The regular term of the court in each county shall be deemed to commence on January 1 of each calendar year, and shall be deemed to conclude on December 31 of the same calendar year. No order opening or closing such term shall be required.

   All correspondence with the court regarding pending litigation shall refer to the subject case by case title, number, and county, and a copy of such correspondence shall be mailed to opposing counsel or pro se party. If the correspondence necessitates the court's transmittal of papers, preaddressed stamped envelopes shall be enclosed.

   No stipulations of counsel shall be binding unless made in writing or upon the official record.

   A. Maintenance and Notice of the Motion Calendar.

   (1) In Scotts Bluff County, when any motion requiring a hearing is filed, it should contain a notice of hearing with a date, time, manner of hearing, and certificate of service. It shall be served by personal delivery or mail on all other parties to the case. A time of hearing shall be secured by contacting the office of the judge responsible for the case. If it is impossible to secure a time for hearing, the motion may be filed, but notice of hearing must be furnished promptly thereafter. Failure to secure and serve notice of a date for hearing within 10 days after filing a motion will be deemed an abandonment of the motion.

   (2) In all other counties within the district, the clerk or bailiff shall maintain a motion calendar for each judge assigned to a case plainly designating:

   (a) The case name and number,

   (b) Attorneys or pro se parties who have appeared in the case,

   (c) A description of the motion to be heard,

   (d) A space for the time and manner of hearing, and

   (e) Motions to set cases for trial or other noncontested motions may be accomplished by counsel directly contacting the judge responsible for the case rather than placing the matter on the motion calendar.

   The calendar shall be kept conspicuously posted in the office of the clerk or judge. It shall be mailed to attorneys, pro se parties, court reporters, and judges of the court at least 4 days before each motion day. Posting and mailing is sufficient notice of hearing where no different method of service is required by statute. If no valid appearance has been made for an adverse party, responsibility for giving notice of hearing to that party shall be upon the movant.

   B. Items Placed on the Motion Calendar.

   (1) Motions include all requests for an order of the court. The calendar shall include appeals, arraignments, applications for fees, applications for relief pendente lite, ex parte requests, hearings stipulated by counsel, and motions for summary judgment.

   (2) Applications for temporary relief in domestic relations cases shall be calendared for hearing on the motion day 3 days after filing. All other motion calendar items shall be heard on the first calendar that is scheduled 10 days after filing.

   (3) Hearings on motions for summary judgment shall be on the motion calendar scheduled at least 10 days after its service on an adverse party.

   (4) Appeals shall be placed on the next motion calendar after the bill of exceptions is filed in district court, where such a demand is made, otherwise the appeal shall be placed on the next motion calendar after the transcript is filed. Upon submission, the court will identify the record to be reviewed and consider times for submitting briefs and making oral arguments. In Scotts Bluff County, counsel shall notify the judge in chambers that the bill of exceptions has been filed and obtain a hearing date to submit the appeal.

   C. Submission of Motions.

   If oral argument is waived or the moving party fails to appear for a motion calendar item, the matter shall be considered submitted. Failure to furnish and serve a brief is not considered a confession of the party's position. If briefs are furnished and served, it should be done at least 3 days before the hearing.

   D. Telephonic or Videoconference Hearings.

   (1) All nonevidentiary hearings, and any evidentiary hearings approved by the district court and by stipulation of all parties that have filed an appearance, may be heard by the court telephonically or by videoconferencing or similar equipment at any location within the judicial district as ordered by the court and in a manner that ensures the preservation of an accurate record. Such hearings shall not include trials before a jury.

   (2) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all documentary evidence shall be submitted to the court at least 3 working days in advance of the hearing with copies to other counsel or pro se parties.

   (3) Initiation of Telephone Conference Call: The party requesting the telephone conference call shall be responsible for:

   (a) arranging the time for the conference call, with the clerk if scheduled for a motion day and with the judge if scheduled otherwise;

   (b) notifying all other parties who will participate in the conference call;

   (c) initiating the call promptly at the time scheduled and providing for all expenses of the call; and

   (d) utilizing appropriate equipment and systems to ensure that all persons participating have adequate sound quality and volume. If the court determines that the sound quality or volume is insufficient, the court may require the party initiating the call to utilize other means to complete the hearing by telephone.

   E. Time for Pleading Over. When any motion is ruled upon, the party required to plead further shall be allowed 10 days to further plead or 20 days to answer, unless given another time by the court.

   F. Continuance or Additional Time to Plead. In addition to the requirements set forth in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1148, a motion for continuance shall set forth whether the opposing party has any objection to the continuance. No order granting a continuance shall be made ex parte. Motions for continuance that lack agreement must be set for hearing.

   Unless otherwise authorized by the court, plea agreements in criminal cases shall be in writing and signed by the defendant and counsel.

   A. Availability of Counsel During Jury Deliberations. Counsel shall be available on short notice, personally or by telephone as ordered by the court, during jury deliberations in the event of a verdict or a question by the jury. The clerk or bailiff should be kept informed of where counsel will be at all times when the jury is deliberating, unless excused by the court.

   B. Absence of Counsel on Receipt of Verdict. In civil cases, the court will not deem it necessary that any party or any counsel be present or represented when the jury returns to the courtroom with its verdict.

   C. Presence of Defendant in Criminal Cases. The defendant and counsel must be present when the jury returns to the courtroom with its verdict. Defense counsel shall be responsible for producing the defendant in court when the jury returns with its verdict and at all other times ordered by the court. 

