 8-05 Rockville,
Maryland 20857. An executed certificate of such service shall
accompany the petition filed with the clerk.
(2) The clerk shall serve one copy of the petition on the
Attorney General.
(d) Content of the Petition.
(1) The petition shall set forth a short and plain statement of
the grounds for an award of compensation. The petition shall set
forth to whom, when, and where the vaccine in question was
administered, and further shall describe specifically the alleged
injury. If an injury within the Vaccine Act's Vaccine Injury
Table, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-14(a), is claimed, the particular
injury shall be set forth. The petition shall also contain a
specific demand for relief to which petitioner asserts
entitlement or a statement that such demand will be deferred
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-11(e).
(2) Only one petition may be filed with respect to each
administration of a vaccine.
(e) Documents Required with the Petition.
(1) As required by 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-11(c), every petition
shall be accompanied by the following:
(A) Medical records and detailed affidavit(s) supporting all
elements of the allegations made in the petition. If
petitioner's claim does not rely on medical records alone, but
is based in any part on the observations or testimony of any
persons, the substance of each person's proposed testimony in
the form of an affidavit executed by the affiant must accompany
the petition.
(B) All available physician and hospital records relating to
(A) the vaccination itself; (B) the injury or death, including,
if applicable, any autopsy reports or death certificate; (C)
any post-vaccination treatment of the injured person including
all in-patient and out-patient records, provider notes, test
results, and medication records; and, if the vaccinee was
younger than five years old when vaccinated, (D) the mother's
pregnancy and delivery and the infant's lifetime, including
physicians' and nurses' notes and test results and all well
baby visit records, as well as growth charts, until the date of
vaccination.
(C) If any records required by the rules are not submitted,
an affidavit detailing the efforts made to obtain such records
and the reasons for their unavailability.
(2) If filed on behalf of a deceased person, or if filed by
someone other than the injured person or a parent of an injured
minor, the petition shall also be accompanied by documents
establishing the authority to file the petition in a
representative capacity or a statement explaining when such
documentation will be available.
(3) All documents accompanying the petition shall be assembled
into one or more bound volumes or three-ring notebooks. Each
bound volume or notebook must contain the caption of the case and
a table of contents, and all pages of all documents shall be
numbered consecutively.
II. PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE SPECIAL MASTER
Rule 3. Role of Special Master - Generally.
(a) Assignment. Once a petition has been filed by the clerk, the
case shall be assigned by the chief special master to a special
master to conduct proceedings in accordance with the Vaccine Rules.
All proceedings prior to the issuance of the special master's
decision are to be conducted exclusively by the special master.
(b) Duties. The special master shall be responsible for
conducting all proceedings, including requiring such evidence as
may be appropriate, in order to prepare a decision, including
findings of fact and conclusions of law, determining whether an
award of compensation should be made under the Vaccine Act and the
amount of any such award. The special master shall determine the
nature of the proceedings, with the goal of making the proceedings
expeditious, flexible, and less adversarial, while at the same time
affording each party a full and fair opportunity to present its
case and creating a record sufficient to allow review of the
special master's decision.
(c) Absence; Reassignment. In the absence of the special master
to whom a case is assigned, the chief special master may act on
behalf of the assigned special master, or designate another special
master to act. When necessary for the efficient administration of
justice, the chief special master may reassign a case to another
special master.
Rule 4. Respondent's Review and Report.
(a) Respondent's Review of Completeness of the Records. Within 30
days of the filing of a petition, respondent shall review the
medical and other records to determine whether, in respondent's
view, all records necessary to enable respondent to evaluate the
merits of the claim have been supplied with the petition. If
respondent considers that relevant records are missing,
respondent's counsel shall immediately notify petitioner's counsel
regarding the perceived omissions. If the parties disagree about
the completeness of the records filed or the relevance of requested
records, either party may request that the special master resolve
the matter. If the special master concludes that records called for
by Vaccine Rule 2(e) have not been submitted, the petition may be
subject to dismissal, without prejudice, under Vaccine Rule 21(c).
(b) Respondent's Report. Within 90 days after the filing of the
petition, respondent shall file a report that shall set forth a
full and complete statement of respondent's position as to why an
award should or should not be granted. The report shall contain
respondent's medical analysis of petitioner's claims. It shall also
present any legal arguments that respondent may have in opposition
to the petition. General denials are not sufficient.
Rule 5. Informal Review and Tentative Findings and Conclusions.
The special master shall schedule an off-the-record conference to
be held within 30 days of the filing of respondent's report
pursuant to Vaccine Rule 4(b). At this conference, after affording
the parties an opportunity to address each other's positions, the
special master will review the materials submitted, evaluate the
respective positions, and orally present tentative findings and
conclusions. At the conclusion of this conference, the special
master may issue a scheduling order outlining the necessary
proceedings for resolving the issues presented in the case.
Rule 6. Status Conferences.
The special master shall conduct conferences from time to time in
order to expedite the processing of the case. The conferences will
be informal in nature and ordinarily will be conducted by telephone
conference call. Either party may request a status conference at
any time. At such conferences, counsel for both parties will have
the opportunity to propose procedures by which to process the case
in the least adversarial, most efficient way possible.
Rule 7. Discovery.
There shall be no discovery as a matter of right.
(a) Informal Discovery Preferred. The informal and cooperative
exchange of information is the ordinary and preferred practice.
(b) Formal Discovery. If a party considers that informal
discovery is not sufficient, that party may seek to utilize the
discovery procedures provided by RCFC 26-37 by filing a motion
indicating the discovery sought and stating with particularity the
reasons therefor, including an explanation why informal techniques
have not been sufficient. Such a motion may also be made orally at
a status conference.
(c) Subpoena. When necessary, the special master upon request by
a party may approve the issuance of a subpoena. In so doing, the
procedures of RCFC 45 shall apply. See RCFC Appendix of Forms (Form
7A).
Rule 8. Taking of Evidence and Argument; Decision.
(a) General. The special master in each case, based on the
specific circumstances thereof, shall determine the format for
taking evidence and hearing argument. The particular format for
each case will be ordered after consultation with the parties.
(b) Hearing. When necessary, the special master may conduct an
evidentiary hearing. The special master will determine the format
for such a hearing. The special master may permit direct
examination of a witness or may permit or require that the direct
testimony be submitted in written form. The special master may
question a witness and may, on request, permit questioning by
opposing counsel. Upon order by the special master, the clerk or
counsel may issue a subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness
at such hearing. A transcript of the hearing shall be prepared in
conformity with RCFC 80.1 and RCFC Appendix of Forms (Forms 3A and
3B).
(c) Evidence. In receiving evidence, the special master will not
be bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence. The special
master will consider all relevant, reliable evidence, governed by
principles of fundamental fairness to both parties. Evidence may be
taken in the form of documents, affidavits, or oral testimony,
which may be given in person or via telephone, videoconference, or
videotape. Sworn written testimony may be submitted in lieu of oral
testimony.
(d) Decision Without Evidentiary Hearing. The special master may
decide a case on the basis of written filings without an
evidentiary hearing. In addition, the special master may decide a
case on summary judgment, adopting procedures set forth in RCFC 56
modified to the needs of the case.
(e) Argument. Argument may be received by telephone conference
call or at a hearing or in written submissions. The special master
may establish requirements for such filings, e.g., contents or page
limitations, as appropriate.
(f) Waiver of Argument. Any fact or argument not raised
specifically in the record before the special master shall be
considered waived and cannot be raised by either party in
proceedings on review of a special master's decision. This rule
shall not apply to legal arguments raised by the party that stands
in the role of the appellee on review.
Rule 9. Suspension of Proceedings.
(a) General. On the motion of a party, for good cause shown, the
special master may suspend proceedings on the petition. The special
master shall grant one such suspension for 30 days on the motion of
either party. Further motions by either party for suspension may be
granted, totaling not more than 150 additional days, in the special
master's discretion.
(b) Effect. Such periods of suspension shall be excluded for
purposes of the time limitations of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-12(d)(3)
and Vaccine Rules 4(b) and 10.
Rule 10. Special Master's Decision.
(a) General. The special master shall issue a final decision
determining whether or not an award of compensation shall be made
and, if so, the amount thereof. This decision shall be filed within
240 days of the date on which the petition was filed, exclusive of
periods of suspension pursuant to Vaccine Rule 9.
(b) Certain Retrospective Cases. In cases in which the
vaccination in question occurred prior to October 1, 1988, and in
which the vaccine recipient is not deceased, the special master
shall defer ruling on the limited issue of the amount of any
compensation for lost earnings and pain and suffering, 42 U.S.C.
Sec. 300aa-15(a)(3) and (4), and combine that ruling with the
decision under Vaccine Rule 13.
(c) Reconsideration. Within 21 days of the issuance of the
special master's decision, if neither a judgment nor a motion for
review of the special master's decision has yet been filed, either
party may file a motion for reconsideration of the special master's
decision. The special master may seek the non-moving party's
response to such a motion, determining the method of and time
schedule for any such response. The special master will not rule in
favor of such a motion without first requesting a response to it.
The special master shall have discretion to grant or deny such
motion, in the interest of justice.
(1) If granted. If the special master elects to grant the
motion for reconsideration, the special master shall do so by
filing an order withdrawing the decision in question. The
withdrawn decision then becomes void for all purposes, and the
special master must subsequently enter a superseding decision. An
order withdrawing the decision may be filed only if neither a
judgment nor a motion for review has yet been filed.
(2) If not granted. The filing of a motion for reconsideration
will not negate the running of the 30-day period for filing a
motion for review of the special master's decision. If the
special master denies such a motion, or during any period in
which the special master has not yet acted upon such a motion,
the 30-day period for the filing of a motion for review of the
special master's decision shall continue to run and either side
may file a motion for review.
III. JUDGMENT AND FURTHER PROCEEDINGS
Rule 11. Judgment
(a) In the Absence of Motion for Review. In the absence of the
filing of a motion for review pursuant to Vaccine Rule 23 within 30
days of the filing of the special master's decision, or if prior to
the expiration of such period each party files a notice stating
that it will not seek such review, the clerk shall forthwith enter
judgment in accordance with the special master's decision.
(b) Stipulation for Judgment. Any stipulation for a money
judgment shall be signed by authorized representatives of the
Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General.
Rule 12. Election.
(a) General. When no motion for review of a decision pursuant to
Vaccine Rule 10 is filed by either party pursuant to Vaccine Rule
23, petitioner shall, within 90 days after the entry of judgment,
file with the clerk an election in writing either (1) to accept the
judgment or (2) to file a civil action for damages for the alleged
injury or death. Upon failure to file an election within the time
prescribed, petitioner shall be deemed to have filed an election to
accept the judgment.
(b) Declining Award. An election to decline an award of
compensation may be accompanied by a motion for the limited
compensation provided by 42 U.S.C. Sec. 300aa-15(f)(2). If such a
motion has not been filed by time the election is filed, petitioner
will be deemed to have waived that limited compensation. Such
motion shall be forwarded to the special master for a decision
thereon. The decision of the special master on the motion shall be
considered a separate "decision" for purposes of Vaccine Rules 11,
18, and 23.
Rule 13. Attorneys' Fees and Costs.
Any request for attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
Sec. 300aa-15(e) shall be filed no later than six months following
the filing of an election pursuant to Vaccine Rule 12. The clerk
shall forward the fee request to the special master to whom the
case was assigned for consideration and decision. The decision of
the special master on the fee request shall be considered a
separate decision for purposes of Vaccine Rules 11, 18, and 23.
IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Rule 14. Attorneys.
(a) Attorneys Eligible to Practice. Only attorneys who are
members of the bar of the United States Court of Federal Claims and
who comply with the Vaccine Rules may enter an appearance, file
pleadings, and practice before the Office of Special Masters and
the court. The clerk's office will not accept for filing any
pleading, motion, or other paper that is not signed by the attorney
of record in the case or by member of this bar authorized to sign
the attorney of record's name on the attorney of record's behalf.
For admission to the bar of the court, RCFC 83.1(b) shall apply.
(b) Attorneys of Record. There shall be but one attorney of
record for a party in any case at any one time, and such attorney
of record shall be an individual, and not a firm, who has been
admitted to practice before the Court of Federal Claims. Any other
attorneys assisting the attorney of record shall be designated as
of counsel. The attorney of record shall include on all filings the
attorney's name, address, and telephone number. The attorney of
record for each party shall promptly file with the clerk a notice
of any change in address.
(c) Change of Attorneys. RCFC 83.1(c) shall apply.
(d) Unrepresented Party. An individual may represent himself or
herself or a member of the individual's immediate family as a
party. Any other party, however, must be represented by an attorney
who is admitted to practice before the Court of Federal Claims. The
term "counsel" or "attorney" in the Vaccine Rules shall include
unrepresented parties.
Rule 15. Third Parties.
No person may intervene in a vaccine injury compensation
proceeding. However, the special master shall afford all interested
persons an opportunity to submit relevant written information. Such
information may be submitted within 60 days of publication of
notice of the petition in the Federal Register, or later with leave
of the special master.
Rule 16. Caption of All Filings.
The petition and other filings shall be captioned with the
appropriate title (the petition should leave blank the spaces for
the special master's name and the case number; all filings
thereafter must include the case number and the name of the
assigned special master). See Appendix of Forms, Form 7.
Rule 17. Filing and Service of Papers After the Petition.
(a) Filing with the Clerk Defined. All pleadings and other papers
required to be filed with the clerk by the Vaccine Rules or by
order of the special master or the court shall be forwarded to the
clerk of the court at the address noted in Vaccine Rule 2. A
document is filed when actually received and marked filed by the
clerk, not when mailed. All matters shall be brought to the
attention of the special master or the court through formal filings
with the clerk rather than by correspondence.
(b) Service. A copy of every document filed by any party with the
clerk shall be served on the opposing party's attorney, or the
opposing unrepresented party if no appearance of attorney has been
entered. A certificate of service showing date of service shall be
appended to the original and copies thereof. See RCFC 5.
(c) Date. Each filing shall bear on the signature page the date
on which it is signed.
(d) Number of Copies. The parties shall file an original and two
copies of each paper to be filed with the clerk, except that for
filings of 50 pages or more, an original and one copy will suffice.
Rule 18. Availability of Filings.
(a) General. All filings with the clerk pursuant to the Vaccine
Rules are to be made available only to the special master, judge,
and parties, with the exception of certain court-produced documents
as set forth in subdivision (b) of this rule. A transcript prepared
pursuant to Vaccine Rule 8(b) shall be considered a filing for
purposes of this rule.
(b) Decisions of special masters and judges. When a decision of a
special master or of the court is filed with the clerk, each party
will be afforded 14 days in which to object to the public
disclosure of any information furnished by that party -
(1) that is trade secret or commercial or financial information
and is privileged or confidential, or
(2) that are medical files and similar files the disclosure of
which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.
If the party furnishing information objects to disclosure, that
information shall be redacted prior to public disclosure of the
decision. In the absence of objection, the entire decision will be
made public.
Rule 19. Time.
(a) Computation. In computing any period of time, the day of the
act, event, or default from which the designated period of time
begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so
computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a
legal holiday or, when the act to be done is the filing of a paper
in court, a day on which weather or other conditions have made the
clerk's office inaccessible, in which event the period runs until
the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a
holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than
11 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall
be excluded in the computation. Service by mail is complete upon
mailing, but filing is not. For legal holidays, see RCFC 6(a).
