Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Commissioner William Cawthon

Specific Comments or Advice for Litigants

Specific Requirements or Preferences

• The email address for the division is JUC02@jbazmc.maricopa.gov and the phone number is 602-372-3135. Email communication: Staff may communicate with attorneys and their staff by email for scheduling purposes.  
Materials cannot be submitted to the Division without providing a copy to the other side, unless there is a basis for ex parte review.  
 
• For remote hearings, please join Teams by Video, whenever possible.  
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDk5MTMwZmMtYTZmZi00MDQyLThiODItMjEzN2E1MWIzOTgy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22f4ec30a8-c4dc-4db4-8164-dfee60f785e7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2297eff87b-a74a-4fbb-849c-ee1d001ab1b8%22%7d  
Call in: 1-917-781-4590  
Conference ID: 312 434 5#  
 
• Please be prompt. Please be mindful of the time set for the hearing, and be as brief as possible to allow all parties to be heard..  
 
• Delinquency hearings are typically conducted in person.  
 
• Adoptions and contested hearings are presumed to be in person; however, the Court will consider any request for a remote appearance or a virtual hearing.  
 

Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues

Motion Practice

• E-file all pleadings.  
 
• Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format. Do not use the heading "proposed" in your order. Do not use strikethrough format for the Orders - they should be in final form.  
 
• Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion, if at all possible.  

Other Pre-trial Practice Guidelines or Comments

• If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.  
 
• If you need continuance, contact the other party to see if you can file a Stipulation.  

Trial Practice and Protocol

Joint Pre-Trial Memo and/or Conference; Exhibits and Objections

• Parties should submit their exhibits according to the instructions on the Clerk of Court website at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov  
 
• Confer regarding stipulating to exhibits prior to the trial.  

Trial Practice and Procedure

• Counsel are generally free to move around the courtroom during trial, but should request permission to approach the witness.  
 
• Objections should be short and succinct. There are no speaking objections allowed. If the Court wants a response or further discussion, the Court will ask for it.  

Courtroom Etiquette

• The Court expects lawyers to treat each other, opposing parties, court staff and everyone with respect.  
 
• You are free to argue motions while sitting or standing and you are welcome to stay at counsel table.  
 
• Arrive on time.  
 
• Parties who appear virtually or in person are expected to be dressed appropriately for court. No hats are allowed in the courtroom.  
 
• Parties are prohibited from recording by audio or video any virtual or in person hearing.  
 
• Everyone is expected to be respectful and professional to staff members, parties, witnesses and opposing counsel.  
 
• During virtual hearings, please make sure your device is on mute when you are not speaking.  
 
• Please make sure every effort is made for parties and witnesses to appear via video during the hearing and not just by phone.