   A. Interrogatories or requests for admission shall have sufficient space below the interrogatory or request for the responding party to answer. Answers to interrogatories or requests for admission shall be typed with the answers following the question. If there is insufficient space, the responding party shall retype the full question and answer.

   B. Requests for relief under the Nebraska Discovery Rules must be accompanied by a certificate by the moving party that sincere efforts have been made by personal consultation to resolve the difference. The statements shall also recite the date, time, and place of the conference, the names of those participating, and the specific results of the conference. Requests for relief under the Nebraska Discovery Rules shall also specify which numbered discovery requests are in dispute.

   A. Documentary Exhibits. All documentary evidence which is not impeaching or rebuttal in nature shall be presented to the court reporter prior to trial or hearing, marked for identification, and exhibited to opposing counsel for inspection. They shall be numbered consecutively.

   B. Public Records as Exhibits. In all cases where books, files or records, or parts thereof, belonging to or taken from the records of public offices are offered in evidence or are marked for identification to be offered at a pretrial conference, the party offering the same shall furnish copies to the court reporter before the offer.

   C. Judicial Notice. In all cases where the court is asked to judicially notice pleadings, affidavits, or other documents from the court file, the party offering the same shall obtain a photocopy prior to the hearing to be marked and offered as an exhibit.

   Attorneys and bonded abstracters may check out transcripts, bills of exceptions, and court files from the clerk's office for not more than 5 days. Before removal, a receipt shall be signed and left with the clerk. If the item is not returned within 5 days or sooner if ordered by the court, the clerk, by written notice, shall warn that checkout privileges will be suspended unless such item is immediately returned. Upon failure to return, the clerk is directed by the court to suspend the checkout privileges of the involved person until the court restores the privilege.

  Any person may obtain photocopies of any public filings at such reasonable cost as the clerk shall determine.

   No books are to be removed from the county law libraries unless signed for in the office of the clerk of the district court or office of the district judge. All books signed for must be returned to the library within 1 week from the date taken. All books used in the libraries must be returned to their proper place in the bookcase on the same day such books are used. Additional library rules may be ordered by a district judge and conspicuously posted in the applicable office of the clerk of the district court and in the library.

   A. Trial Sessions. Unless otherwise determined by the court, trials will be held beginning the first Monday in:

   The clerk of court in each county will keep, in the order of their filing, three lists of cases scheduled for trial at the next session: the first for criminal jury trials, the second for civil jury trials, and the third for trials to the court. Cases are entitled to be tried and pre-tried in that order, unless otherwise ordered by the judge assigned to the case. Criminal cases and civil nonjury cases may be exempted by order of the court from pre-trial rules.

   The order of trial shall be determined by the court. Where possible, cases will be set for a date certain at pre-trial or at the motion day before the term begins. Otherwise, counsel must observe the assignment of cases on the schedule, keep informed of the progress of trials, and as cases are reached, appear and proceed with trial. Plea agreements and jury trial waivers in criminal cases will not be accepted after the last motion day preceding the trial session, except for good cause shown.

   C. Pre-trial Conference Scheduling. Unless otherwise specially set, pre-trial conferences for all cases will be held the Monday 3 weeks before the appropriate trial session.

   D. Motion Days. Unless otherwise determined by the court, motion days will be held each month, as follows:

   A. Case Assignments.

   (1) Cases shall be assigned to a judge by random selection through use of computerized or manual means.

   (2) Reopened Cases. Any matter pertaining to a finished case shall be deemed assigned to the judge originally assigned the case.

   (3) Reassignment. A judge may reassign a case to another district judge by order, and the clerk shall note such reassignment and date on the file jacket, docket sheet, and assignment card.

   (4) Interchange of Judges. One district judge of this court may act with respect to a particular matter in a case assigned to another district judge of this court when necessary. Such interchange will be on individual matters only and will not affect a reassignment of responsibility for the case.

   (5) Calendaring. Each judge shall provide for the conduct, calendaring, and progress of cases assigned to that judge.

   B. Trials.

   (1) Jury Sessions. There will be jury terms beginning on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise ordered by the judge. Two judges will alternate months so that each judge is in a jury term every other month.

   (2) Scheduling Trials. Any party may request a nonjury or jury case be set for pretrial, trial, or progression by filing a motion. The court may also schedule a case without any motion.

   (3) Order of Jury Trials. Cases will be tried in the order set by the judge.

   A. Trials.

   (1) Trial Docket. The trial docket will be called at times and places ordered by the District Judge.

   (2) Disposition of Untried Cases. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, after a cause is at issue it shall be tried at the term of court then in progress or at the next succeeding term of court unless statutory grounds for a continuance exist. Upon failure to try the cause as herein provided, the court may, on its own motion or on motion of any party, dismiss the action or strike it from the docket. An action stricken from the docket may be restored upon motion and good cause shown.

   (3) Scheduling. Scheduling of trials, pretrial conferences, and motion days shall be determined by the judge assigned to these counties.

   It shall be the duty of the party directed by the court to promptly prepare a proper journal entry, order, judgment, or decree. The proposed journal entry shall be submitted to opposing counsel for approval as to form and submitted to the court for its signature within 7 days after entry of the decision or order.

   In criminal matters, it is always the responsibility of the County Attorney to submit the same.

   This Rule exists to provide direction to counsel, litigants, court staff, and other interested persons regarding: the maintenance in the District of open and safe courts in the event of an emergency; the mission essential functions of the court that are expected to be maintained during such emergency; the manner by which an emergency may be declared and terminated; the manner by which such declaration will be made known to court users and the public; and the nature and manner of such modified court operations.

