Pleadings and Motions
Motion Practice
Local rules set page or word limits for motions, oppositions, and replies, with different limits for dispositive and non-dispositive motions. Leave to exceed must be sought in advance.
Some courts have converted to word limits.
Alternative Names:
Length Limits, Word Count Limits
Why it Matters?
Circumventing limits through single-spaced footnotes, condensed fonts, or attached appendices containing argument draws adverse reaction and occasionally striking. Requesting additional pages in advance is routinely granted where the request is reasonable and explained. Word limits, which several courts have adopted, close the formatting workarounds that page limits permitted and are worth checking since the conversion is recent in some districts.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How are limits circumvented improperly?
Is leave to exceed routinely granted?