(b) Enlargement. Motions for enlargement of time may be granted
for good cause shown. A motion shall set forth the reason or
reasons upon which the motion is based. Such motion must contain a
representation that the moving party has discussed the motion with
opposing counsel and a statement whether an opposition will be
filed or, if opposing counsel cannot be consulted, an explanation
of the efforts made to do so.
(c) Additional Time After Service By Mail. Whenever a party has
the right or is required to do some act within a prescribed period
after the service of a paper, and the service is made by mail, 3
calendar days shall be added to the prescribed period, unless the
special master or the court orders otherwise.
Rule 20. Motions.
(a) Motions. A motion, unless made orally, shall be made in
writing, shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, shall
set forth the relief or order sought, and shall be filed with the
clerk. Any motion, objection, or response may be accompanied by a
memorandum, and, if necessary, by supporting affidavits. Any motion
may be accompanied by a proposed order.
(b) Responses and Replies. Unless otherwise provided by the
special master or the court, any response or objection to a written
motion shall be filed within 14 days after service of the motion,
and any reply shall be filed within 7 days after service of the
response or objection.
(c) Oral Argument. Oral argument on a motion may be scheduled. A
party desiring oral argument on a motion shall so request in the
motion or response.
Rule 21. Dismissal of Petitions.
(a) Voluntary Dismissal; Effect Thereof. A petition may be
dismissed by the petitioner without order of the special master or
the court (1) by filing a notice of dismissal at any time before
service of respondent's report, or (2) by filing a stipulation of
dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared in the
proceeding. Unless otherwise stated in the notice of dismissal or
stipulation, the dismissal is without prejudice, except that a
notice of dismissal may, in the discretion of the special master or
the court, be deemed to operate as an adjudication upon the merits
when filed by a petitioner who has previously dismissed the same
claim.
(b) Failure to Prosecute or Participate. If petitioner fails to
prosecute, the petition may be dismissed pursuant to Vaccine Rule
21(c). No judgment shall be entered against respondent despite any
failure of participation unless petitioner introduces evidence
establishing a right to compensation.
(c) Involuntary Dismissal. For failure of petitioner to prosecute
or comply with the Vaccine Rules or any order, the special master
or the court may dismiss a petition or any claim therein.
V. REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF SPECIAL MASTERS
Rule 22. [Abrogated.]
Rule 23. Motion for Review and Objections.
To obtain review of a special master's decision, within 30 days
after the date on which the decision is filed, a party must file
with the clerk a motion for review of the decision. No extensions
of time under this rule will be permitted, and the failure of a
party to timely file such a motion shall constitute a waiver of the
right to obtain review.
Rule 24. Memorandum of Objections.
The motion for review must be accompanied by a memorandum of
numbered objections to the decision. This memorandum must fully and
specifically state and support each objection to the decision. The
memorandum shall cite specifically to the record created by the
special master, e.g., to specific page numbers of the transcript,
exhibits, etc., and should also fully set forth any legal argument
the party desires to present to the reviewing judge. The memorandum
shall be limited to 20 pages and must conform to the provisions of
RCFC 5.2.
Rule 25. Response.
(a) If a motion for review is filed, the other party may file a
response thereto within 30 days of the filing of the motion. No
extensions of time under this rule will be permitted, and the
failure of a party timely to file such a response shall constitute
a waiver of the right to respond. The response shall be in
memorandum form and shall fully respond to each numbered objection.
The memorandum shall cite specifically to the record created by the
special master, e.g., to specific page numbers of the transcript,
exhibits, etc., and should also fully set forth any legal argument
the party desires to present to the reviewing judge. The memorandum
shall be limited to 20 pages and must conform to the provisions of
RCFC 5.2.
(b) If both parties file motions for review, each party may file
a response to the other party's motion.
Rule 26. Assignment.
When a motion for review is filed with the Clerk, the case will
be assigned to a Court of Federal Claims judge to conduct the
review. The assignment shall be made pursuant to RCFC 40.1.
Rule 27. Review.
The assigned judge shall undertake a review of the objections
raised and may thereafter:
(a) Uphold the findings of fact and conclusions of law and
sustain the special master's decision;
(b) Set aside any finding of fact or conclusion of law found to
be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not
in accordance with law, and issue the judge's own decision; or
(c) Remand the case to the special master for further action in
accordance with the judge's direction.
Rule 28. Time for Review.
The judge shall complete the review within 120 days of the last
date for the filing of a response under Vaccine Rule 25, excluding
any days the case is before a special master on remand. If the
judge remands the case to a special master, the total period for
any remands shall not exceed 90 days.
Rule 28A. Remand Procedure.
If the judge remands a case to a special master, the master,
after completing the remand assignment, shall file a "decision on
remand" resolving the case, unless the order of remand directs
otherwise. The clerk shall promptly notify the judge who remanded
the case of the filing of this decision on remand. Unless specified
otherwise in the judge's order remanding the case, this decision
shall be considered a separate decision for purposes of Vaccine
Rules 11, 18, and 23, i.e., judgment automatically will be entered
in conformance with the master's decision unless a new motion for
review is filed pursuant to Vaccine Rule 23. If a party seeks
review of such decision, the clerk shall assign the case to the
judge who remanded the case.
Rule 29. Withdrawal of Petition.
If the judge fails to direct entry of judgment within 420 days
after the date on which a petition was filed, excluding any periods
of suspension pursuant to Vaccine Rule 9 or remands, the petitioner
may file a notice to continue or withdraw the petition. Such a
notice shall be filed within 30 days after the expiration of the
420-day period.
Rule 30. Judgment.
(a) After Review. After review and decision by a judge, the clerk
shall forthwith enter judgment in accordance with the judge's
decision.
(b) Stipulation for Judgment. Any stipulation for a money
judgment shall be signed by authorized representatives of the
Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General.
Rule 31. Reconsideration.
If a party files a motion for reconsideration of a judge's
decision within 10 days of entry of the judgment, RCFC 59 shall
apply.
Rule 32. Notice of Appeal.
Review of a Court of Federal Claims judgment by the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit may be obtained by filing
with the clerk of the Federal Circuit a notice of appeal (petition
for review) within 60 days of the date of the entry of judgment.
Rule 33. Election.
After review by the Court of Federal Claims and entry of
judgment, an election as described in Vaccine Rule 12 shall be made
within 90 days following the entry of judgment. However, if an
appeal is taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit pursuant to Vaccine Rule 32, the 90-day period for
the election shall not run from the original date of judgment, but
rather from the date of the appellate court's mandate or any
subsequent judgment of the Court of Federal Claims on remand,
whichever occurs later.
Rule 34. Attorneys' Fee and Costs.
Any request for attorneys' fees and costs, in a case where
judgment followed a review by a judge, will be processed pursuant
to Vaccine Rule 13.
Rule 35. [Abrogated.]
VI. RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT
Rule 36. Relief from Judgment.
(a) General. Following the entry of judgment by the Court of
Federal Claims, if a party files a motion pursuant to RCFC 59 or
60, the clerk of the court shall refer such motion as follows. If
the petition has previously been before a judge of the court upon
review pursuant to Vaccine Rule 23, then the motion shall be
referred to that judge. If the petition has not previously been
before a judge of the court upon review pursuant to Vaccine Rule
23, then the motion shall be referred to the Office of Special
Masters.
(b) Review of a Special Master's Ruling. When a motion pursuant
to RCFC 59 or 60 is referred to a special master pursuant to
subdivision (a) of this rule, that master shall file a written
ruling upon such motion. That ruling shall become the final ruling
of the court on the motion, unless a party files a motion for
review of that ruling, accompanied by a memorandum of objections to
the ruling, within 30 days of the date of the ruling. If such a
review motion is filed, the case will be submitted to a judge of
the court, who will review the special master's ruling, setting
such ruling aside only if it is found to be arbitrary, capricious,
an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.
The non-moving party may file a memorandum response within 30 days
of the filing of the review motion. Memorandums for each party
shall be limited to 20 pages and must conform to the provisions of
RCFC 5.2.
(c) If Judgment is Altered. If the original judgment is modified
pursuant to RCFC 59 or 60 or otherwise, and the petitioner is to
receive any award for damages calculated with respect to the "date
of judgment," such damages shall be calculated based upon the date
of the original judgment, unless the ruling of the special master
or court directs otherwise.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix B sets forth rules applicable to proceedings involving
claims for the compensation under the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 300aa-10 - 300aa-34 (1994).
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. C 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX C
-HEAD-
App. C
-MISC1-
APPENDIX C
PROCEDURE IN PROCUREMENT PROTEST CASES PURSUANT TO 28 U.S.C. SEC.
1491(B)
I. INTRODUCTION
1. This Appendix describes standard practices in protest cases
filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1491(b) and supplements the Rules
of the United States Court of Federal Claims, which are otherwise
fully applicable to these cases.
II. REQUIREMENT FOR PRE-FILING NOTIFICATION
2. In order to expedite proceedings, prior to the filing of a
protest case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1491(b), plaintiff's
counsel shall (except in exceptional circumstances to be described
in moving papers) provide at least 24-hours advance notice of
filing the case to the:
(a) Department of Justice, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil
Division - (202) 514-7300;
(b) Clerk, United States Court of Federal Claims - (202)
219-9657;
(c) procuring agency contracting officer by facsimile
transmission, only; and
(d) apparently successful bidder/offeror (in cases where there
has been an award and the plaintiff has received notice of the
identity of the awardee).
Such notice shall be provided during conventional business hours.
The pre-filing notice is intended to permit the Department of
Justice to assign an attorney to the case who can be prepared to
address relevant issues on a timely basis and to permit the court
to insure the availability of appropriate court resources. Failure
to provide pre-filing notification will not preclude the filing of
the case, but is likely to delay the initial processing of the case
including the scheduling of the initial status conference. See
paragraph 8, below. Plaintiff's counsel shall apprise the above
entities of any material change in respect to the timing of, or
intent to file, a protest. Plaintiffs are encouraged to provide
earlier notice if possible as a courtesy to the court and to
government counsel.
3. The pre-filing notice plaintiff provided pursuant to paragraph
2, above, should include the following information:
(a) The name of the procuring agency and the number of the
solicitation in the contested procurement;
(b) The name and telephone number of the contracting officer
responsible for the procurement;
(c) Whether plaintiff contemplates requesting temporary or
preliminary injunctive relief pursuant to RCFC 65;
(d) Whether the plaintiff has discussed the need for temporary
or preliminary injunctive relief with Department of Justice
counsel and the response, if any;
(e) Whether the action was preceded by the filing of a protest
before the General Accounting Office (GAO) (if so, provide the
"B-" number of the protest and indicate whether a decision was
issued); and
(f) Whether plaintiff contemplates the need for the court to
enter a protective order.
III. FILING UNDER SEAL
4. In the event plaintiff believes its complaint, or any
pleadings filed at the same time, contain confidential or
proprietary information and plaintiff seeks to protect that
information from public scrutiny, plaintiff must file a motion for
leave to file the complaint under seal, which shall be filed at the
same time the complaint is filed. When a complaint or related
papers are filed with an accompanying motion for leave to file
under seal, the pleadings will be treated as though filed under
seal while the motion is pending.
5. In filing documents under seal, a party shall follow the
procedures described in RCFC 5.3(d).
6. Complaints (and other pleadings filed at the same time) that
are filed under seal shall be marked or highlighted in such a way
that confidential or proprietary information is indicated and shall
be accompanied by a redacted version of the pleading (a version
that omits confidential or proprietary information), which will be
available for public scrutiny. Failure to file the redacted copy
may result in denial of the motion for leave to file under seal.
7. To the extent the complaint or any pleadings filed at the same
time contain classified information, the filing must conform to the
requirements of the classifying agency.
IV. INITIAL STATUS CONFERENCE
8. The court will schedule an initial status conference with the
parties to address relevant issues including, but not limited to,
the following:
(a) Identification of interested parties;
(b) In post-award cases, admission of the successful offeror as
an intervenor;
(c) Requests for temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, if
filed. See subdivision 15, below;
(d) The content of a protective order, if requested by one or
more of the parties and the requirement for redacted copies;
(e) The content and time for filing of the administrative
record;
(f) Whether it may be appropriate to supplement the
administrative record; and
(g) The nature of and schedule for further proceedings.
This initial status conference will be held as soon as practicable
after the filing of the complaint.
V. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
9. The court's practice is to expedite protest cases to the
extent practicable and to conduct hearings on motions for
preliminary injunctions at the earliest practicable time.
Accordingly, when a plaintiff seeks a preliminary injunction, it
may not need to request a temporary restraining order.
10. An application for a temporary restraining order and/or
preliminary injunction shall be filed with the clerk along with the
complaint, unless the complaint has been previously filed. The
application shall be accompanied by affidavits, supporting
memoranda, and other documents upon which plaintiff intends to
rely. The application also shall be accompanied by a statement that
plaintiff's counsel has hand delivered or provided for hand
delivery, or transmitted by facsimile, copies of the foregoing
documents to the Department of Justice, Commercial Litigation
Branch, 8th Floor, 1100 L. St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530.
11. If the name of the apparently successful bidder/offeror is
known (in cases where there has been an award and the plaintiff has
received notice of the identity of the awardee), a copy of the
foregoing documents shall be provided by hand, facsimile, or
overnight delivery to the apparently successful bidder/offeror. The
plaintiff shall state in its application whether the documents have
been so provided. If the name of the awardee is unknown, the
plaintiff shall so state.
12. The apparently successful bidder/offeror may enter a notice
of appearance at any hearing on the application for a temporary
restraining order/preliminary injunction if it advises the court of
its intention to move to intervene pursuant to RCFC 24(a)(2) or has
moved to intervene before the hearing.
13. The clerk will promptly inform the parties of the judge to
whom the case has been assigned and the time and place of any
hearing.
14. Except in an emergency, the court will not consider ex parte
applications for a temporary restraining order.
15. In cases in which the plaintiff seeks temporary or
preliminary injunctive relief, counsel should be prepared to
discuss the following matters at the initial status conference:
(a) Whether and to what extent, absent temporary or preliminary
injunctive relief, the court's ability to afford effective final
relief is likely to be prejudiced;
(b) If a temporary restraining order has been requested,
whether the plaintiff has discussed this request in advance with
Department of Justice counsel and the response;
(c) If a temporary restraining order has been requested,
whether the government will agree to withhold award or suspend
performance pending a hearing on the motion for preliminary
injunction;
(d) If a preliminary injunction has been requested, whether the
government will agree to withhold award or suspend performance
pending a final decision on the merits;
(e) An appropriate schedule for completion of the briefing on
any motion for a preliminary injunction;
(f) The security requirements of RCFC 65(c) (See Appendix of
Forms, Forms 11-13); and
(g) Whether the hearing on the preliminary injunction should be
consolidated with a final hearing on the merits.
VI. PROTECTIVE ORDERS
16. Preliminary Matters.
(a) The principal vehicle relied upon by the court to insure the
protection of sensitive information is the protective order. The
protective order defines the procedures to be followed to identify
protected information, prepare redacted versions of such
information, and dispose of protected information at the conclusion
of the case.