   A. Definitions

   (1) “Emergency” means an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.¹ This may include but is not limited to public health concerns, natural disasters, political unrest, weather events (i.e., blizzard, tornado, etc.), and unexpected absence of or injury to the judge (or such other event as determined by the presiding judge of the District).

   (2) “Mission essential function” means those functions that need to be continuous or resumed within twelve (12) hours after an event and maintained for up to thirty (30) days or until normal operations can be resumed.²

   (3) “Normal operations” means those functions of the court that occur in the absence of an emergency.

   (4) “Justice stakeholders” are those persons or entities that have a particularized interest in the operation of the court system as either users thereof or participants therein.

   (5) “Emergency Modified Court Operations” means those operations of the court system that are to remain in place and operational during an “emergency.”

   B. Determination of Emergency

   (1) Within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed seventy-two hours, of an event that may constitute an “emergency” as defined, the available District Court judges of the 12th Judicial District will consult and confer with one another.

   (2) This consultation may be in person, by telephone, or remotely through technology such as ZOOM or other similar applications.

   (3) The presiding judge of the District will consult with each available District Court judge to discuss the event and to determine whether that judge believes that the event constitutes an “emergency.”

   (4) Based on the consensus of these consulted judges and her/his own determination, the presiding judge will make the final decision regarding the declaration of an “emergency” and when to return to normal court operations.

   a. Should the event giving rise to the consultation be localized to one County or courthouse within the District, then the declaration of “emergency” determination shall be at the discretion of the District Judge that regularly sits in that County and if that judge is unavailable then by the presiding judge of the District.

   (5) The District Court judges may, but are not obligated to, invite other interested justice stakeholders into this consultative process to receive input from them regarding whether the event constitutes an “emergency.”

   a. In all cases, the decision as to whether an “emergency” shall be declared and all orders attendant thereto shall be within the sole and exclusive discretion of the District Court judges and the presiding judge of the District.

   b. It will be the duty of the presiding judge of the District Court to coordinate and facilitate communications with the stakeholders that he or she deems necessary to plan and implement emergency modified court procedures.

   (6) Should the event giving rise to the consultation affect the operations of the various County Courts within the District, then the presiding District Court judge will contact and consult with her/his counterpart County Court presiding judge. In consultation therewith, the two presiding judges may call for a joint consultation of all available County and District Court judges within the District.

   a. To the extent possible, the County and District Court judges shall reach a consensus regarding such declaration of “emergency.”

   b. This consultation may also, but not be required to, include such justice stakeholders as the presiding judges determine should be included.

   c. Should a determination of an “emergency” be decided to be declared, then the presiding judges of the courts should both issue such declaration.

   C. Justice stakeholders shall include, but not be limited to:

   (1) The judges representing the County and District Courts;

   (2) The Clerk of the District Court;

   (3) The Clerk magistrate;

   (4) The bailiff;

   (5) The Administrative Office of the Courts;

   (6) The Chief Probation Officer;

   (7) The County Attorney;

   (8) The Public Defender;

   (9) County Commissioners;

   (10) Sheriff;

   (11) Jail administrator;

   (12) Facility manager:

   (13) President of local Bar Association;

   (14) Public health officer;

   (15) Emergency Management coordinator; and

   (16) IT support staff.

   D. Mission essential functions of the District Court include, but are not limited to:

   (1) Arraignments of persons in custody;

   (2) Bond reviews of persons in custody;

   (3) Appointment of counsel in criminal cases;

   (4) Protection order cases;

   (5) Jury trials;

   (6) Acceptance and processing of new cases and/or pleadings;

   (7) Receipt and processing of arrest warrants;

   (8) Receipt and processing of search warrants;

   (9) Receipt, deposit, and accounting for money paid into the court;

   (10) Ex parte temporary orders in domestic relations matters;

   (11) Appeals;

   (12) Habeas petitions;

   (13) Bench trials; and

   (14) Any other matter as determined by the Presiding Judge.

   E. Dissemination

   (1) In the event that a determination to declare an “emergency” has been made and the court has determined to enter Emergency Modified Court Operations, then such declaration of Emergency Modified Court Operations and the subsequent return to normal court operations shall be made known to the court users and public.

   (2) Such declarations will be publicly disseminated through the use of local media such as newspaper and radio outlets, as well as through appropriate social media avenues such as the Nebraska Supreme Court website, other local websites, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

   (3) Court users will be notified directly through dissemination of relevant orders electronically, and/or by mail, public notification as described above as well as public display at the effected courthouses.

   F. Resulting Action

   (1) In the event that an “emergency” is declared under this Rule, then the affected Court(s) will begin to operate pursuant to the applicable Modified Court Operations Plan.

   (2) Such Plans will be electronically disseminated to all known court users effected by the emergency. These Plans will also be distributed to local media outlets to include radio, television, and newspaper reporting services. These Plans will be posted on all available social media platforms to include Facebook and any applicable websites. These Plans will also be publicly posted at or near the entry door to the affected courthouse(s).

   G. Administrative Orders

   (1) As needed, the presiding District Court judge or the senior District Court judge of the affected courthouse(s) may enter Administrative Orders outlining the Modified Court Operations Plan and/or any other such Orders as she/he deems necessary to address the specific needs of a particular courthouse.

   (2) Such Administrative Orders will be publicly disseminated as described above.

   ¹ Merriam-Webster

   ² Department of Homeland Security

Approved April 5, 2023.

