Local court rules, or “local rules,” are rules that most states allow each local authority within the state to establish for their particular geographic area (e.g. Alaska is divided into boroughs, Louisiana is divided into parishes, but most states are divided into smaller geographical units referred to as counties).
The Indiana Supreme Court, like the highest courts in most states, allows counties of the state of Indiana to establish rules for their particular county. All local court rules that apply in an Indiana county must comply with all state of Indiana laws.
For example, if the state of Indiana laws require litigants to respond to a Motion for Summary Judgment within thirty (30) days of service of the motion upon them, the local rules of a particular county must require the same. However, the courts of each county might have additional rules that apply to Motions for Summary Judgment in that particular county. For example, Lake County, Indiana requires that the responding party file a Response to a Motion for Summary Judgment within thirty (30) days, in keeping with state law. However, Lake County, Indiana local rules add the requirement that the Motion for Summary Judgment and Response to Motion be accompanied by a separate supporting brief. One would not know that if they were not aware of the Lake County local rules. This is why making sure that your filings comply with local rules, as well as state laws, is important.
When considering a legal action, one should always check the local rules of the county in which they are filing a legal action to make sure that they are complying with not only state of Indiana law, but with the applicable local court rules.
Our Indiana attorneys are happy to schedule a consultation with you regarding your civil litigation case. Our Indianapolis contact information is:
- 22 E. Washington St., Ste. 210A Indianapolis, IN 46204
- (463) 888-9054
- indianapolis.in@oflaherty-law.com
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