Circuit Rule 21: Writs of Mandamus and Prohibition and Other Extraordinary Writs and Complaints of Unreasonable Delay

(a) No responsive pleading to a petition for an extraordinary writ to the district court or an administrative agency, including a petition seeking relief from unreasonable agency delay, is permitted unless requested by the court. No such petition will be granted in the absence of such a request.

(b) A petition for a writ of mandamus or a writ of prohibition to the district court must not bear the name of the district judge, but instead be titled, "In re , Petitioner." Unless otherwise ordered, the district judge will be represented pro forma by counsel for the party opposing the relief, who will appear in the name of such party and not that of the judge.

(c) Unless the court directs otherwise, the original and 4 copies of a petition for an extraordinary writ, and of any responsive pleading or reply authorized by the court, must be filed with the clerk.

(d) A certificate of parties and amici curiae, as described in Circuit Rule 28(a)(1)(A), and a disclosure statement, as described in FRAP 26.1 and Circuit Rule 26.1, must be attached as an addendum to the petition, unless such documents have been filed previously with the court. Any required disclosure statement must also be attached to any answer to the petition.

(e) Motions to extend time for filing and to exceed length limits for petitions, answers, and replies are governed by Circuit Rule 27(g)-(h).