The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which have been adopted by most states in one form or another.
Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides in part as follows:
(a) Purposes of a Pretrial Conference. In any action, the court may order the attorneys and any unrepresented parties to appear for one or more pretrial conferences for such purposes as:
(1) expediting 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 the trial through more thorough preparation, and;
(5) facilitating settlement.
The Wyoming General Form of Pretrial Order is a legal document that outlines and organizes the proceedings and expectations for a trial in the state of Wyoming. This order serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the parties involved, ensuring a smooth and efficient trial process. Compliance with this form is mandatory, and it outlines specific requirements and deadlines that must be followed. The Wyoming General Form of Pretrial Order encompasses various essential components crucial for the successful resolution of a case. It details the identification and contact information of the parties involved, including the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s). Additionally, it includes the names and addresses of the respective attorneys representing each party. One important aspect covered in the Wyoming General Form of Pretrial Order is the statement of case, where the plaintiff(s) clearly lay out the nature of the claim(s) being made, while the defendant(s) provide their responses. This section includes a concise summary of the facts, legal arguments, and relevant laws that will be discussed during the trial. Furthermore, the order outlines the incontrovertible deadlines for evidence disclosure. This ensures that both parties have ample time to prepare their cases and prevents any last-minute surprises. The document specifies the timelines for exchanging witness lists, expert reports, and any other documents that will be presented as evidence. The Wyoming General Form of Pretrial Order also includes provisions for defining applicable legal issues and identifying specific legal claims. It allows the parties to raise any preliminary objections or motions regarding the admissibility of evidence or dismissal of the case. These legal issues, motions, and objections are crucial, as they help shape the course of the trial and ensure fairness. In addition to the general form of the pretrial order, Wyoming may have specific versions tailored to different types of cases to better address their unique requirements. For instance, there may be separate forms for civil, criminal, family law, or small claims cases. Each variant will have certain specific instructions and sections pertinent to that particular case type, aligning with the respective laws governing them. Overall, the Wyoming General Form of Pretrial Order provides structure and organization to the trial process, promoting efficiency and fairness. It helps the parties anticipate and address potential issues, allowing for a smoother proceeding and increasing the likelihood of a just resolution. Adhering to this order is essential for every attorney and party involved in a Wyoming trial to ensure compliance with the state's legal requirements.