   A. Leaving the State. Every order for child custody, temporary or permanent, shall contain language substantially as follows:

   A party exercising custody of a minor child is ordered not to move the child outside the State of Nebraska. Anyone intending such a move must first:

   (1) Make written application to the court, including proposed changes in the visitation schedule and costs of transportation;

   (2) Give notice of the application and hearing to the other party; and

   (3) Establish that the move is in the child's best interests.

   B. Supplemental Child Custody Orders. In all cases where custody of children is ordered, a "Parenting Guidelines," obtainable from the office of the judge assigned to the case, shall be attached to and made a part of the custody order.

   C. (1) Joint Property Statements. Where the action involves a division of property, both parties shall prepare a single joint property statement setting forth assets, liabilities, and any other information concerning property germane to the case at bar. The plaintiff shall have 40 days from filing the action to prepare the property statement and furnish a copy to the opposing party. The defendant shall then complete the property statement by adding any additional property/liabilities and the defendant's estimates of the value of all property and the amount of all liabilities listed by the plaintiff. The defendant shall complete the property statement and serve a copy on the plaintiff within 30 days after the plaintiff served the initial statement. The property statement shall then be finalized, signed, and a copy delivered to the judge at least 10 days prior to trial. A model property statement form can be obtained from the court.

   (2) Extensions and Pretrial Filing Deadline. Either party may obtain an extension of the time for filing or completing the property statement on written motion for good cause shown. Except by agreement of the parties or by order of the court, amendments to the property statement shall not be permitted unless filed at least 10 days prior to trial.

   D. Temporary Hearing. Unless otherwise ordered, all applications for temporary custody, support, maintenance, or other relief shall be governed by Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1504. Evidence shall be submitted by affidavits, which shall be exchanged by the parties at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. Except for good cause shown, no more than 5 affidavits or, alternatively, no more than 20 affidavit pages (excluding exhibits attached thereto), will be considered by the court at the time of the temporary hearing. Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2930, each party to a contested proceeding for a temporary order related to parenting functions or custody shall offer a Child Information Affidavit as an exhibit at the hearing.  Where child support is an issue, counsel shall also prepare and exchange Nebraska Child Support Guidelines worksheets 24 hours prior to the hearing.

   E. Rule for Mediation in Domestic Relations Cases.

   (1) Parties to domestic-relations matters involving children are required to attend the district court-approved parent education program within 60 days from receipt of service of process. This includes filing for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and determination-of-paternity cases, which involve issues of custody and/or visitation. Effective on January 1, 2008, motions to compel existing orders which involve parenting issues, applications to modify decrees of dissolution which involve parenting issues, and applications to modify decrees of paternity which involve parenting issues shall be subject to the requirements of this rule, and both parents are required to attend the parent education program.

   If the court deems it advisable, the parties may be required to complete a second level parenting class or the children of the parties may be referred to a class.

   Prior to July 1, 2010, the parties shall submit a parenting plan to be approved by the court. The parenting plan shall be developed by the parties or their counsel, an approved mediation center, or a private mediator. When a parenting plan has not been developed and submitted to the court, the court shall either create the parenting plan in accordance with the Nebraska Parenting Act or refer the case to an approved mediator. At any time in the proceeding, the court may refer a case to an approved mediator in order to attempt resolution of any relevant matter. Until July 1, 2010, either party may terminate mediation at any point in the process.

   On or after July 1, 2010, all parties who have not submitted a parenting plan to the court within 5 months after the matter is filed shall be required to participate in mediation services to complete a parenting plan, including child custody, visitation schedule, grandparent visitation, and any other issues relating to the children that may be susceptible to mediation. No trial date will be scheduled until attendance at the required parent education seminar has been completed and mediation to resolve custody and/or visitation issues has been attempted. Provided, however, that failure or refusal to participate by a party shall not delay entry of a final judgment by more than 6 months. It is further provided that, notwithstanding the language in this paragraph, domestic violence issues may, upon consideration by the trial court, disqualify the parties from mediation.

   On or after July 1, 2010, a party may not terminate mediation until after an individual initial screening session and one mediation or specialized alternative dispute resolution session are held.

   (2) The court shall prepare an order, for distribution by the district court clerk, advising the filing parties and their attorneys that attendance at a parenting seminar is mandatory and must be completed within 60 days from the filing of the complaint. The order shall also advise the parties and counsel: (a) that the parenting plans and visitation schedules may be referred for mediation; (b) that no trial date will be set until attendance at the required parent education seminar has been completed and, if required, mediation to resolve custody and/or visitation issues has been attempted; (c) that failure or refusal to participate by a party shall not delay entry of a final judgment by more than 6 months; and (d) that domestic violence issues may, upon consideration by the trial court, disqualify the parties from mediation. The district court clerk shall include this order with the filing and service packets distributed by the clerk.

   (3) When a judge refers a case for mediation, the judge will indicate the issues to be mediated, as well as any choice of a mediator if the judge has a preference.  The attorneys for the parties may mutually agree upon the choice of a mediator and may indicate whether they wish the parties to mediate any issues other than custody and parenting or visitation plans. If financial issues are to be mediated, the case may be assigned to an attorney mediator.

   (4)(a) If the parties reach an agreement through mediation, the agreement shall be reduced to writing. Copies shall be provided by the mediator to the parties and their attorneys, together with a notice informing the parties and their attorneys of their right to express their objections to the written agreement. The notice shall inform the parties and their attorneys that they have 21 days from the date of the notice to notify the mediator of any written objections to the terms of the agreement. Such objections shall be specific. All matters not specifically objected to shall be deemed final.