(b) Information a party identifies as protected may be disclosed
only to parties who have been "admitted" to the protective order.
(c) Once a protective order is issued by the court, individuals
who seek access to protected information, must file an appropriate
application. If admitted to the protective order, the individual
becomes subject to the terms of the order. It is the responsibility
of those admitted to the protective order to take the necessary
steps to insure that the information is protected, consistent with
the terms of the protective order, while it is under their control
(this includes oversight of support personnel who may have access
to protected information).
(d) The court, procuring agency, and Department of Justice
personnel are automatically admitted to protective orders when
issued and are subject to their terms.
17. Issuance of a Protective Order
(a) Motions for protective orders must meet the requirements of
RCFC 10. The court may issue a protective order at its discretion.
(b) A sample protective order is found at Appendix of Forms, Form
8. The parties are cautioned that individual judges and the parties
themselves may want to amend the sample protective order to meet
the needs of specific cases or their individual preferences. It is
the specific protective order issued in a case that governs the
treatment of protected information in that case.
18. Application for Admission to the Protective Order
(a) Each party seeking access to protected information upon
behalf of an individual must file with the court, an appropriate
"Application for Admission to the Protective Order." Separate
applications for individual outside and in-house counsel, and for
consultants or experts retained by counsel for a party, are
contained in the Appendix of Forms (Forms 9 and 10). These forms
may also be amended by the court in response to individual case
needs.
(b) Admission to the protective order will be based upon the
contents of the application form submitted by an individual
representing a party.
(c) Objections to an Application for Admission to a protective
order must be filed with the court within two days of a party's
receipt of an application.
(d) In considering objections to Applications for Admission to a
Protective Order, the court will consider such factors as the
nature and sensitivity of the information at issue, a party's need
for access to the data in order to effectively represent its
client, the overall number of applications received and other
concerns that may affect the risk of inadvertent disclosure.
(e) Admission to a protective order will be made by the court in
the form of an order.
19. Designation of Protected Information and Preparation of
Redacted Pleadings.
After a protective order is entered the designation of protected
information and the preparation and filing of redacted documents
shall be governed by the terms of the protective order.
20. Disposition of Material Containing Protected Information.
The specific procedures to be followed in disposing of protected
information at the conclusion of the case shall be as described in
the protective order.
VII. THE CONTENT AND FILING OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
21. The United States will be required to identify and provide (or
make available for inspection) the administrative record in a
protest case by the date(s) established at the initial status
conference. The filing of all or a part of the administrative
record shall be accompanied by a Notice of Filing.
22. Early production of relevant core documents may expedite final
resolution of the case. The core documents relevant to a protest
case may include, as appropriate the:
(a) agency's procurement request, purchase request, or
statement of requirements;
(b) agency's source selection plan;
(c) bid abstract or prospectus of bid;
(d) Commerce Business Daily or other public announcement of the
procurement;
(e) solicitation, including any instructions to offerors,
evaluation factors, solicitation amendments, and requests for
best and final offers;
(f) documents and information provided to bidders during any
pre-bid or pre-proposal conference;
(g) agency's responses to any questions about or requests for
clarification of the solicitation;
(h) agency's estimates of the cost of performance;
(i) correspondence between the agency and the protester,
awardee, or other interested parties relating to the procurement;
(j) records of any discussions, meetings, or telephone
conferences between the agency and the protester, awardee, or
other interested parties relating to the procurement;
(k) records of the results of any bid opening or oral motion
auction in which the protester, awardee or other interested
parties participated;
(g742l ) protester's, awardee's, and other interested parties'
offers, proposals, or other responses to the solicitation;
(m) agency's competitive range determination, including
supporting documentation;
(n) agency's evaluations of the protester's, awardee's, or
other interested parties' offers, proposals or other responses to
the solicitation, including supporting documentation;
(g742o ) agency's source selection decision, including
supporting documentation;
(p) pre-award audits, if any, or surveys of the offerors;
(q) notification of contract award and executed contract;
(r) documents relating to any pre- or post-award debriefing;
(s) documents relating to any stay, suspension, or termination
of award or performance pending resolution of the bid protest;
(t) justifications, approvals, determinations and findings, if
any, prepared for the procurement by the agency pursuant to
statute or regulation; and
(u) the record of any previous administrative or judicial
proceedings relating to the procurement, including the record of
any other protest of the procurement.
23. Because a protest case cannot be efficiently processed until
production of the administrative record, the court expects the
United States to produce the core documents and the remainder of
the administrative record as promptly as circumstances will permit.
(See RCFC 5.3 (d) which is applicable to administrative records,
unless waived by the court.) Materials that otherwise qualify as
part of the administrative record are not excluded from it merely
because they are only in electronic form.
24. Any additional documents within the administrative record shall
be produced at such time as may be agreed to by the parties or
ordered by the court.
VIII. ADMISSION OF COUNSEL
25. In those procurement protest cases in which counsel for the
plaintiff is not a member of the bar of the court and does not have
sufficient time to gain admission prior to the filing of the
action, the clerk shall accept for filing any proper complaint and
accompanying pleadings under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1491(b) from such
counsel, conditioned upon counsel's prompt pursuit of admission to
practice before the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant
to RCFC 83.1. Failure to do so within 30 days of the initiation of
the action may result in dismissal of the action, and possible
referral for disciplinary action.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
This appendix sets forth the procedures applicable to the court's
procurement protest jurisdiction. In the main, these procedures
reflect those that formerly appeared as General Order No. 38,
issued on May 7, 1998. In addition, however, Appendix C now also
incorporates - in paragraphs 10 through 14 - those provisions of
former RCFC 65(f) (titled "Procedures") which enumerated
requirements particular to applications for temporary restraining
orders and/or motions for preliminary injunction.
Papers and exhibits are often filed under seal in procurement
protests. Procedures for unsealing are addressed at RCFC 77.3(d).
The standards for granting access to protected information are
addressed in decisions such as U.S. Steel Corp. v. United States,
730 F.2d 1465 (Fed. Cir. 1984) and Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v.
United States, 929 F.2d 1577 (Fed. Cir. 1991).
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. D 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX D
-HEAD-
App. D
-MISC1-
APPENDIX D
PROCEDURE IN CONGRESSIONAL REFERENCE CASES
1. Purpose. The Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982, amended
28 U.S.C. Secs. 1492 and 2509 to authorize either House of Congress
to refer bills to the chief judge of the United States Court of
Federal Claims for investigation and report to the appropriate
House. Procedures promulgated by the chief judge applicable to such
congressional reference cases are specified herein. The RCFC, to
the extent feasible, are to be applied in congressional reference
cases.
2. Service of notice. Upon referral of a bill to the chief judge
by either House of the Congress, the clerk shall docket the
reference and serve a notice, as provided in RCFC 5, on each person
whose name and address is shown by the papers transmitted and who
appears to have an interest in the subject matter of the reference.
The notice shall set forth the filing of the reference and state
that the person notified appears to have an interest therein and
that such person shall have 90 days within which to file a
complaint. The clerk shall forward a copy of each such notice to
the Attorney General.
3. Complaint. Any person served with notice who desires to assert
a claim may do so by filing a complaint in accordance with RCFC
3(c), 8 and 9.
4. Failure of party to appear. If no interested person files a
complaint within the time specified in the notice served by the
clerk, the case may be reported upon the papers filed and upon such
evidence, if any, as may be produced by the Attorney General.
5. Hearing officer; review panel. Upon the filing of a complaint,
the chief judge by order will designate a judge of the court to
serve as hearing officer and a panel of three judges to serve as a
reviewing body. One of the review panel members will be designated
by the chief judge as presiding officer of the panel.
6. Subpoenas. Each hearing officer and each review panel shall
have authority to do and perform any acts which may be necessary or
proper for the efficient performance of their duties, including the
power of subpoena and the power to administer oaths and
affirmations. Subpoenas requiring travel of more than 100 miles to
place of trial must have attached thereto an order of approval by
the hearing officer.
7. Hearing officer report. The hearing officer shall conduct such
proceedings and utilize such rules of the United States Court of
Federal Claims as may be required to determine the facts, including
facts relating to delay or laches, facts bearing upon the question
whether the bar of any statute of limitation should be removed, or
facts claimed to excuse the claimant for not having resorted to any
established legal remedy. The hearing officer shall find the facts
specially. The hearing officer's findings shall not be set aside
unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given to the
opportunity of the hearing officer to judge the credibility of
witnesses. The hearing officer shall append to the findings of fact
conclusions sufficient to inform Congress whether the demand is a
legal or equitable claim or a gratuity, and the amount, if any,
legally or equitably due from the United States to the claimant.
The report shall be filed with the clerk, and served by the clerk
on the parties.
8. Acceptance or exceptions. Within 30 days after service of the
report, each party shall file either (a) a notice of intention to
except to the report or (b) a notice accepting the report.
9. Review panel consideration and report. The findings and
conclusions of the hearing officer, together with the record of the
case, shall be considered by the review panel. When a party or
parties have filed a notice of intention to except, the presiding
officer by order shall establish a schedule for the parties to file
briefs on exceptions to the hearing officer's findings and
conclusions and requests for oral argument before the panel. The
chief judge will entertain no appeals or requests for review of any
rulings or actions by a hearing officer or a review panel. No case
shall be returned to the hearing officer unless so ordered by the
review panel. On the basis of the entire record, the panel, by
majority vote, shall adopt or modify the findings or the
conclusions of the hearing officer and shall file its report with
the clerk, for service on the parties.
10. Rehearing. Within 10 days after service of the report of the
review panel, any party may file a motion for rehearing to alter or
amend the report. The motion shall state with particularity any
contention of law or fact which the movant believes has been
overlooked or misapprehended, and shall contain argument in support
thereof. Oral argument in support of the motion shall not be
permitted. No response to a motion for rehearing is required, but
will be considered if filed within 10 days from the date the motion
for rehearing is served. No time extension shall be allowed for
filing such a response. If the motion for rehearing is granted, the
review panel shall take such further action as in its discretion
may be required by the circumstances of the particular case.
11. Transmittal to Congress. When all proceedings are concluded,
the report of the review panel shall be transmitted by the chief
judge to the appropriate House of Congress.
12. Admission to practice. Any attorney representing a claimant
in a congressional reference case may file and appear as attorney
of record in the proceeding if such attorney is a member of the bar
of the United States Court of Federal Claims or, if not, upon
certification to the clerk that such attorney is a member in good
standing of the bar of the highest court of any state in the Union
or the District of Columbia. Any claimant, except a corporation, in
a congressional reference case may proceed pro se.
13. Filing Fees. Filing fees as set by RCFC 77.1 are required in
congressional reference cases.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix D provides the procedures applicable to congressional
reference cases. The appendix retains its earlier designation as
Appendix D and also retains its earlier text except for the
deletion of (i) former paragraph 6 (titled "Captions") and (ii) the
reference in paragraph 3 authorizing the filing of a "preliminary
complaint." The reference in paragraph 6 to case captions was
deleted as unnecessary and paragraph 3's reference to the filing of
a preliminary complaint was stricken because such complaints are no
longer authorized under RCFC 27.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982, referred to in par.
(1), is Pub. L. 97-164, Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 25. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1982
Amendments note set out under section 1 of this title and Tables.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. E 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX E
-HEAD-
App. E
-MISC1-
APPENDIX E
PROCEDURE IN CARRIER CASES
Rule 1. Carrier's Request For Admission of Facts
(a) Time for Filing Request. In every suit filed by a carrier for
the recovery of freight and/or passenger transportation charges,
the carrier shall, at the time the complaint is filed or within 30
days thereafter, file with the clerk a request for admission by the
defendant of the genuineness of any relevant documents described in
and exhibited with the request and of the truth of the material
matters of fact relied on by the carrier for recovery in the
action.
(b) Form and Content of Request. The request shall conform to the
following requirements:
(1) Duplication. The request, with accompanying schedules and
documents, may be typewritten, or may be printed, or otherwise
mechanically reproduced from a typewritten original, provided
that all copies filed with the clerk shall be legible and that
the words and figures shown therein shall be large enough type to
be read without difficulty.
(2) Copies; Filing; Service. If the request accompanies the
complaint, copies and service of such request shall be as
provided in RCFC 3(c) and 4. If the request is filed subsequent
to the filing of the complaint, copies and service of such
request shall be as provided in RCFC 5, and 83, except that 5
copies shall be served on the defendant in lieu of a copy.
(3) Signature of Attorney. The request shall be signed by the
attorney of record for the plaintiff.
(4) Numbered Paragraphs; Material Facts. The statements
contained therein shall be properly separated and numbered and
shall consist of specific statements of material facts which the
plaintiff expects to prove as opposed to general allegations of
the kind used in pleadings.
(5) Attachments. There shall be attached to the request copies
of any contracts, letters, or other documents, excluding tariffs
and other documents referred to in the schedules required by
subdivisions (b)(7) and (b)(8), which plaintiff proposes to offer
in evidence, in order that the genuineness of such documents may
be admitted by the defendant and the necessity of calling a
witness to identify the same may be avoided.
(6) Nature of Dispute; Statement of Issues. The statement in
the request shall be sufficiently explicit to show the nature of
the dispute and the specific reason or reasons why the plaintiff
believes it is entitled to recover higher rates or charges than
those allowed by the government. The word "dispute" as used in
the preceding sentence, means the shipment or shipments with
respect to which the General Services Administration (GSA) or
other agency of the government determined that the carrier's
charges had been overpaid or refused to pay the carrier's
supplemental bills covering such shipments, rather than
subsequent shipments which are not in dispute except for the fact
that the overpayments determined as to the shipments in dispute
have been deducted from the amount of the carrier's bills
covering such subsequent shipments. In order to show the nature
of the dispute there shall be attached to or included in
plaintiff's request a statement of the issues which, with respect
to each group of the carrier's bills involving the same issue,
shall consist of a brief narrative statement of such issue with a
reference to (A) court decisions involving the same issue, or (B)
the tariffs, contract terms or other authority relied upon by
plaintiff, and the tariffs or other authority which plaintiff
believes defendant relied upon in making deductions for claimed
overpayments to the carrier or in refusing to pay the carrier's
supplemental bills for claimed undercharges.
(7) Schedule: Claim for Transportation of Property. Where the
claim is for the recovery of charges for the transportation of
property for the government, there shall be attached to the
request a detailed schedule, prepared by or under the supervision
of the general auditor, comptroller, or other principal
accounting officer of the carrier. The schedule shall contain the
following factual information:
(A) List of Carrier's Bills in Dispute. The number of each of
the carrier's bills for the shipments in dispute, as
distinguished from the number of a subsequent bill from which
GSA made a deduction following its determination of an
overpayment on the bill in dispute.
