Case management and delay reduction-statement of general principles

(a) Elimination of all unnecessary delays

Trial courts should be guided by the general principle that from the commencement of litigation to its resolution, whether by trial or settlement, any elapsed time other than reasonably required for pleadings, discovery, preparation, and court events is unacceptable and should be eliminated.

(b) Court responsible for the pace of litigation

To enable the just and efficient resolution of cases, the court, not the lawyers or litigants, should control the pace of litigation. A strong judicial commitment is essential to reducing delay and, once achieved, maintaining a current docket.

(c) Presiding judge's role

The presiding judge of each court should take an active role in advancing the goals of delay reduction and in formulating and implementing local rules and procedures to accomplish the following:

(1) The expeditious and timely resolution of cases, after full and careful consideration consistent with the ends of justice;

(2) The identification and elimination of local rules, forms, practices, and procedures that are obstacles to delay reduction, are inconsistent with statewide case management rules, or prevent the court from effectively managing its cases;

(3) The formulation and implementation of a system of tracking cases from filing to disposition; and

(4) The training of judges and nonjudicial administrative personnel in delay reduction rules and procedures adopted in the local jurisdiction.