California rules of court footnote font size Reply briefs filed by moving parties must not exceed 15 pages. The pages of a brief must contain sequential numbering. Unrepresented incarcerated litigants may use elite type, 12 characters per inch, if they lack access to a typewriter with larger characters. Outside of what the Court Rules of California and the local court rules require, there actually is little that restricts the formatting of legal documents. 210 (a) (2) requires either 14-point Times California Rules of Court require 1. 109. There should be no more than 28 lines per page. If the rule calls for a monospaced font sized in “characters per inch”, divide 120 by this measure to get the equivalent point size. Dec 9, 2024 · PREFERRED TYPEFACES FOR BRIEFS Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 32 (a) (5) requires courts of appeal to accept briefs in any proportional typeface so long as the typeface has serifs and is at least 14-point size. Headings may be in uppercase letters. dot, . Jul 12, 2025 · Discover which fonts make legal briefs more persuasive, readable, and court-compliant. At SmartRules we research the specific rules for your jurisdiction so you don’t have to. Search by rule name Name (Click to View) Date Category Download Civil Local Rules August 19, 2025 Civil File: Civil Local Rules pdf, 768. 204 Contents and form of briefs (a) Contents (1)Each brief must: (A)Begin with a table of contents and a table of authorities separately listing cases, constitutions, statutes, court rules, and other authorities cited; (B)State each point under a separate heading or subheading summarizing the point, and support each point by argument and, if possible, by citation of authority; and (C Except for standard preprinted forms that are in general use, type size of all text and footnotes must be no smaller than 10-1/2 characters per inch (non-proportional) or 14 point (proportional). Mar 3, 2025 · Learn the key formatting requirements for pleadings under the California Rules of Court, including document structure, typography, and filing guidelines. To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in -California Central District you must be a SmartRules member. Discover how a SmartRules membership can Sep 15, 2022 · California Rules of Court rule 8. All papers not filed electronically must be printed or typewritten or be prepared by a photocopying or other duplication process that will produce clear and permanent copies equally as legible as printing. dot or . Single-spaced means six lines to a vertical inch. Scope, Purpose and Construction (a) Scope. 110 (c) on papers submitted electronically in portable document format (PDF). Footer Rule 2. Jan 1, 2007 · Rule 2. 104). For example, the 7th Circuit allows 12 point font in main text and 11 point font in footnotes. 100 provides that the California Rules concerning the form and formatting of briefs preempt any local rules. 74 (a) and (b) require documents filed electronically with the court to be in text-searchable PDF format, with a blank upper-right corner on the cover page, page numbers beginning with the first page, electronic bookmarks to each heading, subheading and component of the document, and a file size of 25 megabytes or less. . Font size: 12-point type or larger, for text and footnotes. All briefs must be submitted using Times New Roman font of no less than 12pt size. Spacing: 2-points or more leading between lines; 6-points or more between paragraphs. dotm formats. 105 states the font to be used should be equivalent to Courier, Times New Roman, or Arial. Effective January 1, 2008, however, California Rule of Court, Rule 1. 111. On Appeal from the United States District Court for the [____] District of [____] No. You can find more information about formatting within Chapter 1 of the California Rules of Court. In October, the Judicial Council of California published several rule changes and amendments to come into effect on January 1, 2017. 74 (b), sets forth formatting requirements that supersede all previous rules as to font, spacing, margins, and alignment in briefs. Font size; printing Unless otherwise specified in these rules, all papers filed must be prepared using a font size not smaller than 12 points. Format of first page Rule 2. These additional guidelines for briefs filed in connection with appeals are provided to assist you in preparing electronic briefs but do not supplant the California Rules of Court. For example, the DC Circuit recently announced it is now discouraging the use of Garamond as a font choice for briefs. Quotations may be block-indented and single-spaced. To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in Sacramento Superior Court you must be a SmartRules member. Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in the California Rules of Court, electronically filed documents may exceed the 300-page limit as long as the file size is 25 megabytes or smaller. Jan 1, 2007 · The left margin of each page must be at least one inch from the left edge and the right margin at least 1/2 inch from the right edge. If the rules call for a specific font or point size, use it. Rule Current edition of the of the Southern District Court of California Local Rules, General Orders and Chambers Rules have been defined for each Judge's Chambers. The margins of the document must be 1 inch. docx format. R. doc or . In the 14 years since publication of the third Sides used: both. They should be cited as “Civil L. Font size; printing Rule 2. FONT AND PAGE LENGTH REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING BRIEFS Federal Rule of Appellant Procedure 32(a) states the following: 14 Local Rule 130 does not contain a font size requirement, contrary to the Pleading Paper Instructions Please submit electronic documents in either . (b) Contents The footer must contain the title of the paper (examples: "Complaint," "XYZ Corp. ) Rule 2. Jan 1, 2006 · (4) Except as provided in (11), the font size, including footnotes, must not be smaller than 13-point, and both sides of the paper may be used. Civ. Unless prior leave of court is obtained, all moving and opposition briefs or legal memorandum must not exceed 25 pages. 144 pertaining to clerks' transcripts. 107 amended effective January 1, 2016; adopted effective January 1, 2007. Most of them that I have seen do, but there are a few that do not, so you need to know what the rule is because that will definitely change the pagination (and potentially the length) of your The Court requires all electronic filers to comply with rule 8. First and foremost, Rule 2. California Rules of Court Rule 2. 110 amended effective January 1, 2017; adopted effective January 1, 2007. 