(B) Detail for Each Bill of Lading. For each bill of lading
in dispute, covered by each bill referred to in paragraph (A),
the following facts:
(i) the number and symbol of each bill of lading;
(ii) the date of the shipment;
(iii) the origin and the destination of the shipment;
(iv) a description of the commodity or commodities shipped,
including a description of the packing where this affects the
rate;
(v) car number and initial;
(vi) the weight of the shipment, including the minimum
carload weight when greater than the actual weight;
(vii) when the shipment in dispute consists of one or more
carloads of mixed commodities, a description of the different
commodities, and the respective weight thereof loaded in each
car, including minimum carload weights where such weights
affect the rates;
(viii) the rates claimed for each article in the shipment
and for any accessorial services;
(ix) the total freight charges on each bill of lading;
(x) amounts refunded by carrier, if any, and the dates
thereof;
(xi) if the overpayment determined by GSA or other agency
has been deducted from the carrier's subsequent bill or
bills, the number of such subsequent bill or bills, the
amount deducted, and the date thereof;
(xii) the total amount paid the carrier;
(xiii) the balance due;
(xiv) a specific reference to the item or items in
designated tariffs authorizing the charges claimed, including
the classification rating if necessary, and authorization for
any accessorial charges claimed; or to a government rate
quotation;
(xv) the government file reference number as obtained from
GSA notice of overcharge, the Certificate of Indebtedness, or
other document issued by GSA, or, in the event there is no
GSA reference number, the name of the government paying
agency and bureau, the disbursing office voucher number, and
the date of payment;
(xvi) if the shipment in dispute consists in whole or in
part of a through transit movement: a. the through assessable
charges from the original point of shipment to the final
destination, including a description of the commodity, the
transited weight, the through rate, the tariff or special
authority for the through rate used, and, if local tonnage is
involved, the weight thereof, the points between which local
tonnage moved, and the rates and charges assessed against
such tonnage; b. details of the net amounts paid to and
beyond the transit station, including references to the
"inbound" and "outbound shipments" by bill of lading number
and symbol; c. date of shipment, origin and destination,
weight rate, and the net amounts paid to the respective
"inbound" and "outbound" carriers, naming them and
identifying the bill numbers on which such payments were
made; and, d. the balance due, i.e., the difference between
the through assessable charges, including the charges on
local tonnage, if any, and the respective net amounts paid on
the inbound and outbound shipments; and
(xvii) a brief statement as to the basis for the claim or
other brief statement which the carrier deems necessary to
explain the peculiarities of the shipment
(C) Computation for Typical Bill of Lading. Following the
listing of the information herein required with respect to each
group of carrier's bills involving the same issue or basis of
freight charge computation, the carrier shall either (i)
include in the schedule a computation of the freight charges
for that bill of lading, setting forth the basis or formula
used, and referring to the specific items in particular tariffs
or other authority which it relied upon for that purpose, or
(ii) attach a worksheet showing such computation and
information with respect to each typical bill of lading.
(8) Certification and Signature of Carrier: Property. The
schedule shall be certified by the general auditor, comptroller,
or principal accounting officer of the carrier, as follows:
(Name) (Title)
(Name of Carrier)
I do hereby certify that the above and foregoing schedule has
been prepared from the books and records of said company for use
in a suit in the United States Court of Federal Claims, entitled
________ v. United States, No. ____ and that to the best of my
knowledge, information, and belief the matters contained therein
are true and correct. To certify which, witness my hand at
____________ this ____ day of ______, 20__.
(Signature of auditor, comptroller, or principal accounting
officer.)
(9) Schedule: Claim for Transportation of Passengers. Where the
claim is for the recovery of charges for the transportation of
passengers for account of the government, there shall be attached
to the request a schedule, prepared by or under the supervision
of the general auditor, comptroller, or other principal
accounting officer of the carrier. The schedule shall contain the
following factual information:
(A) List of Carriers' Bills in Dispute. The number of each of
the carrier's bills in dispute, as distinguished from the
number of a subsequent bill from which GSA made a deduction
following its determination of an overpayment on the bill in
dispute.
(B) Detail: Each Transportation Request or Warrant. For each
transportation request or warrant in dispute, covered by each
bill referred to in subparagraph (A) the following facts:
(i) the symbol and number of each transportation request or
warrant in dispute;
(ii) the date of service;
(iii) the origin and destination of the travel;
(iv) the class or type of service;
(v) whether the travel was one way or round trip;
(vi) the number of the special movement, if any;
(vii) the route of travel;
(viii) the number of persons that traveled;
(ix) the gross per capita fare;
(x) the assessable passenger charges;
(xi) the amount paid, and by what government office and
where located;
(xii) amounts refunded by carrier, if any, and the dates
thereof, and the government office to which refunded and
where located;
(xiii) where an overpayment was determined by the
government and deducted from a carrier's subsequent bill, the
number of such subsequent bill, the amount of the deduction,
and the date thereof;
(xiv) the total amount paid, and by what government office
and where located;
(xv) the balance due;
(xvi) the tariff reference and item or special rate
authority;
(xvii) the government file reference; and
(xviii) a brief statement as to the basis for the claim,
including, where appropriate, a brief explanation showing the
extent to which the ticket issued by the carrier was not
used, and the value of the unused part of the ticket.
(10) Certification and Signature of Carrier: Passengers. The
schedule covering the transportation of passengers shall be
certified in the same manner as provided in Rule 1(b)(8), except
that where a request includes schedules pertaining to claims for
both the transportation of passengers and freight, one
certification shall suffice for all schedules.
(c) Plaintiff's Noncompliance: Consequences. In the event a
plaintiff in any action within the purview of this Appendix fails
or refuses to comply with the provisions hereof, the judge may (1)
refuse to allow it to support designated claims or prohibit it from
introducing in evidence designated documents or items of testimony,
or (2) take other appropriate action, which may include a dismissal
of the complaint or any part thereof.
Rule 2. Defendant's Response
(a) Time for Filing; Order. Promptly after the filing of the
plaintiff's request, the judge to whom the case is assigned shall,
by order filed with the clerk, fix a reasonable time within which
the defendant shall file its response to the request. A copy of
such order shall be served on the parties as provided in RCFC 5.
(b) Copies; Service; Signature. The defendant's response shall
consist of an original and two copies to be filed with the clerk
and with service to be made on plaintiff as provided in RCFC 5. The
response shall be signed by defendant's attorney of record and
shall comply with the terms of Rule 1(b)(1).
(c) Agreement; Modification; Denial. The defendant shall file
such response within the time fixed by the order, agreeing to the
separate items of fact, modifying the same in accordance with the
facts known by the defendant, specifically denying the same, or
setting forth in detail the reasons why it cannot truthfully admit
or deny designated portions of the request.
(d) Defendant's Statement of Issues. If defendant does not agree
with plaintiff's statement of the issues, it shall attach to or
include in the response its statement of the issues, which, with
respect to each group of the carrier's bills involving the same
issue, shall consist of a brief narrative statement of the issue,
as defendant contends, with reference to (1) a court decision
involving the same issue, or (2) the tariffs or other authority
relied upon by defendant.
(e) Verification of Carrier's Computations. If the defendant
finds that the schedule attached to plaintiff's request, or any
portion affecting the amount claimed, is incorrect on the basis of
the tariffs, government rate quotations, or other authority relied
on by plaintiff in its request, there shall be attached to the
response a schedule prepared by the defendant, setting forth the
facts and figures as to the amount of freight charges which
defendant asserts would be due on each carrier's bill if the court
holds that the tariffs or other authorities relied on by plaintiff
in its request are applicable, and showing how the defendant
arrived at any changes or corrections in the amounts claimed by
plaintiff.
(f) Schedule: Defendant's Basis for Applicable Charges. If the
defendant claims that the tariffs, government rate quotations, or
other authority relied on by plaintiff are inapplicable with
respect to any of the carrier's bills listed in plaintiff's
request, there shall be attached to the response a schedule
prepared by the defendant, setting forth the facts and figures in
detail as to the amount of freight or passenger charges defendant
claims is due on each disputed carrier's bill and containing a
specific reference to the item or items in designated tariffs,
government rate quotations, or other authority relied on by
defendant in support of its contention. The schedule shall also
comply with the terms of subdivision (b)(7)(C).
(g) Failure To Deny or Respond Within Specified Time:
Consequences. Except where the response details the reasons why the
defendant cannot admit or deny a particular statement in the
request, any fact not so modified or denied in the response shall
be deemed admitted, and the failure of the defendant to file its
response within the time specified by the judge shall be taken as
an admission of all of the facts as set forth in the request.
(h) Qualified Denial of Facts Available to Defendant:
Consequences. Where the request sets forth any facts that are
within the knowledge of the General Services Administration or of
the department or agency of the defendant for which the
transportation was performed and these specifically include but are
not limited to the facts and figures which plaintiff, by this
order, is directed to include in its schedules a response stating
that defendant cannot truthfully admit or deny such facts, or a
denial based on a lack of knowledge by defendant's attorney of
record, shall be deemed an admission thereof, provided, that such a
response shall not be deemed an admission if accompanied by the
sworn statement of the official in charge of the records that a
search has been made for the necessary documents or information and
that the documents or information cannot be found.
(i) Relation to Pleadings; Time for Filing Answer or
Counterclaim. In all cases to which this procedure applies, the
time for filing defendant's answer and any counterclaim asserted by
it may, without regard to the provisions of RCFC 12 and 13, be
contemporaneous with the date fixed by the judge for filing
defendant's response to plaintiff's request, provided, however,
that the period of limitations provided by 49 U.S.C. Secs. 11705
and 14705 within which the defendant may file a counterclaim is not
extended by any rule set forth in this Appendix or by any order. At
its option, the defendant may include the response in its answer or
counterclaim, which pleadings, nevertheless, shall otherwise comply
with the rules applicable to them.
Rule 3. Acceptance of Response; Pretrial; Judgment
(a) Plaintiff's Acceptance of Response. If a plaintiff is willing
to accept the amount shown to be due it in defendant's response,
or, where a counterclaim has been filed, is willing to accept the
net amount shown to be due plaintiff in the response after
deducting the amount of defendant's counterclaim, plaintiff's
attorney of record shall sign and file with the clerk within 30
days an original typewritten and 2 copies of a statement entitled
Plaintiff's Acceptance of the Amount Defendant Admits is Due,
stating therein that the response shows that a specified sum is due
plaintiff or, where a counterclaim has been filed, that the
response shows that the net amount of the counterclaim is a
specified sum, and that plaintiff consents to the entry of judgment
in the amount specified in favor of plaintiff in full settlement
and satisfaction of all claims asserted in the complaint and
request for admission of facts.
(b) Pretrial Conference; Fixing Amount of Recovery. When
plaintiff does not file an acceptance of the amount shown to be due
in the response, a pretrial conference shall be held for the
purpose of (1) resolving all issues and recording an agreement for
the entry of judgment or for a dismissal of the complaint or any
part thereof, or (2) segregating the carrier's bills in dispute
from those not in controversy and fixing the amount that either
party would be entitled to recover in the event of a decision in
its favor, and/or (3) taking any other action that may aid in the
prompt disposition of the suit.
(c) Entry of Judgment. Where all material issues are disposed of
through the filing by plaintiff of its acceptance of the amount
shown to be due in defendant's response, or at a pretrial
conference, or by the defendant's failure to file its response
within the time fixed by the judge, judgment may be entered without
further proceedings.
Rule 4. Cases Within Primary Jurisdiction of The Surface
Transportation Board
(a) Referral to Surface Transportation Board. In any suit subject
to the terms of this order, if defendant contends, whether on the
basis of the freight charge computations used by plaintiff or on
the basis of the freight charge computations used by defendant,
that any of the carrier's bills listed in the request raise issues
within the primary jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board
and intends to move the court to refer such issues to that agency,
defendant shall file the motion with the clerk at the time fixed
for the filing of its response under this order. The motion shall
contain: (1) an identification of the carrier's bills involved
unless all the bills in suit are included in the motion; (2) a
description of the commodities shipped and a statement respecting
any other factors which are pertinent to the issues covered by the
motion; (3) a reference to the applicable tariffs and a copy of the
pertinent provisions thereof; (4) a precise statement of the issue
or issues to be referred; and (5) a statement as to whether the
Surface Transportation Board has construed the cited tariffs in
prior decisions or has clarified the facts underlying them, citing
the pertinent decisions, if any.
(b) Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Motion for Referral.
Plaintiff's response to the motion shall be filed within 30 days
after service of the motion, and shall state whether plaintiff
concurs in the motion. If plaintiff contends that the Surface
Transportation Board has construed the tariffs referred to in
defendant's motion or has clarified the factors underlying them in
previous decisions, the response shall cite such decision.
(c) Referral to Surface Transportation Board - Plaintiff's
Motion. If plaintiff, in any case subject to the terms of this
order, contends that any of the carrier's bills in suit raise
issues within the primary jurisdiction of the Surface
Transportation Board and intends to move the court to refer such
issues to that agency, plaintiff's motion shall be filed not later
than 30 days from the date defendant's response is filed and shall
conform to the requirements of Rule 4(a).
(d) Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion for Referral.
Defendant's response to plaintiff's motion shall conform to the
requirements of Rule 4(b).
(e) Effect of Filing Referral Motion. The trial of any case
subject to the terms of this order in which a motion for referral
is filed shall be deferred until final action on the motion.
(f) Failure To File Referral Motion in Specified Time. The
failure of either party to file, within the time prescribed above,
a motion requesting the court to refer a pending case or any part
thereof to the Surface Transportation Board may be deemed good
cause for denying any such motion thereafter filed.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix E formerly appeared in these rules as Appendix C.
Additionally, substantive changes have been made:
First, the word "common" has been stricken from the term "common
carrier." The term "common carrier" is no longer used in the
Interstate Commerce Act 49 U.S.C. Sec. 13102. Since deregulation
occurred, see ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. No. 104-88, Sec.
103, 109 Stat. 803, 852, carriers are no longer required to file
tariffs other than for household goods and noncontiguous domestic
trade. Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity are no
longer required and thus there are no "common carriers," as the
term formerly was used, as a reference to a public utility, fully
regulated status.
Second, in subdivision (a)(2)(F), titled "Nature of Dispute;
Statement of Issues" the term "General Accounting Office" was
replaced with "General Services Administration." The GSA Board of
Contract Appeals replaced the General Accounting Office as
reviewing authority in GSA transportation audit billing appeals
pursuant to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 1996,
effective June 30, 1996, and delegations of authority granted
thereunder. Also, in subdivision (a)(2)(F)(2), the term "contract
terms" was added as authority relied upon by plaintiffs in their
statement of issues because, with no tariff filing requirement,
individual movements by contract are more common.
Third, all references to a "Sec. 22 quotation" were replaced with
"government rate quotation." Section 22 (49 U.S.C. Sec. 22 (1887))
rates were replaced by "government rates" under 49 U.S.C. Sec.
10721 (rail) and Sec. 13712 (all other modes), and as such, lower
rates are not limited strictly for the use of the government.
Fourth, in subdivision (a)(2)(I)(ii)(a), the word "government"
was struck in reference to a transportation request or warrant in
dispute. Under the provisions of 41 CFR Sec. 102-118.175,
Government Bills of Lading will no longer be used for domestic
traffic and under 41 CFR Sec. 102-118.180, Government
Transportation Requests will no longer be mandatory.
Fifth, in subdivision (b)(9), titled, "Relation to Pleadings,
Time for Filing Answer or Counterclaim," the statutory reference
was updated.
Finally, all references to the "Interstate Commerce Commission"
were stricken and replaced with the "Surface Transportation Board."
