Objectives of Pre-Trial Procedure

Abstract

Pre-trial procedure in this country came into its own in 1938 with the adoption of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and its famous Rule 16. As the original notes to that rule point out, pre-trial had previously been in use in certain courts, notably in Detroit and Boston; and the results had been most promising. But it is clear that Rule 16 gave it wide appeal and is the basis for its present popular standing about the country. For that rule not only operates in the dozen or so jurisdictions which have adopted the Federal Rules essentially in toto and the like number which have accepted substantial portions, but it has been adopted separately in many other jurisdictions, including, too, purely local or metropolitan areas. It has been the most popular of all the Federal Rules.