Rule 9.16 Agreements and Stipulations

If lawyers on opposite sides of a case agree to something about how the case will be handled, tried, or delayed, that agreement only counts if it's done the right way. There are only two ways to make it official.

First, the lawyers can put the agreement in writing and file it with the court so it becomes part of the case record. Second, they can state the agreement out loud in open court, and the court will write it down in the official minutes.

If an agreement between lawyers isn't handled one of these two ways, the court doesn't have to honor it. This means a verbal promise made outside the courtroom, like over the phone or in an email, won't hold up unless it gets properly filed or repeated in court. This rule protects everyone involved by making sure agreements are clear, official, and part of the court's records.