   (b) Upon the filing by either party or attorney of objections to the agreement, the mediator shall forthwith schedule a re-mediation session on the disputed issues identified in the objection. The mediator may charge additional fees for the re-mediation session and related expenses.

   (c) Agreements or amended mediation agreements shall be forwarded, along with the appropriate certificate of readiness form, to the judge to whom the case is assigned and to the court file. For cases involving parties with no counsel, the parties shall complete and file with the district court clerk a "Certificate of Readiness" indicating that the case is ready to be set for an uncontested final hearing. Such certificates will be in a form acceptable to the court.

   (d) Prior to setting a case for an uncontested final hearing, the parties shall file a "Certificate of Readiness" with a copy of the parenting plan with the court. In Scotts Bluff County, only counsel or pro se parties shall also contact the judge for a trial date.

   (e) The "Certificate of Readiness" for final hearing shall contain the following information:

   (i) The full names of the parties;

   (ii) The case number of the case;

   (iii) The names, addresses, and bar number of counsel;

   (iv) The date on which the complaint was filed and the date of service on defendant or the date of filing of the voluntary appearance by the defendant;

   (v) That the parties have agreed to a parenting plan;

   (vi) That the parties have attended the parent education seminar required by the court;

   (vii) That the parties have completed child support calculations pursuant to the Nebraska Child Support Guidelines and have agreed to all financial matters contemplated by the guidelines;

   (viii) That the parties have entered into a written and signed property settlement agreement; and

   (ix) That the parties have or have not attended mediation.

   (f) If the parties have not agreed to any of the following: parenting plan, child support calculations, or a property settlement agreement, they should not file a "Certificate of Readiness." They should contact the bailiff to schedule further hearings.

   (5) Parties that either have terminated mediation unsuccessfully or have been determined to not qualify for mediation services shall have their case set for final trial before the court as soon as possible.

   In the discretion of the judge presiding, courtroom proceedings may be broadcast, both by audio and video, and may be televised, recorded, or photographed (hereafter collectively referred to as "broadcast") under the following conditions:

   (1) On an interim basis, these rules regarding expanded media coverage apply only to proceedings over which Judges Weimer and O'Gorman are presiding[i] taking place within the 12th Judicial District of the State of Nebraska.

   (2) Only members of the media as defined below shall be permitted to broadcast, record, televise, photograph, or otherwise broadcast those proceedings set out below.

   Media is defined as a representative of a radio or television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission or a reporter/photographer employed by a recognized news outlet.

   (3) The trial judge overseeing the proceeding sought to be broadcast, recorded, or photographed retains sole and complete discretion to terminate the broadcast, recording, or photography (without explanation or warning) at any time during such proceeding.

   (4) Cameras and sound equipment of a quality and type approved by the judge presiding in the case will be fixed in place in the courtroom with field of view of the camera and field of range of microphones being approved by the judge presiding over the proceedings. Other than the cameras identified herein, no other camera will be permitted in the courtroom, including a still camera, cell phone camera, or any other digital recording device equipped to take photographs or video recordings. The images produced by the camera in the courtroom should be of such a nature that still images may be retrieved.

   (5) The audio broadcast shall include only the statements made in open court and shall not include communications between counsel, between counsel and their clients, or bench conferences between counsel and the court.

   (6) Under no circumstances shall images of, or statements from, jurors be broadcast, recorded, televised, photographed, or otherwise broadcast.

   (7) Jury selection will not be broadcast.

   (8) The following cases will not be broadcast: matters involving grand juries, juveniles (persons under 19 years old),[ii] child custody, parenting time, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, protection orders, and any other cases that the trial judge may determine.

   (9) The testimony of certain witnesses may not be broadcast. Those witnesses are as follows: persons under age 19,[iii] a person who claims to be a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault who will be called upon to testify about the abuse or assault, or a confidential informant whose testimony is about the matter upon which the person informed. Any witness may make a request to prevent that person's testimony from being broadcast by making application to the judge presiding over the proceeding indicating the reason the witness does not want his or her testimony broadcast.

   (10) Upon application of any party or counsel, the court may, in its sole and complete discretion (and without further explanation), determine to not broadcast courtroom proceedings or terminate the broadcast of courtroom proceedings.

   (11) Upon application at least 14 days in advance of a scheduled hearing that may be broadcast, the court may, in its sole and complete discretion (and without further explanation), permit other types of broadcast or recording equipment in the courtroom.

   The images and sound produced from the courtroom will be available to any broadcast media licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and any print media published in the State of Nebraska on a pool basis.

   The overriding principle shall be the guarantee of a fair trial to the litigants. Criteria may change from time to time based on factors which the court has not yet considered and the circumstances of individual cases.

Rule 12-15 approved August 28, 2013.

   I. PURPOSE. This rule is to establish a process for the appointment of private attorneys to represent indigent defendants as provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3901 to 29-3908.

   II. APPLICABILITY. This rule shall not apply to criminal proceedings in which the court appoints the Public Defender, the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, or any other attorney under contract with the county to provide such services.

   III. GENERAL

   A. Appointments of private attorneys shall be made on an impartial and equitable basis:

   B. The appointments shall be distributed among the attorneys on a rotation system:

   C. Complex cases shall be assigned to attorneys with sufficient levels of experience and competence to provide adequate representation:

   D. Less experienced attorneys should be assigned cases which are within their capabilities, but should be given the opportunity to expand their experience under supervision: and

   E. Cases shall be assigned to attorneys of sufficient experience, skill, and competence to render effective assistance of counsel to defendants.