While carriers are no longer subject to full regulation, the
"reasonableness requirement" on "through routes," "divisions of
joint rates," and rates "made collectively by [any group of]
carriers under agreements approved by the Surface Transportation
Board," remains intact and is subject to that body's review.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. F 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX F
-HEAD-
App. F
-MISC1-
APPENDIX F
PROCEDURE IN TAX PARTNERSHIP CASES
Rule 1. General
(a) Applicability. This Appendix sets forth the special
provisions that apply to actions for readjustment of partnership
items under Section 6226 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and
actions for adjustment of partnership items under Code Section
6228. Except as otherwise provided in this Appendix, the Rules of
the United States Court of Federal Claims (RCFC), to the extent
pertinent, are applicable to such partnership actions.
(b) Definitions. As used in this Appendix -
(1) the term "partnership" means a partnership as defined in Code
Section 6231(a)(1);
(2) a "partnership action" is either an "action for readjustment
of partnership items" under Code Section 6226 or an "action for
adjustment of partnership items" under Code Section 6228;
(3) the term "partnership item" means any item described in Code
Section 6231(a)(3);
(4) the term "tax matters partner" means the person who is the
tax matters partner under Code Section 6231(a)(7) or appointed tax
matters partner by the court under Rule 9 of this Appendix, and who
under this Appendix is responsible for keeping each partner fully
informed of the partnership action (see Code Sections 6223(g) and
6230(1));
(5) a "notice of final partnership administrative adjustment" is
the notice described in Code Section 6223(a)(2);
(6) the term "administrative adjustment request" means a request
for an administrative adjustment of partnership items filed by the
tax matters partner on behalf of the partnership under Code Section
6227(b);
(7) the term "partner" means a person who was a partner as
defined in Code Section 6231(a)(2) at any time during any
partnership taxable year at issue in a partnership action;
(8) the term "notice partner" means a person who is a notice
partner under Code Section 6231(a)(8);
(9) the term "5-percent group" means a 5-percent group as defined
in Code Section 6231(a)(11);
(10) the term "deposit" means the deposit required by Code
Section 6226(e)(1); and
(11) the term "Notice of Assignment" means the notice mailed to
the parties by the clerk of the court after the filing of a
complaint that advises the parties of the name of the judge to whom
the proceeding is assigned.
(c) Jurisdictional Requirements. The court does not have
jurisdiction over a partnership action under this Appendix unless
the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) Actions for readjustment of partnership items:
(A) the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Commissioner) has
issued a notice of final partnership administrative adjustment
(see Code Section 6226(a) and (b));
(B) a complaint for readjustment of partnership items is filed
with the court by the tax matters partner within the period
specified in Code Section 6226(a), or by a notice partner (or 5
percent group) subject to the conditions and within the period
specified in Code Section 6226(b); and
(C) the partner or partners filing the complaint make a deposit
as required by Code Section 6226(e).
(2) Actions for adjustment of partnership items:
(A) the Commissioner has not allowed all or some of the
adjustments requested in an administrative adjustment request
(see Code Section 6228(a)); and
(B) a complaint for adjustment of partnership items is filed
with the court by the tax matters partner subject to the
conditions and within the period specified in Code Section
6228(a)(2) and (3).
(d) Form and Style of Papers: All papers filed in a partnership
action shall be prepared in the form and style set forth in RCFC
5.2 and l0(a), except that the caption shall state the name of the
partnership and the full name and surname of any partner filing the
complaint and shall indicate whether such partner is the tax
matters partner, as for example, "ABC Partnership, Mary Doe, Tax
Matters Partner, Complainant" or "ABC Partnership, Richard Roe, A
Partner Other Than the Tax Matters Partner, Complainant."
Rule 2. Commencement of Partnership Action
(a) Commencement of Action. A partnership action shall be
commenced by filing a complaint with the court. See RCFC 3,
relating to commencement of case; RCFC 5.2 and 10, relating to form
of pleadings; and RCFC 5.2(d), relating to number of copies to be
filed.
(b) Contents of Complaint. Each complaint shall be titled either
"Complaint for Readjustment of Partnership Items under Code Section
6226" or "Complaint for Adjustment of Partnership Items under Code
Section 6228." Each such complaint shall contain the allegations
described in subdivision (c) of this Rule and the allegations
described in subdivision (d) or (e) of this Rule.
(c) All Complaints: All complaints in partnership actions shall
contain the following:
(1) the name and address of the complainant;
(2) the name, employer identification number, and principal
place of business of the partnership and of each partner filing
the complaint at the time the complaint is filed;
(3) the city and state of the office of the Internal Revenue
Service with which the partnership's return for the period in
controversy was filed.
A claim for reasonable litigation costs shall not be included in
the complaint in a partnership action. For the requirements as to
claims for reasonable litigation costs, see RCFC 54(d)(1).
(d) Complaint for Readjustment of Partnership Items: In addition
to including the information specified in subdivision (c) of this
Rule, a complaint for readjustment of partnership items shall also
contain the following information.
(1) All complaints. All complaints for readjustment of
partnership items shall contain:
(A) the date of the notice of final partnership
administrative adjustment and the city and state of the office
of the Internal Revenue Service that issued the notice;
(B) the year or years or other periods for which the notice
of final partnership administrative adjustment was issued;
(C) clear and concise statements of each and every error that
the complainant alleges to have been committed by the
Commissioner in the notice of final partnership administrative
adjustment. The assignments of error shall include issues, if
any, in respect to which the burden of proof is on the United
States. Any issues not raised in the assignments of error, or
in the assignments of error in any amendment to the complaint,
shall be deemed to be conceded. Each assignment of error shall
be set forth in a separately lettered subdivision;
(D) clear and concise lettered statements of the facts on
which the complainant bases the assignments of error, except
with respect to those assignments of error, if any, as to which
the burden of proof is on the United States;
(E) the amount of the deposit made by each partner filing the
complaint;
(F) the date and place of the making of each deposit;
(G) a prayer setting forth relief sought by the complainant;
(H) the signature, mailing address, and telephone number of
each complainant or of each complainant's counsel. See RCFC
83.1 regarding attorneys of record; and
(I) a copy of the notice of final partnership administrative
adjustment, which shall be appended to the complaint, and with
which there shall be included so much of any statement
accompanying the notice as is material to the issues raised by
the assignments of error. If the notice of final partnership
administrative adjustment or any accompanying statement
incorporates by reference any prior notices, or other material
furnished by the Internal Revenue Service, such parts thereof
as are material to the assignments of error likewise shall be
appended to the complaint.
(2) Complaints by Tax Matters Partner: In addition to including
the information specified in paragraph (1) of this subdivision, a
complaint filed by the tax matters partner during the time period
specified in Code Section 6226(b) shall also contain a separate
numbered paragraph stating that the pleader is the tax matters
partner.
(3) Complaints by Other Partners: In addition to including the
information specified in paragraph (1) of this subdivision, a
complaint filed by a notice partner or by a 5-percent group
during the time period specified in Code Section 6226(b) shall
also contain:
(A) a separate numbered paragraph stating that the pleader is
a notice partner or a representative of a 5-percent group (see
Code Section 6226(b)(1));
(B) a separate numbered paragraph setting forth facts
establishing that the pleader satisfies the requirements of
Code Section 6226(d);
(C) a separate numbered paragraph stating the name and
current address of the tax matters partner; and
(D) a separate numbered paragraph stating that the tax
matters partner has not filed a complaint for readjustment of
partnership items within the period specified in Code Section
6226(a).
Under subdivision (d)(1)(H) of this Rule, the representative of a
five-percent group may sign a complaint on behalf of all members of
the group. In such circumstances, the complaint shall contain a
separate-numbered paragraph stating that the representative has
been duly authorized to sign on behalf of all members of the group.
(e) Complaint for Adjustment of Partnership Items: In addition to
including the information specified in subdivision (c) of this
Rule, a complaint for adjustment of partnership items shall also
contain:
(1) a statement that the complainant is the tax matters
partner;
(2) the date that the administrative adjustment request was
filed and other proper allegations showing jurisdiction in the
court in accordance with the requirements of Code Section
6228(a)(1) and (2);
(3) the year or years or other periods to which the
administrative adjustment relates;
(4) the city and state of the office of the Internal Revenue
Service with which the administrative adjustment request was
filed;
(5) a clear and concise statement describing each partnership
item on the partnership return that is sought to be changed, and
the basis for each such requested change. Each such statement
shall be set forth in a separately lettered paragraph;
(6) clear and concise lettered statements of the facts on which
the complainant relies in support of such requested changes in
treatment of partnership items;
(7) a prayer setting forth relief sought by the complainant;
(8) the signature, mailing address, and telephone number of the
complainant or the complainant's counsel (see RCFC 83.1 regarding
attorneys of record); and
(9) a copy of the administrative adjustment request appended to
the complaint.
(f) Notice of Filing:
(1) Complaints by the Tax Matters Partner: Within 5 days after
receiving the Notice of Assignment from the court, the tax
matters partner shall serve notice of the filing of the complaint
on each partner in the partnership as required by Code Section
6223(g). Said notice shall include the docket number assigned to
the case by the court and the date of the Notice of
Assignment..(!1)
(2) Complaints by Other Partners: Within 5 days after receiving
the Notice of Assignment from the court, the complainant shall
serve a copy of the complaint on the tax matters partner, and at
the same time notify the tax matters partner of the docket number
assigned to the case by the court and of the date of the Notice
of Assignment. Within 5 days after receiving a copy of the
complaint and of the aforementioned notification from the
complainant, the tax matters partner shall serve notice of the
filing of the complaint on each partner in the partnership as
required by Code Section 6223(g). Said notice shall include the
docket number assigned to the case by the court and the date of
the Notice of Assignment.
(g) Copy of Complaint To Be Provided to All Partners. Upon
request by any partner in the partnership as referred to in Code
Section 6231(a)(2)(A), the tax matters partner shall, within 10
days of receipt of such request, make available to such partner a
copy of any complaint filed by the tax matters partner or by any
other partner.
(h) Joinder of Parties.
(1) Permissive Joinder. A separate complaint shall be filed with
respect to each notice of final partnership administrative
adjustment or each administrative adjustment request issued to
separate partnerships. However, a single complaint for readjustment
of partnership items or complaint for adjustment of partnership
items may be filed seeking readjustments or adjustments of
partnership items with respect to more than one final partnership
administrative adjustment or administrative adjustment request if
the notices or requests pertain to the same partnership. A
complaint may include a request that the proceeding be assigned to
the judge to whom one or more pending cases (whether relating to
the same partnership or to another partnership) are assigned, if
the other case or cases present common or related issues of law or
fact. For the procedures to be followed by partners who wish to
intervene or participate in a partnership proceeding, see Rule 4
below.
(2) Severance or Other Orders. With respect to a case based upon
multiple notices of final partnership administrative adjustment or
administrative adjustment requests, the court may order a severance
and a separate case to be maintained with respect to one or more of
such notices or requests whenever it appears to the court that
proceeding separately is in furtherance of convenience, or will
avoid prejudice, or when separate trials will be conducive to
expedition or economy.
Rule 3. Other Pleadings
(a) Answer: The United States shall file an answer or shall move
with respect to the complaint within the periods specified in and
in accordance with the provisions of RCFC 12.
(b) Reply: For provisions relating to the filing of a reply, see
RCFC 7(a).
Rule 4. Intervention and Participation
(a) Tax Matters Partner: The tax matters partner may intervene in
an action for readjustment of partnership items brought by another
partner or partners by filing a notice of election to intervene
with the court. Such notice shall state that the intervenor is the
tax matters partner and shall be filed within 45 days from the date
of the Notice of Assignment. See Code Section 6226(b)(2) and
paragraph 2(d)(3) of this Appendix.
(b) Other Partners: Any other partner who satisfies the
requirements of Code Section 6226(d) or 6228(a)(4)(B) may
participate in the action by filing a notice of election to
participate with the court. Such notice shall set forth facts
establishing that such partner satisfies the requirements of Code
Section 6226(d) in the case of an action for readjustment of
partnership items, or Code Section 6228(a)(4)(B) in the case of an
action for adjustment of partnership items, and shall be filed
within 45 days from the date of the Notice of Assignment. A single
notice may be filed by two or more partners; however, each such
partner must satisfy all requirements of this paragraph in order
for the notice to be treated as filed by or for that partner.
(c) Enlargement of Time: The court may grant leave to file a
notice of election to intervene or a notice of election to
participate out of time upon a showing of sufficient cause.
(d) Pleading: No assignment of error, allegation of fact, or
other statement in the nature of a pleading shall be included in
the notice of election to intervene or notice of election to
participate.
(e) Amendments to the Complaint: A party other than the
complainant who is authorized to raise issues not raised in the
complaint may do so by filing an amendment to the complaint. Such
an amendment may be filed, without leave of court, at any time
before service of the response to the complaint by the United
States. Otherwise, such an amendment may be filed only by leave of
court. See RCFC 15(a) for time for responding to amendments to the
complaint.
Rule 5. Service of Papers
(a) Complaints: All complaints shall be served by the clerk on
the United States.
(b) Papers Issued by Court: All papers issued by the court shall
be served by the clerk on the United States, the tax matters
partner (whether or not the tax matters partner is a participating
partner), and all other participating partners.
(c) All Other Papers: All other papers required to be served (see
RCFC 5) shall be served by the parties filing such papers. Whenever
a paper (other than a complaint) is required to be filed with the
court, the original paper shall be filed with the court with
certificates by the filing party or the filing party's counsel that
service of the paper has been made on each of the parties set forth
in subdivision (b) of this Rule or on such other parties' counsel.
Rule 6. Parties
(a) In General: For purposes of this Appendix, the United States,
the partner who filed the complaint, the tax matters partner, and
each person who satisfies the requirements of Code Section 6226(c)
and (d) or 6228(a)(4) shall be treated as parties to the action.
(b) Participating Partners: Participating partners are the
partner who filed the complaint and such other partners who have
filed either a notice of election to intervene or a notice of
election to participate in accordance with the provisions of RCFC
4. See Code Sections 6226(c) and 6228(a)(4)(A). For purposes of the
court's procedural rules other than those set forth in this
Appendix, only participating partners, as defined in this
subdivision, and the United States shall be considered to be
parties.
Rule 7. Settlement Agreements
(a) Consent By the Tax Matters Partner to Entry of Decision: A
stipulation consenting to entry of decision executed by the tax
matters partner and filed with the court shall bind all parties.
The signature of the tax matters partner constitutes a certificate
by the tax matters partner that no party objects to entry of the
decision. See Rule 10 below.
(b) Settlement Agreements Entered Into By All Participating
Partners or No Objection by Participating Partners:
(1) After expiration of the time within which to file a notice of
election to intervene or to participate under Rule 4(a) or (b), the
United States shall move for entry of decision, and shall submit a
proposed form of decision with such motion, if:
(A) all of the participating partners have entered into a
settlement agreement with the defendant, or all of such partners
do not object to the granting of the defendant's motion for entry
of decision, and
(B) the tax matters partner (if a participating partner) agrees
to the proposed decision in the case but does not certify that no
party objects to the granting of the defendant's motion for entry
of decision.
