Rule 2-15 Oral Argument
Rule 2: The Practice
Rule Text
2-15.1. Order of Argument
The appellant shall have the right to open and close the argument. Where there are 2 or more appellants in the same case, the court shall decide when the case is called for argument who shall open and who shall close the argument, unless the parties agree upon the order of presentation.
2-15.2. Length of Time
The parties shall be allowed a period of time not to exceed 40 minutes, divided equally between opposing parties, unless the court deems additional time is needed for proper presentation of the case. Counsel, or self-represented litigants, shall not be required to use all of the allotted time. The time for argument may be shortened at the discretion of the court. When there are conflicts of interest between appellants or between appellees, the court shall decide upon the apportionment of the time allowed them for argument, unless they agree upon the apportionment.
2-15.3. Reading from Briefs
Argument should not be read from a prepared text. Counsel, or self-represented litigants, shall not be permitted to read from briefs, except matters, such as quotations, which are customarily read.
2-15.4. Textual Materials and Exhibits
(1) Textual Materials. A book, treatise, or other textual material not conveniently available to the court, used as authority during argument by counsel, shall, on request of the court, be deposited with the court until the case is decided. With permission of the court, a photocopy of the pertinent material may be substituted in lieu of the book, treatise, or other textual material.
(2) Exhibits for Demonstration. All models, maps, charts, diagrams, or other exhibits used for purposes of illustration, demonstration, or explanation during oral argument before the court (but not made a part of the record) and deposited thereafter with the court shall be removed by the party or counsel responsible for such use and deposit within 30 days after written notice is given by the clerk. Failure to timely remove the item shall authorize the clerk to destroy the exhibit or make other disposition thereof as the court may deem proper. All such items not deposited with the court shall be removed by the end of the court’s session that day.