   IV. COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY LIST

   A. Each County Court shall maintain a court-appointed attorney list from which attorneys shall be appointed to represent indigent defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases (which shall consist of two categories; misdemeanors and felonies).

   B. Attorneys must contact the County Court in each county and request the Clerk Magistrate to place them on, or remove them from, the court-appointed list. Attorneys must set forth the experience that qualifies them to handle the level of case referenced in their request.

   C. The County Court shall maintain a misdemeanor list and a separate felony appointment list (Appendix 1, attached hereto, shall be used when requesting to be placed or removed from the court-appointed attorney list).

   V. METHOD OF SELECTION FROM COURT-APPOINTED LIST

   A. The Court will generally attempt to appoint attorneys from the court-appointed attorney list on a rotational basis, subject to the court’s sole discretion to make exceptions due to:

   1. the nature and complexity of the case;

   2. an attorney’s experience;

   3. the nature and disposition of the defendant;

   4. a language consideration;

   5. a conflict of interest;

   6. the availability of the attorney, taking into consideration an immediate need to address issues involved in the case;

   7. geographical considerations--in all cases, the court may appoint attorneys who are in closest geographical proximity to the court before considering the appointment of other attorneys in order to avoid travel time and mileage expenses, for the convenience of defendants in consulting with their attorney, and for the convenience of the court in scheduling cases for hearing; and

   8. other relevant factors.

   B. Attorneys may contact the appropriate County Court and request the current court-appointed counsel list.

   VI. REMOVAL AND REINSTATEMENT FROM APPOINTMENT LIST

   A. Judges will monitor attorney performance on a continuing basis to ensure the competency of attorneys on the list. An attorney may be removed from the appointment list by a majority vote of county and district court judges within the district.

   B. If an attorney is under consideration for removal from the list, written notification will be given indicating the concerns with the attorney’s performance giving rise to consideration for removal, and be given the opportunity to respond in writing or in person before a final decision is made.

   C. An attorney who has been removed from the list for any reason may be considered for reinstatement by a majority vote of the judges, after the deficiencies contained in the notice have been resolved.

Rule 12-16 approved December 17, 2014.

   I. PURPOSE. This rule is to establish a process for the appointment of private attorneys to represent indigent defendants as provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3901 to 29-3908.

   II. APPLICABILITY. This rule shall not apply to criminal proceedings in which the court appoints the Public Defender, the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, or any other attorney under contract with the county to provide such services.

   III. GENERAL

   A. Appointments of private attorneys shall be made on an impartial and equitable basis:

   B. The appointments shall be distributed among the attorneys on a rotation system:

   C. Complex cases shall be assigned to attorneys with sufficient levels of experience and competence to provide adequate representation:

   D. Less experienced attorneys should be assigned cases which are within their capabilities, but should be given the opportunity to expand their experience under supervision: and

   E. Cases shall be assigned to attorneys of sufficient experience, skill, and competence to render effective assistance of counsel to defendants.

   IV. COURT-APPOINTED ATTORNEY LIST

   A. Each County Court shall maintain a court-appointed attorney list from which attorneys shall be appointed to represent indigent defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases (which shall consist of two categories; misdemeanors and felonies).

   B. Attorneys must contact the County Court in each county and request the Clerk Magistrate to place them on, or remove them from, the court-appointed list. Attorneys must set forth the experience that qualifies them to handle the level of case referenced in their request.

   C. The County Court shall maintain a misdemeanor list and a separate felony appointment list (Appendix 1, attached hereto, shall be used when requesting to be placed or removed from the court-appointed attorney list).

   V. METHOD OF SELECTION FROM COURT-APPOINTED LIST

   A. The Court will generally attempt to appoint attorneys from the court-appointed attorney list on a rotational basis, subject to the court’s sole discretion to make exceptions due to:

   1. the nature and complexity of the case;

   2. an attorney’s experience;

   3. the nature and disposition of the defendant;

   4. a language consideration;

   5. a conflict of interest;

   6. the availability of the attorney, taking into consideration an immediate need to address issues involved in the case;

   7. geographical considerations--in all cases, the court may appoint attorneys who are in closest geographical proximity to the court before considering the appointment of other attorneys in order to avoid travel time and mileage expenses, for the convenience of defendants in consulting with their attorney, and for the convenience of the court in scheduling cases for hearing; and

   8. other relevant factors.

   B. Attorneys may contact the appropriate County Court and request the current court-appointed counsel list.

   VI. REMOVAL AND REINSTATEMENT FROM APPOINTMENT LIST

   A. Judges will monitor attorney performance on a continuing basis to ensure the competency of attorneys on the list. An attorney may be removed from the appointment list by a majority vote of county and district court judges within the district.

   B. If an attorney is under consideration for removal from the list, written notification will be given indicating the concerns with the attorney’s performance giving rise to consideration for removal, and be given the opportunity to respond in writing or in person before a final decision is made.

   C. An attorney who has been removed from the list for any reason may be considered for reinstatement by a majority vote of the judges, after the deficiencies contained in the notice have been resolved.

Rule approve December 17, 2014.

   In the discretion of the judge presiding, courtroom proceedings may be broadcast, both by audio and video, and may be televised, recorded, or photographed (hereafter collectively referred to as “broadcast”) under the following conditions:

   (1) On an interim basis, these rules regarding expanded media coverage apply only to proceedings over which Judge Roland is presiding,[i] taking place within the 12th Judicial District of the State of Nebraska.