(2) Within 3 days from the date on which the defendant's motion
for entry of decision is filed with the court, the defendant shall
serve on the tax matters partner a certificate showing the date on
which the defendant's motion was filed with the court.
(3) Within 3 days after receiving the defendant's certificate,
the tax matters partner shall serve on all other parties to the
action, other than the participating partners, a copy of the
defendant's motion for entry of decision, a copy of the proposed
decision, a copy of the defendant's certificate showing the date on
which the defendant's motion was filed with the court, and a copy
of this paragraph of Rule 7.
(4) If any party objects to the granting of the defendant's
motion for entry of decision, then that party shall, within 60 days
from the date on which the defendant's motion was filed with the
court, file a motion for leave to file a notice of election to
intervene or to participate, accompanied by a separate notice of
election to intervene or to participate, as the case may be. If no
such motion is filed with the court within such period, or if the
court should deny such motion, then the court may enter the
proposed decision as its decision in the partnership action. See
Code Sections 6226(f) and 6228(a)(5).
(c) Other Settlement Agreements: If a settlement agreement is not
within the scope of subdivision (b) of this Rule, then:
(1) in the case of a participating partner, the defendant shall
promptly file with the court a notice of settlement agreement that
identifies the participating partner or partners who have entered
into the settlement agreement; and
(2) in the case of any partner who enters into a settlement
agreement, the defendant shall, within 7 days after the settlement
agreement is executed by both the partner and the defendant, serve
on the tax matters partner a statement which sets forth:
(A) the identity of the party or parties to the settlement
agreement and the date of the agreement;
(B) the year or years to which the settlement agreement
relates; and
(C) the terms of settlement as to each partnership item and the
allocation of such items among the partners.
Within 7 days after receiving the statement required by this
subdivision, the tax matters partner shall serve a copy of the
statement on all parties to the action.
Rule 8. Action For Adjustment of Partnership Items Treated As
Action For Readjustment of Partnership Items
(a) Amendment of complaint: If, after the filing of a complaint
for adjustment of partnership items (see Code Section 6228(a)) and
Rule 2(a) above, but before hearing of such complaint, the
Commissioner mails to the tax matters partner a notice of final
partnership administrative adjustment for the partnership taxable
year to which the complaint relates, such complaint shall be
treated as a complaint in an action for readjustment of the
partnership items to which such notice relates. The complainant,
within 90 days after the date on which the notice of final
partnership administrative adjustment is mailed to the tax matters
partner, shall file an amendment to the complaint, setting forth
every error which the complainant alleges to have been committed by
the Commissioner in the notice of final partnership administrative
adjustment, and the facts on which the complainant bases the
assignments of error. A copy of the notice of final partnership
administrative adjustment shall be appended to the amendment to the
complaint. On or before the day the amendment to the complaint is
delivered to the court, or, if the amendment is mailed to the
court, on or before the day of mailing, the tax matters partner
shall serve notice of the filing of the amendment to complaint on
each partner in the partnership as required by Code Section
6223(g).
(b) Participation: Any partner who has filed a timely notice of
election to participate in the action for adjustment of partnership
items shall be deemed to have elected to participate in the action
for readjustment of partnership items and need not file another
notice of election to do so. Any other partner may participate in
the action by filing a notice of election to participate within 45
days from the date of filing of the amendment to complaint. See
Rule 4 above.
Rule 9. Appointment and Removal of the Tax Matters Partner
(a) Appointment of Tax Matters Partner: If, at the time of
commencement of a partnership action by a partner other than the
tax matters partner, the tax matters partner is not identified in
the complaint, the court will take such action as may be necessary
to establish the identity of the tax matters partner or to effect
the appointment of a tax matters partner.
(b) Removal of Tax Matters Partner: After notice and opportunity
to be heard, the court may for cause remove a partner as the tax
matters partner. If the tax matters partner is removed by the
court, or if a partner's status as the tax matters partner is
terminated for reason other than removal by the court, the court
may appoint another partner as the tax matters partner if the
partnership fails to designate a successor tax matters partner
within such period as the court may direct.
Rule 10. Decisions
A decision entered by the court in a partnership action shall be
binding on all parties. For the definition of parties, see Rule 6
above.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Section 6226 of the Internal Revenue Code grants this court
jurisdiction, along with the United States Tax Court and the United
States district courts, to consider petitions for readjustment of
partnership items as set forth in a final partnership
administrative adjustment. Appendix F provides the procedural rules
for such cases. In the interests of uniformity, the rules contained
in Appendix F parallel the rules applicable to these cases in the
United States Tax Court.
-FOOTNOTE-
(!1) So in original.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. G 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX G
-HEAD-
App. G
-MISC1-
APPENDIX G
PROCEDURE IN INDIAN CLAIMS COMMISSION CASES
Attorneys claiming fees and expenses in cases transferred to the
former United States Court of Claims from the Indian Claims
Commission pursuant to 25 U.S.C. Sec. 70v (1976) (amended 1977),
and thereafter assigned to this court pursuant to P.L. No. 97-164,
Sec. 149, 96 Stat. 25, 46, wherein money judgments are entered
shall file the appropriate motion or motions within 30 days of the
entry of the money judgment. Defendant shall file its response
within 28 days and a reply may be filed within 14 days. Absent the
filing of such a timely motion, a docket entry will be made closing
the case. Said motions shall state that copies thereof have been
provided to the tribal counsel, other head officer of the
plaintiff, if there be one, or if there is neither of the
foregoing, then to the agency superintendent under whose
jurisdiction the plaintiff may be.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix G formerly appeared in these rules as General Order No.
4 issued December 29, 1982. Although Appendix G remains the same in
substance as General Order No. 4, some of the earlier language was
deleted as unnecessary.
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
Section 149 of Pub. L. 97-164, 96 Stat. 46, referred to in text,
amended former section 70v-3 of Title 25, Indians.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX App. H 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
APPENDIX H
-HEAD-
App. H
-MISC1-
APPENDIX H
PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
1. General. The United States Court of Federal Claims recognizes
a variety of voluntary, non-binding alternative dispute resolution
(ADR) tools for use in appropriate cases. ADR techniques include
but are not limited to mediation, mini-trials, early neutral
evaluation, and non-binding arbitration. These processes may be
conducted either by a settlement judge or a third party neutral.
2. Terms.
(a) Settlement Judge: A judge of the court, other than the
presiding judge. Appointment of a settlement judge permits the
parties to engage in a frank, in-depth discussion of the strengths
and weaknesses of each party's case before a judicial officer
without the inhibitions that might exist before the presiding
judge. A settlement judge may act both as a mediator and as a
neutral evaluator. This process should be employed early enough in
the litigation to avoid needless expense and delay. Use of a
settlement judge permits the parties to gain the benefit of a
judicial perspective without jeopardizing their ability to gain a
resolution of their case by the presiding judge should settlement
efforts fail.
(b) Presiding Judge. The judge regularly assigned to the case.
(c) Third-party Neutrals. In consultation with the bar, the court
will maintain a list of qualified individuals who have indicated
their willingness and demonstrated their ability to serve as
neutral evaluators and mediators. Parties may select neutrals who
are not on the court's list.
(d) Mediation. A flexible and voluntary dispute-resolution
procedure in which a settlement judge or a third-party neutral, the
mediator, facilitates negotiations to reach a mutually agreeable
resolution. The mediation process involves one or more sessions in
which counsel, litigants, and the mediator participate, and may
continue over a period of time. The mediator can help the parties
improve communication, clarify interests, and probe the strengths
and weaknesses of their own and their opponents' positions. The
mediator can also identify areas of agreement and help generate
options that lead to a settlement.
(e) Early neutral evaluation. Using the services of a third-party
neutral or settlement judge knowledgeable in the subject-matter of
the litigation to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the
parties' positions. In this manner, the parties may gain a more
realistic view of their prospects for success, thus narrowing the
issues and facilitating settlement.
(f) Mini-trials. A flexible, abbreviated procedure in which the
parties present their case, or a portion of it, to a third-party
neutral or settlement judge.
3. Procedures. RCFC 16 and Appendix A paragraphs 3 and 4(i) set
out the parties' obligations with respect to consideration of ADR.
At any point in the litigation, however, the parties can notify the
court of their desire to pursue ADR. There is no single format for
ADR. Any procedures agreed to by the parties and adopted by the
settlement judge or third party neutral may be used. Certain basic
ground rules will be observed, however, as follows:
(a) ADR is voluntary. A party's good faith determination that ADR
is not appropriate in a particular case should be respected by
other parties and the court.
(b) When the parties have indicated their agreement to ADR to the
presiding judge, the presiding judge, if in agreement, will forward
the request to the Clerk of the Court for assignment to a
settlement judge or third-party neutral as selected by the parties.
(c) In the event the parties agree to use ADR, the settlement
judge or third party neutral and the parties will develop
procedures appropriate to that case. The settlement judge or
third-party neutral and the parties will develop a written
statement, to be executed by the settlement judge or neutral,
outlining the terms of the settlement process, including an
indication of assent to confidentiality by all parties. Neither
this statement nor any other materials developed for use solely
within the ADR process will be filed with the court.
(d) There will be no transcript of any ADR proceeding. All ADR
proceedings, including documents generated solely for the
proceedings and communications within the scope of the proceedings,
are confidential and will not be provided to a judge of the court
who is not the settlement judge in the dispute. Information which
is otherwise discoverable or admissible does not lose that
characteristic merely because of its use in the ADR proceedings.
(e) Participation in ADR constitutes agreement by the parties not
to subpoena or seek in any way the testimony of the settlement
judge in any subsequent proceeding.
(f) During the ADR process, the matter will remain on the docket
of the presiding judge. At the conclusion of the ADR process, the
settlement judge or the third party neutral will notify the
presiding judge and the clerk of the court only of the outcome,
i.e., whether the matter has been settled.
-MISC1-
RULES COMMITTEE NOTE
Appendix H "Procedure For Alternate Dispute Resolution," revises
and replaces the alternate dispute resolution procedures first
adopted by the court in General Order No. 13, dated April 15, 1987
and later amended through Amended General Order No. 13, dated
November 8, 1996. The adoption of Appendix H as a permanent part of
the court's rules reflects the court's recognition of the
increasing usefulness of alternative dispute resolution procedures
in the resolution of claims against the United States.
Form 1
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.001" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 1
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.002" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 2
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.003" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 2
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.004" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 2
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.005" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 3A
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.006" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 3B
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.007" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 4
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.008" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 5
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.009" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 5
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.010" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 6
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.011" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 6
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.012" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 7
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.013" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 7A
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.014" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 7A
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.015" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 8
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.016" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 8
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.017" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 8
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.018" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 8
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.019" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 9
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.020" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 9
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.021" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 9
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.022" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 10
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.023" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 10
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.024" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 10
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.025" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 11
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.026" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 11
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.027" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 12
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.028" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 12
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.029" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 13
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.030" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
Form 13
<p><img src="http://uscode.house.gov/images/code03/images/88912.031" width=576 height=579 alt="Image of item"><p>
-End-
-CITE-
TITLE 28, APPENDIX - RULES OF THE COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
(Effective November 1, 1980, as amended to January 6, 2003)
-MISC2-
TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE FORM OF ACTION
Rule
1. Scope of Rules.
2. One Form of Action.
TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS; SERVICE OF
SUMMONS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS AND ORDERS
3. Commencement of Action.
(a) Commencement.
(b) Filing Fee.
(c) Complaint Fee.
(d) Information Statement.
(e) Amendment of Summons.
(f) Notice to Interested Parties.
(g) Precedence of Action.
(h) Special Rule for Actions Described in 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 1581(c).
(i) Disclosure Statement.
3.1. Actions Transferred to the Court of International
Trade from a Binational Panel or Committee Pursuant
to 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(12)(B) or (D).
(a) Filing of Request for Transfer.
(b) Notice to Interested Parties.
(c) Intervention of Right.
(d) Documents in an Action Transferred Under 19
U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(12).
(e) Pleadings.
(f) Additional Provisions Governing Judgment Upon
an Agency Record.
(g) Applicability of Other Court Rules.
4. Service of Summons and Complaint.
(a) Summons; Service by the Clerk.
(b) Summons and Complaint; Service by Plaintiff.
(c) Service.
(d) Waiver of Service; Duty to Save Costs of
Service; Request to Waive.
(e) Service Upon Individuals Within a Judicial
District of the United States.
(f) Service Upon Individuals in a Foreign Country.
(g) Service Upon Infants and Incompetent Persons.
(h) Service Upon Corporations and Associations.
(i) Service Upon the United States, and its
Agencies, Corporations, or Officers.
(j) Service Upon Foreign, State, or Local
Governments.
(k) Territorial Limits of Effective Service.
(l) Proof of Service.
(m) Time Limit For Service.
4.1 Service Of Other Process.
5. Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers.
(a) Service: When Required.
(b) Same: How Made.
(c) Same: Numerous Defendants.
(d) Filing: When Required.
(e) Filing with the Court Defined.
(f) Filing of Summons and Complaint by Mail.
(g) Proof of Service.
(h) Filings Containing Business Proprietary
Information in an Action Described in 28
U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(i) Electronic Filing.
6. Time.
(a) Computation.
(b) Extension.
(c) Additional Time After Service by Mail.
TITLE III - PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
7. Pleadings Allowed; Consultation; Oral Argument;
Response Time; Show Cause Order; Form of Motions.
(a) Pleadings.
(b) Motions; Consultation.
(c) Oral Argument.
(d) Time to Respond.
(e) Order to Show Cause.
(f) Form of Motions and Other Papers.
(g) Dispositive Motions Defined.
8. General Rules of Pleading.
(a) Claims for Relief.
(b) New Grounds.
(c) Defenses; Form of Denials.
(d) Affirmative Defenses.
(e) Effect of Failure to Deny.
(f) Pleading To Be Concise and Direct; Consistency.
(g) Construction of Pleadings.
9. Pleading Special Matters.
(a) Capacity.
(b) Fraud, Mistake, Condition of the Mind.
(c) Conditions Precedent.
(d) Official Document or Act.
(e) Judgment.
(f) Time and Place.
(g) Special Damage.
10. Form of Pleadings.
(a) Caption; Names of Parties.
(b) Paragraphs; Separate Statements.
(c) Adoption by Reference; Exhibits.
11. Signing of Pleadings, Motions and Other Papers;
Sanctions.
(a) Signature.
(b) Representation To Court.
(c) Sanctions.
(d) Inapplicability to Discovery.
12. Defenses and Objections; When and How Presented; By
Pleading or Motion; Motion for Judgment on the
Pleadings.
(a) When Presented.
(b) How Presented.
(c) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings.
(d) Preliminary Hearings.
(e) Motion for More Definite Statement.
(f) Motion to Strike.
(g) Consolidation of Defenses in Motion.
(h) Waiver or Preservation of Certain Defenses.
13. Counterclaim and Cross-Claim.
(a) Counterclaims.
(b) Counterclaim Exceeding Opposing Claim.
(c) Counterclaim Against the United States.
(d) Counterclaim Maturing or Acquired After
Pleading.
(e) Omitted Counterclaim.
(f) Cross-Claim Against Co-Party.
(g) Joinder of Additional Parties.
(h) Separate Trials - Separate Judgments.
(i) Demand for a Complaint.
