Local Rule LR 83.3.1: Sanctions in the Discretion of Court

LR 83.3.1 Sanctions in the Discretion of Court. In the sound discretion of any judge of this court, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, one or more of the following sanctions may be imposed for failure to comply with any rule or order of court:

(a) Dismissal, Default and Preclusion Orders. Failure of counsel for any party to appear before the court at any case management conference or final pretrial conference or to complete the necessary preparations therefor in accordance with these rules or to be prepared for trial at the time of any scheduled date for trial, or otherwise to comply with any of the rules contained herein, or any order of court, may be considered an abandonment or failure to prosecute or defend diligently, and an order precluding counsel from offering specific evidence or raising certain issues, or judgment, may be entered against the defaulting party either with respect to a specific issue or on the entire case.

(b) Imposition of Costs on Attorneys. If counsel acts in a dilatory manner or files motions for the purpose of delay, or fails to comply with any rule or order of court, and the judge finds that the sanctions in subsection 83.3.1(a) above are inadequate or unjust to the parties in light of the facts or circumstances, the judge may, in addition to, or in lieu of, such sanctions assess reasonable costs directly against counsel whose action has obstructed the effective administration of the court's business, or suspend counsel from practicing in this court for a specified period of time not exceeding six (6) months. Any such suspension shall not be subject to Chapter XVII, Attorney Disciplinary Enforcement.