   (2) Only members of the media as defined below shall be permitted to broadcast, record, televise, photograph, or otherwise broadcast those proceedings set out below.

   Media is defined as a representative of a radio or television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission or a reporter/photographer employed by a recognized news outlet.

   (3) The trial judge overseeing the proceeding sought to be broadcast, recorded, or photographed retains sole and complete discretion to terminate the broadcast, recording, or photography (without explanation or warning) at any time during such proceeding.

   (4) Cameras and sound equipment of a quality and type approved by the judge presiding in the case will be fixed in place in the courtroom with field of view of the camera and field of range of microphones being approved by the judge presiding over the proceedings. Other than the cameras identified herein, no other camera will be permitted in the courtroom, including a still camera, cell phone camera, or any other digital recording device equipped to take photographs or video recordings. The images produced by the camera in the courtroom should be of such a nature that still images may be retrieved.

   (5) The audio broadcast shall include only the statements made in open court and shall not include communications between counsel, between counsel and their clients, or bench conferences between counsel and the court.

   (6) Under no circumstances shall images of, or statements from, jurors be broadcast, recorded, televised, photographed, or otherwise broadcast.

   (7) Jury selection will not be broadcast.

   (8) The following cases will not be broadcast: matters involving grand juries, juveniles (persons under 19 years old),[ii] child custody, parenting time, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, protection orders, and any other cases that the trial judge may determine.

   (9) The testimony of certain witnesses may not be broadcast. Those witnesses are as follows: persons under age 19,[iii] a person who claims to be a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault who will be called upon to testify about the abuse or assault, or a confidential informant whose testimony is about the matter upon which the person informed. Any witness may make a request to prevent that person’s testimony from being broadcast by making application to the judge presiding over the proceeding indicating the reason the witness does not want his or her testimony broadcast.

   (10) Upon application of any party or counsel, the court may, in its sole and complete discretion (and without further explanation), determine to not broadcast courtroom proceedings or terminate the broadcast of courtroom proceedings.

   (11) Upon application at least 14 days in advance of a scheduled hearing that may be broadcast, the court may, in its sole and complete discretion (and without further explanation), permit other types of broadcast or recording equipment in the courtroom.

   The images and sound produced from the courtroom will be available to any broadcast media licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and any print media published in the State of Nebraska on a pool basis.

   The overriding principle shall be the guarantee of a fair trial to the litigants. Criteria may change from time to time based on factors which the court has not yet considered and the circumstances of individual cases.

Approved August 28, 2013.

   At the discretion of the County Judge presiding over the matter, the 12th Judicial District County Court Courts have determined that, through the use of available technology, including telephone and cloud-based applications such as ZOOM and WebEx, certain types of hearings lend themselves to the use of such technology in the efficient and expeditious operations of the courts. Therefore, the County Court judges adopt the following Local Rule to govern the use of such technology.

   1. The Court, counsel, and litigants are expected to conform to all applicable state statutes regarding such usage.

   2. Counsel are expected to have the appropriate application (i.e., ZOOM or WebEx) available to them on a cellular device or computer or similar device to access the technology.

   3. Counsel are expected to forward any links or other connection information to litigants who are anticipated to participate by such technology and to ensure that such litigants have the applicable application on some type of device that will permit them to so participate.

   4. In general, the Clerk Magistrate’s office for the county will email the invites for hearings by WebEx or Zoom, or the meeting ID if by Zoom, for hearings on the court day before the hearing or the day of the hearing. However, judges are allowed to use a different procedure. Please check with the appropriate court’s Clerk Magistrate’s office if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.

   5. Any party objecting to a witness appearing by videoconference must file an objection no later than three (3) weeks prior to the appearance, with a hearing for the same to be heard no less than (1) week prior to the appearance.

   6.Attached hereto is Appendix A which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in civil, juvenile, small claims, and probate proceedings.

   7. Attached hereto is Appendix B which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in criminal and traffic proceedings.

Approved October 26, 2022.

   This Rule exists to provide direction to counsel, litigants, court staff, and other interested persons regarding: the maintenance in the District of open and safe courts in the event of an emergency; the mission essential functions of the court that are expected to be maintained during such emergency; the manner by which an emergency may be declared and terminated; the manner by which such declaration will be made known to court users and the public; and the nature and manner of such modified court operations.

   A. Definitions

   (1) “Emergency” means an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.¹ This may include but is not limited to public health concerns, natural disasters, political unrest, weather events (i.e., blizzard, tornado, etc.), and unexpected absence of or injury to the judge (or such other event as determined by the presiding judge of the District).

   (2) “Mission essential function” means those functions that need to be continuous or resumed within twelve (12) hours after an event and maintained for up to thirty (30) days or until normal operations can be resumed.²

   (3) “Normal operations” means those functions of the court that occur in the absence of an emergency.

   (4) “Justice stakeholders” are those persons or entities that have a particularized interest in the operation of the court system as either users thereof or participants therein.

   (5) “Emergency Modified Court Operations” means those operations of the court system that are to remain in place and operational during an “emergency.”

   B. Determination of Emergency

   (1) Within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed seventy-two hours, of an event that may constitute an “emergency” as defined, the available District Court judges of the 12th Judicial District will consult and confer with one another.

   (2) This consultation may be in person, by telephone, or remotely through technology such as ZOOM or other similar applications.