14. Third-Party Practice.
(a) When Defendant May Bring in Third Party.
(b) When Plaintiff May Bring in Third Party.
15. Amended and Supplemental Pleadings.
(a) Amendments.
(b) Amendments To Conform to the Evidence.
(c) Relation Back of Amendments.
(d) Supplemental Pleadings.
16. Postassignment Conferences; Scheduling; Management.
(a) Postassignment Conferences; Objectives.
(b) Scheduling and Planning.
(c) Subjects to be Discussed at Postassignment
Conferences.
(d) Final Postassignment Conference.
(e) Orders.
(f) Sanctions.
TITLE IV - PARTIES
17. Parties Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity.
(a) Real Party in Interest.
(b) Capacity To Sue or Be Sued.
(c) Infants or Incompetent Persons.
18. Joinder of Claims and Remedies.
(a) Joinder of Claims.
(b) Joinder of Remedies.
19. Joinder of Persons Needed for Just Adjudication.
(a) Persons To Be Joined if Feasible.
(b) Determination by Court Whenever Joinder Not
Feasible.
(c) Pleading Reasons for Nonjoinder.
(d) Exception of Class Actions.
20. Permissive Joinder of Parties.
(a) Permissive Joinder.
(b) Separate Trials.
21. Misjoinder and Non-joinder of Parties.
22. [Reserved.]
23. Class Actions.
(a) Prerequisites to a Class Action.
(b) Class Actions Maintainable.
(c) Determination by Order Whether Class Action To
Be Maintained - Notice - Judgment - Actions
Conducted Partially as Class Actions.
(d) Orders in Conduct of Actions.
(e) Dismissal or Compromise.
23.1. Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations.
24. Intervention.
(a) Intervention of Right.
(b) Permissive Intervention.
(c) Procedure.
25. Substitution of Parties.
(a) Death.
(b) Incompetency.
(c) Transfer of Interest.
(d) Public Officers; Death or Separation From
Office.
TITLE V - DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY
26. General Provisions Governing Discovery; Duty of
Disclosure.
(a) Required Disclosures; Methods to Discover
Additional Matter.
(b) Discovery Scope and Limits.
(c) Protective Orders.
(d) Timing and Sequence of Discovery.
(e) Supplementation of Disclosures and Responses.
(f) Conference of Parties; Planning for Discovery.
(g) Signing of Disclosures, Discovery Requests,
Responses, and Objections.
(h) Costs.
27. Depositions Before Action or Pending Appeal.
(a) Before Action.
(b) Pending Appeal.
(c) Perpetuation by Action.
28. Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken.
(a) Within the United States.
(b) In Foreign Countries.
(c) Disqualification for Interest.
29. Stipulations Regarding Discovery Procedure.
30. Depositions Upon Oral Examination.
(a) When Depositions May Be Taken; When Leave
Required.
(b) Notice of Examination: General Requirements;
Method of Recording; Production of Documents
and Things; Deposition of Organization;
Deposition by Telephone.
(c) Examination and Cross-Examination; Record of
Examination; Oath; Objections.
(d) Schedule and Duration; Motion to Terminate or
Limit Examination.
(e) Review by Witness; Changes; Signing.
(f) Certification and Delivery by Officer;
Exhibits; Copies.
(g) Failure to Attend or to Serve Subpoena;
Expenses.
31. Deposition Upon Written Questions.
(a) Serving Questions; Notice.
(b) Officer To Take Responses and Prepare Record.
(c) Notice of Filing.
32. Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings.
(a) Use of Depositions.
(b) Objections to Admissibility.
(c) Form of Presentation.
(d) Effect of Errors and Irregularities in
Depositions.
33. Interrogatories to Parties.
(a) Availability.
(b) Answers and Objections.
(c) Scope: Use at Trial.
(d) Option To Produce Business Records.
34. Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land
for Inspection and Other Purposes.
(a) Scope.
(b) Procedure.
(c) Persons Not Parties.
35. Physical and Mental Examinations of Persons.
(a) Order for Examination.
(b) Report of Examiner.
36. Requests for Admission.
(a) Request for Admission.
(b) Effect of Admission.
37. Failure To Make Disclosure or Cooperate in Discovery;
Sanctions.
(a) Motion for Order Compelling Disclosure or
Discovery.
(b) Failure To Comply With Order: Sanctions.
(c) Failure to Disclose; False or Misleading
Disclosure; Refusal to Admit.
(d) Failure of Party To Attend at Own Deposition or
Serve Answers to Interrogatories or Respond to
Request for Inspection.
(e) [Abrogated.]
(f) Failure to Participate in the Framing of a
Discovery Plan.
TITLE VI - TRIALS
38. Jury Trial of Right.
(a) Right Preserved.
(b) Demand.
(c) Demand; Specification of Issues.
(d) Waiver.
39. Trial by Jury or by the Court.
(a) By Jury.
(b) By the Court.
(c) Advisory Jury and Trial by Consent.
40. Request for Trial.
(a) Request.
(b) Designation.
(c) Premarking Exhibits.
41. Dismissal of Actions.
(a) Voluntary Dismissal; Effect Thereof.
(b) Involuntary Dismissal; Effect Thereof.
(c) Dismissal of Counterclaim, Cross-Claim, or
Third-Party Claim.
(d) Costs of Previously Dismissed Action.
42. Consolidation; Separate Trials.
(a) Consolidation.
(b) Separate Trials.
43. Taking of Testimony.
(a) Form.
(b) Affirmation in Lieu of Oath.
(c) Evidence on Motions.
(d) Interpreters.
(e) Documents Specially Admissible.
44. Proof of Official Record.
(a) Authentication.
(b) Lack of Record.
(c) Other Proof.
44.1. Determination of Foreign Law.
45. Subpoena.
(a) Form; Issuance.
(b) Service.
(c) Protection of Persons Subject to Subpoenas.
(d) Duties in Responding to Subpoena.
(e) Contempt.
46. Exceptions Unnecessary.
47. Jurors.
(a) Examination of Jurors.
(b) Peremptory Challenges.
(c) Excuse.
48. Number of Jurors - Participation in Verdict.
49. Special Verdicts and Interrogatories.
(a) Special Verdicts.
(b) General Verdict Accompanied by Answer to
Interrogatories.
50. Judgment as a Matter of Law in Actions Tried by Jury;
Alternative Motion for New Trial; Conditional Rulings
(a) Judgment as a Matter of Law.
(b) Renewal of Motion for Judgment After Trial;
Alternative Motion for New Trial.
(c) Same; Conditional Rulings on Grant of Motion
for Judgment as a Matter of Law.
(d) Same; Denial of Motion for Judgment as a Matter
of Law.
51. Instructions to Jury; Objection.
52. Findings by the Court; Judgment on Partial Findings.
(a) Effect.
(b) Amendment.
(c) Judgment on Partial Findings.
53. Masters.
(a) Appointment and Compensation.
(b) Reference.
(c) Powers.
(d) Proceedings.
(e) Report.
TITLE VII - JUDGMENT
54. Judgments.
(a) Definition - Form.
(b) Judgment Upon Multiple Claims or Involving
Multiple Parties.
(c) Demand for Judgment.
(d) Attorney's Fees.
55. Default.
(a) Entry.
(b) Judgment.
(c) Setting Aside Default.
(d) Plaintiffs, Counterclaimants, Cross-Claimants.
(e) Judgment Against the United States.
56. Summary Judgment.
(a) For Claimant.
(b) For Defending Party.
(c) Motion and Proceedings Thereon.
(d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion.
(e) Form of Affidavits - Further Testimony -
Defense Required.
(f) When Affidavits Are Unavailable.
(g) Affidavits Made in Bad Faith.
(h) Annexation of Statement.
56.1. Judgment Upon an Agency Record for an Action Other
Than That Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(a) Motion for Judgment.
(b) Cross-Motions.
(c) Briefs.
(d) Time to Respond.
(e) Hearing.
(f) Partial Judgment.
56.2 Judgment upon an Agency Record for an Action Described
in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(a) Proposed Briefing Schedule and Joint Status
Report.
(b) Cross-Motions.
(c) Briefs.
(d) Time to Respond.
(e) Hearing.
(f) Partial Judgment.
(g) Voluntary Dismissal - Time Limitation.
57. Declaratory Judgments.
58. Entry of Judgment, Decree or Final Order.
58.1. Stipulated Judgment on Agreed Statement of Facts -
General Requirements.
59. New Trials; Rehearings; Amendment of Judgments.
(a) Grounds.
(b) Time for Motion.
(c) Time for Serving Affidavits.
(d) On Court's Initiative.
(e) Motion To Alter or Amend a Judgment.
60. Relief From Judgment or Order.
(a) Clerical Mistakes.
(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect;
Newly Discovered Evidence; Fraud, Etc.
61. Harmless Error.
62. Stay of Proceedings To Enforce a Judgment.
(a) Automatic Stay - Exceptions - Injunctions.
(b) Stay on Motion for New Trial or Rehearing, or
for Judgment.
(c) Injunction Pending Appeal.
(d) Stay Upon Appeal.
(e) Stay in Favor of the United States or Agency
Thereof.
(f) Stay According to State Law.
(g) Stay of Judgment as to Multiple Claims or
Multiple Parties.
TITLE VIII - PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
63. Contempt.
64. Seizure of Person or Property.
65. Injunctions.
(a) Preliminary Injunction.
(b) Temporary Restraining Order; Notice; Hearing;
Duration.
(c) Security.
(d) Form and Scope of Injunction or Restraining
Order.
65.1. Security; Proceedings Against Sureties.
66. Receivers Appointed by Federal Courts.
67. Deposit in Court.
67.1. Deposit in Court Pursuant to Rule 67.
(a) Order for Deposit - Interest Bearing Account.
(b) Orders Directing Investment of Funds by Clerk.
68. Attorney's Fees and Expenses.
(a) Time for Filing.
(b) Content of Application.
(c) Response and Reply.
69. Execution.
(a) In General.
(b) Against Certain Public Officers.
TITLE IX - FILING OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
70. Documents in an Action Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec.
1581(a) or (b).
71. Documents in an Action Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec.
1581(c) or (f).
(a) Actions Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(b) Alternative Procedure in an Action Described in
28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(c) Confidential or Privileged Information in an
Action Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
(d) Documents in an Action Described in 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 1581(f).
(e) Documents Filed - Copies.
(f) Filing of the Record With the Clerk of the
Court - What Constitutes.
72. Documents in All Other Actions Based Upon the Agency
Record.
(a) Documents Furnished in All Other Actions Based
Upon the Agency Record.
(b) Stipulations.
(c) Documents Filed - Copies.
73. Time for Filing Documents - Notice of Filing.
(a) Time.
(b) Notice.
TITLE X - ATTORNEYS
74. Admission to Practice.
(a) Qualifications.
(b) Procedure.
(c) Admission of Foreign Attorneys.
(d) Pro Hac Vice Applications.
(e) Disbarment or Other Disciplinary Action.
75. Practice - Appearance - Substitution of Attorneys -
Withdrawal of Attorney - Notification of Changes.
(a) Practice.
(b) Appearances.
(c) Substitution of Attorneys.
(d) Withdrawal of Attorney.
(e) Notification of Changes.
76. Amicus Curiae.
TITLE XI - THE COURT AND CLERK
77. Sessions of the Court.
(a) Court Always Open.
(b) Trials and Proceedings; Orders in Chambers.
(c) Place of Trials or Hearings.
(d) Photography, Tape Recording and Broadcasting.
(e) Assignment and Reassignment of Actions.
(f) Judge and Court; Defined.
77.1. Judicial Conference.
(a) Purpose.
(b) Composition.
(c) Registration Fee.
78. Motion Part.
(a) Motion Part - Establishment.
(b) Motion Part - Referral.
(c) Motion Part - Emergency Matters.
79. Books and Records Kept by the Clerk and Entries
Therein.
(a) Civil Docket.
(b) Judgments and Orders.
(c) Notice of Orders or Judgments.
80. Papers, Exhibits and Other Material.
(a) Custody and Control.
(b) Inspection.
(c) Withdrawal.
(d) Return and Removal.
(e) Reporting of Proceedings.
(f) Transcript of Proceedings.
(g) Fees.
81. Papers Filed; Conformity; Form, Size, Copies.
(a) Conformity Required.
(b) Means of Production.
(c) Caption and Signing.
(d) Numbering of Pages.
(e) Designation of Originals.
(f) Pleadings and Other Papers.
(g) Status of Action.
(h) Confidential Information.
(i) Briefs - Trial and Pretrial Memoranda.
(j) Content - Moving Party's Brief.
(k) Content - Respondent's Brief.
(l) Content - Reply Brief.
(m) General.
82. Clerk's Office and Orders by the Clerk.
(a) Business Hours and Address.
(b) Motions, Orders and Judgments.
(c) Clerk - Definition.
82.1. Judge's Directive.
TITLE XII - COURT CALENDARS
83. Reserve Calendar.
(a) Reserve Calendar.
(b) Removal.
(c) Dismissal for Lack of Prosecution.
(d) Extension of Time.
84. Suspension Calendar.
(a) Suspension Calendar.
(b) Test Case Defined.
(c) Motion for Test Case Designation.
(d) Suspension Criteria.
(e) Motion for Suspension.
(f) Time.
(g) Effect of Suspension.
(h) Removal From Suspension.
85. Suspension Disposition Calendar.
(a) Suspension Disposition Calendar.
(b) Time - Notice.
(c) Removal.
(d) Dismissal for Lack of Prosecution.
(e) Extension of Time.
86. [Reserved.]
87. Forms.
88. Title.
89. Effective Date.
(a) Effective Date of Original Rules.
(b) Effective Date of Amendments.
(c) Effective Date of Amendments.
(d) Effective Date of Amendments.
(e) Effective Date of Amendments.
(f) Effective Date of Amendments.
(g) Effective Date of Amendments.
(h) Effective Date of Amendments.
(i) Effective Date of Amendments.
(j) Effective Date of Amendments.
(k) Effective Date of Amendments.
(l) Effective Date of Amendments.
(m) Effective Date of Amendments.
(n) Effective Date of Amendment.
(o) Effective Date of Amendments.
(p) Effective Date of Amendments.
(q) Effective Date of Amendments.
(r) Effective Date of Amendments.
(s) Effective Date of Amendments.
(t) Effective Date of Amendments.
(u) Effective Date of Amendments.
(v) Effective Date of Amendments.
APPENDIX OF FORMS
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE
FORM OF ACTION 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE FORM OF ACTION
-HEAD-
TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE FORM OF ACTION
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 1 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE FORM OF ACTION
-HEAD-
Rule 1. Scope of Rules
-STATUTE-
These rules govern the procedure in the United States Court of
International Trade. They shall be construed and administered to
secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every
action. When a procedural question arises which is not covered by
these rules, the court may prescribe the procedure to be followed
in any manner not inconsistent with these rules. The court may
refer for guidance to the rules of other courts. The rules shall
not be construed to extend or limit the jurisdiction of the court.
-SOURCE-
(As amended Oct. 3, 1984, eff. Jan. 1, 1985; Oct. 5, 1994, eff.
Jan. 1, 1995.)
