NCJ Number
122692
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 76 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 70-74
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
On January 1, 1990, rules revising the procedural rules of the U.S. Supreme Court became effective. The revised rules appear at 127 F.R.D. 547.
Abstract
The revised rules represent the first time in ten years that the Supreme Court has revised its rules. The revisions conform the Court's rules with those of lower Federal courts and reflect practices already in operation at the Court. The Court has provided no background or commentary for the new rules, making it necessary for lawyers who practice before the Court to rely on the plain language of the rules for interpretation. Specific procedures affected by the changes in the rules include written filings, filing, timeliness and corporate disclosure, certiorari, appeals, amicus briefs, original jurisdiction and extraordinary writs, motions and applications, oral arguments, in forma pauperis cases, fees and costs, court term, and attorney discipline and sanctions. The new rules took effect only three weeks after their issuance, making it difficult for counsel to become familiar with them. In the future, the Court should provide a period of 60 to 90 days' advance notice for any new procedural rules or changes in existing rules.