   (3) The presiding judge of the District will consult with each available District Court judge to discuss the event and to determine whether that judge believes that the event constitutes an “emergency.”

   (4) Based on the consensus of these consulted judges and her/his own determination, the presiding judge will make the final decision regarding the declaration of an “emergency” and when to return to normal court operations.

   a. Should the event giving rise to the consultation be localized to one County or courthouse within the District, then the declaration of “emergency” determination shall be at the discretion of the District Judge that regularly sits in that County and if that judge is unavailable then by the presiding judge of the District.

   (5) The District Court judges may, but are not obligated to, invite other interested justice stakeholders into this consultative process to receive input from them regarding whether the event constitutes an “emergency.”

   a. In all cases, the decision as to whether an “emergency” shall be declared and all orders attendant thereto shall be within the sole and exclusive discretion of the District Court judges and the presiding judge of the District.

   b. It will be the duty of the presiding judge of the District Court to coordinate and facilitate communications with the stakeholders that he or she deems necessary to plan and implement emergency modified court procedures.

   (6) Should the event giving rise to the consultation affect the operations of the various County Courts within the District, then the presiding District Court judge will contact and consult with her/his counterpart County Court presiding judge. In consultation therewith, the two presiding judges may call for a joint consultation of all available County and District Court judges within the District.

   a. To the extent possible, the County and District Court judges shall reach a consensus regarding such declaration of “emergency.”

   b. This consultation may also, but not be required to, include such justice stakeholders as the presiding judges determine should be included.

   c. Should a determination of an “emergency” be decided to be declared, then the presiding judges of the courts should both issue such declaration.

   C. Justice stakeholders shall include, but not be limited to:

   (1) The judges representing the County and District Courts;

   (2) The Clerk of the District Court;

   (3) The Clerk magistrate;

   (4) The bailiff;

   (5) The Administrative Office of the Courts;

   (6) The Chief Probation Officer;

   (7) The County Attorney;

   (8) The Public Defender;

   (9) County Commissioners;

   (10) Sheriff;

   (11) Jail administrator;

   (12) Facility manager:

   (13) President of local Bar Association;

   (14) Public health officer;

   (15) Emergency Management coordinator; and

   (16) IT support staff.

   D. Mission essential functions of the District Court include, but are not limited to:

   (1) Arraignments of persons in custody;

   (2) Bond reviews of persons in custody;

   (3) Appointment of counsel in criminal cases;

   (4) Protection order cases;

   (5) Jury trials;

   (6) Acceptance and processing of new cases and/or pleadings;

   (7) Receipt and processing of arrest warrants;

   (8) Receipt and processing of search warrants;

   (9) Receipt, deposit, and accounting for money paid into the court;

   (10) Ex parte temporary orders in domestic relations matters;

   (11) Appeals;

   (12) Habeas petitions;

   (13) Bench trials; and

   (14) Any other matter as determined by the Presiding Judge.

   E. Dissemination

   (1) In the event that a determination to declare an “emergency” has been made and the court has determined to enter Emergency Modified Court Operations, then such declaration of Emergency Modified Court Operations and the subsequent return to normal court operations shall be made known to the court users and public.

   (2) Such declarations will be publicly disseminated through the use of local media such as newspaper and radio outlets, as well as through appropriate social media avenues such as the Nebraska Supreme Court website, other local websites, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

   (3) Court users will be notified directly through dissemination of relevant orders electronically, and/or by mail, public notification as described above as well as public display at the effected courthouses.

   F. Resulting Action

   (1) In the event that an “emergency” is declared under this Rule, then the affected Court(s) will begin to operate pursuant to the applicable Modified Court Operations Plan.

   (2) Such Plans will be electronically disseminated to all known court users effected by the emergency. These Plans will also be distributed to local media outlets to include radio, television, and newspaper reporting services. These Plans will be posted on all available social media platforms to include Facebook and any applicable websites. These Plans will also be publicly posted at or near the entry door to the affected courthouse(s).

   G. Administrative Orders

   (1) As needed, the presiding District Court judge or the senior District Court judge of the affected courthouse(s) may enter Administrative Orders outlining the Modified Court Operations Plan and/or any other such Orders as she/he deems necessary to address the specific needs of a particular courthouse.

   (2) Such Administrative Orders will be publicly disseminated as described above.

   ¹ Merriam-Webster

   ² Department of Homeland Security

Approved April 20, 2022.

   At the discretion of the District Judge presiding over the matter, the 12th Judicial District  Courts have determined that, through the use of available technology, including cloud-based applications such as ZOOM and WebEx, certain types of hearings lend themselves to the use of   such technology in the efficient and expeditious operations of the courts. Therefore, the District  Court judges adopt the following Local Rule to govern the use of such technology.

   1. The Court, counsel, and litigants are expected to conform to all applicable state statutes regarding such usage.

   2. Counsel are expected to have the appropriate application (i.e., ZOOM, WebEx, Skype,  etc.) available to them on a cellular device or computer or similar device to access the   technology.

   3. Counsel are expected to forward any links or other connection information to litigants  who are anticipated to participate by such technology and to ensure that such litigants  have the applicable application on some type of device that will permit them to so participate.

   4. Each judge will determine how ZOOM/WebEx/etc. invites are generated and disseminated to meet the needs of their respective courts.

   5. Attached hereto is Appendix A which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in non-domestic relations civil proceedings.

   6. Attached hereto is Appendix B which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in criminal proceedings.

   7. Attached hereto is Appendix C which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in domestic relations civil proceedings.

Approved October 26, 2022.