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX Rule 2 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE I - SCOPE OF RULES - ONE FORM OF ACTION
-HEAD-
Rule 2. One Form of Action
-STATUTE-
There shall be one form of action to be known as a "civil
action." (!1)
-FOOTNOTE-
(!1) Designation of Certain Pre-October 1, 1970 Actions. The
following designations shall apply to actions arising prior to
October 1, 1970: (1) Appeal for Reappraisement: An action
arising pursuant to section 501 or 516(a) of the Tariff Act of
1930 [19 U.S.C. 1501 or 1516], as effective prior to October
1, 1970, and forwarded to the court pursuant to section 501 or
516(c) of said Act, shall be known as an appeal for
reappraisement. (2) Protest: An action arising pursuant to
section 514 or 516(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930 [19 U.S.C.
1514 or 1516], as effective prior to October 1, 1970, and
forwarded to the court pursuant to section 515 or 516(c) of
that Act [19 U.S.C. 1515 or 1516] shall be known as a protest.
-End-
-CITE-
28 USC APPENDIX TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF
ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS;
SERVICE OF SUMMONS, PLEADINGS,
MOTIONS AND ORDERS 01/06/03
-EXPCITE-
TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS; SERVICE OF
SUMMONS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS AND ORDERS
-HEAD-
TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS; SERVICE OF
SUMMONS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS AND ORDERS
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 3 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS; SERVICE OF
SUMMONS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS AND ORDERS
-HEAD-
Rule 3. Commencement of Action
-STATUTE-
(a) Commencement. A civil action is commenced by filing with the
clerk of the court:
(1) A summons in an action described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(a) or
(b);
(2) A summons, and within 30 days thereafter a complaint, in an
action described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c) to contest a
determination listed in section 516A(a)(2) or (3) of the Tariff Act
of 1930; or
(3) A summons and complaint concurrently in all other actions.
(b) Filing Fee. When an action is commenced, a $150 filing fee
shall be paid to the clerk of the court, except that
(1) a $120 filing fee shall be paid when the action is one
described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(a), and
(2) a $25 filing fee shall be paid when the action is one
described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(d)(1).
(c) Complaint Fee. When a complaint is filed in an action
described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(a), a $30 fee shall be paid to the
clerk of the court.
(d) Information Statement. When an action is commenced, the party
commencing the action shall file the original and a sufficient
number of copies for service (when service is to be made by the
Office of the Clerk) of a completed Information Statement on the
form shown in Form 5 in the Appendix of Forms.
(e) Amendment of Summons. The court may allow a summons to be
amended at any time, in its discretion and upon such terms as it
deems just, unless it clearly appears that material prejudice would
result to the substantial rights of the party against whom the
amendment is allowed.
(f) Notice to Interested Parties. In an action described in 28
U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c), the plaintiff, as provided in section 516A(d)
of the Tariff Act of 1930, shall notify every interested party who
was a party to the administrative proceeding of the commencement of
the action, by mailing a copy of the summons at the time the action
is commenced, or promptly thereafter, by certified or registered
mail, return receipt requested, to each such party at the address
last known in the administrative proceeding.
Upon filing of a complaint in an action described in 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 1581(c), the plaintiff shall promptly serve a copy of the
complaint, by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, on every interested party who was a party to the
administrative proceeding at the address last known in that
proceeding.
(g) Precedence of Action. Unless the court, upon motion for good
cause or upon its own initiative, determines otherwise in a
particular action, the following actions shall be given precedence,
in the following order, over other actions pending before the
court, and expedited in every way:
(1) An action seeking temporary or preliminary injunctive relief;
(2) An action involving the exclusion of perishable merchandise
or the redelivery of such merchandise;
(3) An action described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c) to contest a
determination under section 516A of the Tariff Act of 1930;
(4) An action described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(a) to contest the
denial of a protest, in whole or in part, under section 515 of the
Tariff Act of 1930, involving the exclusion or redelivery of
merchandise;
(5) An action described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(b) to contest a
decision of the Secretary of the Treasury under section 516 of the
Tariff Act of 1930.
(h) Special Rule for Actions Described in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c).
When an action is commenced under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c) to contest
a determination listed in section 516A(a)(2) or (3) of the Tariff
Act of 1930 by the administering authority and such a determination
by the Commission, a party shall file a separate summons and
complaint with respect to each agency. Also, in an action described
in 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c), when the plaintiff files the summons,
attorneys for the plaintiff are required to comply with the
procedures set forth in Rule 71(c) by filing of a Business
Proprietary Information Certification where appropriate.
(i) Disclosure Statement. A disclosure statement as provided by
Form 13 shall be filed by every party to an action, including
parties seeking or permitted to intervene, and for each amicus
curiae. The disclosure statement must be filed with the entry of
appearance (or with the summons if no separate notice of appearance
is required). If any of the information required changes after the
disclosure statement is filed, and before a final judgment is
issued, the party or amicus curiae must promptly file an amended
disclosure statement.
-SOURCE-
(As amended Nov. 4, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; July 21, 1986, eff.
Oct. 1, 1986; Dec. 3, 1986, eff. Mar. 1, 1987; Sept. 25, 1992, eff.
Jan. 1, 1993; Nov. 29, 1995, eff. Mar. 31, 1996; Aug. 29, 1997,
eff. Nov. 1, 1997; May 27, 1998, eff. Sept. 1, 1998; Jan. 25, 2000,
eff. May 1, 2000; Aug. 29, 2000, eff. Jan. 1, 2001; Dec. 18, 2001,
eff. Apr. 1, 2002.)
-MISC1-
PRACTICE COMMENT
For the appropriate summons form and number of copies to be
filed, refer to Forms 1 to 4 of the Appendix of Forms. Information
Statement forms, as shown in Form 5, are available upon request
from the office of the clerk.
As prescribed by Rule 5(e), a summons or a summons and complaint
may be filed by delivery or by mailing. The filing is completed
when received, except that when the method of mailing prescribed by
Rule 5(g) is used, the summons or summons and complaint are deemed
filed as of the date of mailing.
Internal inconsistencies exist within the provisions of the
Customs Courts Act of 1980 with respect to the method of commencing
two kinds of actions. The two kinds are described in 28 U.S.C. Sec.
1581(d), adjustment assistance actions, and 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(g),
customhouse broker license actions. Both of these are included
among those actions which are, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2632(a),
to be commenced by filing concurrently a summons and complaint with
the clerk of the court as prescribed by the rules of the court. The
rules of the court require the plaintiff to cause concurrent
service of the summons and complaint to be made. (See Rules 3(a)
and 4(b)).
The inconsistency pertaining to adjustment assistance actions
appears in 19 U.S.C. Sec. 2395, which requires the clerk of the
court, instead of the plaintiff, to serve a copy of the summons and
complaint upon the Secretary of Labor or Secretary of Commerce as
the case may be. The inconsistency pertaining to customhouse broker
license actions appears in 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1641(b), which provides
that an action is commenced by filing "a written petition" in the
court and further provides that a copy of the petition is to be
"transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Secretary of the
Treasury. . . ."
Until such time as the matter is resolved, the preferred
procedure to achieve uniformity and consistency and to minimize the
ambiguity created by these inconsistent statutory provisions is to
follow the provisions in Title 28. (In one unreported case, James
A. Barnhart v. United States, Court No. 81-3-00328, the court
directed plaintiff to comply with the requirements of 28 U.S.C.
Sec. 2632(a) by filing a summons and complaint notwithstanding the
fact that plaintiff had complied with the requirements of 19 U.S.C.
Sec. 1641(b) by filing a petition.)
As provided in Section 516A(a)(2) and (3) of the Tariff Act of
1930, a complaint shall be filed within 30 days after the filing of
the summons. See Georgetown Steel v. United States, 801 F.2d 1308
(Fed. Cir. 1986).
Nevertheless, counsel are encouraged to commence any action
described in Section 516A(a)(2) or (3) of the Tariff Act of 1930
and 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c) by the concurrent filing of a summons
and complaint. This will serve to expedite the prosecution of the
action.
When an action is commenced, counsel should contact the Clerk's
Office not more than 24 hours prior to filing to obtain a court
number and shall endorse that court number on the summons and
complaint. Counsel for plaintiff shall be responsible for service
of the summons and complaint as prescribed in Rules 4(b), (c), (d)
and (e). Under these circumstances, the clerk of the court will not
make service of the summons as prescribed in Rule 4(a)(4).
Although this rule requires that the two agencies subject to suit
under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1581(c) are in the first instance the subject
of separate summonses and complaints, it does not prohibit
consolidation of actions against the two agencies upon an adequate
showing of grounds for consolidation.
A party seeking to commence judicial review of an antidumping,
countervailing duty, or injury determination regarding a class or
kind of merchandise from a signatory to the North American Free
Trade Agreement should be aware of the additional notice
requirements of 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(3) and (4) and the separate
filing requirements of 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(a)(5).
-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
Sections 515, 516, and 516A of the Tariff Act of 1930, referred
to in subds. (a)(2), (e), (f)(3) to (5), and (h), are classified to
sections 1515, 1516, 1516a, respectively, of Title 19, Customs
Duties.
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28 USC APPENDIX Rule 3.1 01/06/03
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TITLE 28 - APPENDIX
RULES OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
TITLE II - COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; AMENDMENT OF SUMMONS; SERVICE OF
SUMMONS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS AND ORDERS
-HEAD-
Rule 3.1. Actions Transferred to the Court of International Trade
from a Binational Panel or Committee Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12)(B) or (D)
-STATUTE-
(a) Filing of Request for Transfer.
(1) A copy of the request for transfer to the court under 19
U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(12)(B) or (D) shall be filed with the clerk of
the court simultaneously with the filing of the request for
transfer with the United States Secretary (as defined in 19 U.S.C.
Sec. 1516a(f)(6)).
(2) When the filing of the request for transfer is made by mail,
the mailing shall be by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested, properly addressed to the clerk of the court,
with the proper postage affixed.
(b) Notice to Interested Parties. On the same day as the filing
of a request for transfer, the party requesting transfer shall
serve a copy of the request, by certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested, upon every interested party who was a
party to the panel or committee review, except if the time period
for filing the Notice of Appearance under NAFTA Article 1904 Panel
Rule 40 or NAFTA Extraordinary Challenge Committee Rule 40 has not
expired, then service shall be upon every interested party who was
a party to the administrative proceeding.
(c) Intervention of Right.
(1) In an action transferred to the court under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12), any person who filed a Notice of Appearance under
NAFTA Article 1904 Panel Rule 40 or NAFTA Extraordinary Challenge
Committee Rule 40 shall be deemed an intervenor in the action if
otherwise entitled to intervene as of right under Rule 24 of these
rules.
(2) In an action transferred to the court under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12) in which a complaint or a Request for an Extraordinary
Challenge Committee was filed under NAFTA Article 1904 Panel Rule
39 or NAFTA Extraordinary Challenge Committee Rule 5 and in which
the time for filing a Notice of Appearance under NAFTA Article 1904
Panel Rule 40 or NAFTA Extraordinary Challenge Committee Rule 40
has not expired, anyone otherwise entitled to intervene under Rule
24 of these rules shall be permitted to intervene. A motion to
intervene shall be filed within the amount of unexpired time that
remained for filing a Notice of Appearance in the panel or
committee proceedings, or 10 days after the date of filing of the
request for transfer, whichever is later. Any time periods in which
the panel or committee proceedings were stayed shall not be counted
in computing the time for filing a motion to intervene.
(d) Documents in an Action Transferred Under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12).
(1) Within 30 days after the date of filing of the request for
transfer, the United States Secretary shall transfer to the clerk
of the court copies of all documents filed in the binational panel
review or extraordinary challenge committee review and of all
orders and decisions issued by the panel or committee.
(2) If the request for transfer is filed before the Record for
Review under NAFTA Article 1904 Panel Rule 41 is filed, the
administering authority or the International Trade Commission
shall, within 40 days after the date of filing of the request for
transfer, file with the clerk of the court the items described in
either subdivision (a) or (b) of Rule 71 of these rules.
(3) The transfer and filing of documents under paragraphs (1) and
(2) of this subdivision (d) shall be in accordance with subdivision
(c) of Rule 71 of these rules. Any documents that were filed under
seal pursuant to NAFTA Article 1904 Panel Rule 56 or NAFTA
Extraordinary Challenge Committee Rule 30 shall be treated in the
same manner as a document, comment, or information that is accorded
confidential or privileged status by the agency whose action is
being contested.
(e) Pleadings. Notwithstanding Rule 7(a) of these rules, in an
action transferred to the court under 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(12)
in which the plaintiff has filed a complaint under NAFTA Article
1904 Panel Rule 39, the plaintiff shall not file a new complaint in
the action before the court, except that
(1) if the time for amending a complaint in the panel proceedings
had not expired or was stayed prior to the filing of the request
for transfer, the plaintiff may file an amended complaint within
the additional time that remained for filing an amended complaint
in the panel proceedings, and
(2) in all actions, the plaintiff may amend the complaint within
10 days of the date of filing of the request for transfer to allege
counts or requests for relief that could not have been alleged
before the panel.
(f) Additional Provisions Governing Judgment Upon an Agency
Record.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the
provisions of Rule 56.2 of these rules shall govern actions
transferred under 19 U.S.C. Sec. 1516a(g)(12).
(2) In an action transferred to the court under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12) in which a complaint was filed under NAFTA Article
1904 Panel Rule 39, any proposed judicial protective order shall be
filed within 21 days after the date of filing of the request for
transfer. The procedure for filing the proposed judicial protective
order shall be in accordance with Rule 56.2(a) of these rules.
(3) In an action transferred to the court under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12), the proposed briefing schedule filed under Rule
56.2(a) of these rules shall indicate whether briefs were filed in
the panel or extraordinary challenge committee proceedings.
(A) If briefs were filed in the panel or extraordinary
challenge committee proceedings, the proposed briefing schedule
shall indicate whether the parties (i) agree that those briefs
should be deemed the equivalent of the motion and briefs provided
for in Rule 56.2(d) of these rules, (ii) see any reason for the
filing of additional briefs, and (iii) agree to time periods for
filing any additional briefs.
(B) If briefs were not filed in the panel or extraordinary
challenge proceedings, or if the briefs were filed but the
parties agree that new briefs should be filed in the court, the
proposed briefing schedule shall indicate whether the parties (i)
agree to the time periods set forth in Rule 56.2(d) of these
rules, (ii) agree to time periods other than the periods set
forth in Rule 56.2(d) of these rules, or (iii) cannot agree upon
a time period. If the parties agree that new briefs should be
filed, the proposed briefing schedule shall indicate the parties'
views as to whether any briefs originally submitted to the panel
or extraordinary challenge committee should be stricken from the
record.
In the event the parties cannot agree upon any of the matters
covered by subparagraphs (A) and (B), the parties shall indicate
the areas of disagreement and shall set forth the reasons for their
respective positions.
(g) Applicability of Other Court Rules. Unless a provision of
this rule or an order of the court otherwise provides, the rules of
this court shall govern actions transferred under 19 U.S.C. Sec.
1516a(g)(12).
-SOURCE-
(Added Nov. 29, 1995, eff. Mar. 31, 1996.)
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Enviado por: | El remitente no desea revelar su nombre |
Idioma: | inglés |
País: | Estados Unidos |