104 calls for a font size of not smaller than 12 points for papers filed in trial court. In order to shorten the criminal history section contained within Social Services Agency (SSA) court reports by 27% and save paper, SSA requested leave to reduce to 8. Size, quality, and color of papers All papers filed must be 81/2 by 11 inches. Other specifications: must conform to FRAP 32 (a). Separate For almost 60 years, the legal community ofCalifornia has benefited from the publication of the California Style Manual. 104. Rule 1. They apply to May 29, 2025 · Some federal appellate courts have varied this requirement by local rule. Jul 21, 2021 · The font you choose must be no smaller than 12pt to comply with court requirements. As of January 1, 2020, a new state-wide Rule of Court, rule 8. Likewise, divide 120 by point size to get 2 characters per inch. For instance, Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9. 43 states legal forms must be legible. The manual provides a guide to standard legal style in the appellate courts, and benefits litigants and jurists alike by establishing a common stylistic base that permits read- ers to focus readily on substance rather than form. Unless otherwise specified in these rules, all papers filed must be prepared using a font size not smaller than 12 points. California Style Manual For many years, the California Style Manual has served as the official guide for styling citations to legal materials in documents filed with state courts in California. Font style Rule 2. Discover how a SmartRules membership can CIVIL LOCAL RULES 1. Accordingly, to encourage the use of typefaces that are easier to read, today the Court announces that The body of the document be typed in double space with lined numbers in the left margin. 107. 204(b)(4), says “the font size [used in an appellate brief], including footnotes, must not be smaller than 13-point. 144. 27 KB Civil Local Rules [Word] August 19, 2025 Civil File: Civil Local Rules [Word] docx, 182. Our guide coverage is tailored to local requirements, which can vary significantly across different courts. all papers filed must be prepared using a font size not smaller than 12 points” (Rule of Court 2. (4) Except as provided in (11), the font size, including footnotes, must not be smaller than 13-point. 5 the font size used when reproducing information copied from the State Department of Justice's Criminal Nov 21, 2016 · Following a series of recently announced changes to the California Rules of Court you may soon need to change how you’re preparing documents to adhere to new eFiling formatting rules. 112. Form and format of papers presented for filing in the trial courts Rule 2. Citation to a state court case must be to the official state reporter or any regional reporter published by West 2024 California Rules of Court Rule 2. § 2071 and Fed. Contents and form of briefs (a) Contents (1) Each brief must: (A) State each point under a separate heading or subheading summarizing the point and support each point by argument and, if possible, by citation of authority; and (B) Support any reference to a matter in the record by a citation to the volume and page number of the record where the matter To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in -California Southern District in the State of California you must be a SmartRules member. TITLE; SCOPE; DEFINITIONS 1-1. [insert District Judge Name] A checklist of formatting rules for civil complaints filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of California. 5 line spacing; 1 1/2-inch margins on the left and right and one-inch on top and bottom (quotations may be block-indented); minimum size 13-point, including footnotes, and a proportionally spaced serif face font (preferably Century Schoolbook) for the document’s body. The Mar 31, 2021 · Judges and their clerks need to be able to see what is written and small fonts or bad spacing can cause frustration. Do not submit electronic documents in . 110. Minimal variation in font size may result from converting a document created using word processing software to PDF. 200 provides: The Supreme Court rules related to document formatting including word count limits, required fonts, cover page color, and deadlines. (5) The lines of text must be unnumbered and at least one-and-a-half-spaced. Several relate to the formatting of electronically filed documents. There is also disagreement about font style. . (5) The lines of text must be at least one-and-a-half-spaced. Dec 15, 2023 · A: In the California Central District Court, adherence to local rules, including those regarding font size, is important. Electronic Filing The Second District also has guidelines for filing electronic documents in the Court of Appeal. Font color Rule 2. Spacing and numbering of lines Rule 2. Discover how a SmartRules membership can Aug 19, 2025 · Search for local rules of the court. 104 (2021) provides: Unless otherwise specified in these rules, all papers filed must be prepared using a font size not smaller than 12 points. Nonetheless, because lawyers are bound by tradition and are lazy, they just copy and paste ad infinitum and unfortunately carry forward a bunch of bad habits. 103. 104 states the font must not be smaller than 12 points. Rule 2. Jan 1, 2011 · (C) The type size, including footnotes, must not be smaller than standard pica, 10 characters per inch. Following the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) doesn't guarantee a compliant brief. To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in San Diego Superior Court you must be a SmartRules member. 2024 California Rules of Court Rule 2. If submitting multiple files in TrueFiling would cause undue hardship, any registered user may file an application in TrueFiling, requesting permission to Headings may be in uppercase letters. The font style must be roman; but for emphasis, italics or boldface may be used or the text may be underscored. Citation to a case from any other federal court must be to the Federal Reporter, Federal Supplement, or Federal Rules Decisions if available. Font size must be 13-points, including in footnotes. To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in Los Angeles Superior Court in the State of California you must be a SmartRules member. California Rules of Court, rule 2. Different circuit courts have different local rules. Footer (a) Location Except for exhibits, each paper filed with the court must bear a footer in the bottom margin of each page, placed below the page number and divided from the rest of the document page by a printed line. (Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2017. Title These are the Local Rules of Practice in Civil Proceedings before the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. 883. 100. C. Jan 1, 2007 · (3) The font size is not exactly the point size required by rules 2. 83. Supreme Court case must be to the United States Reports, Lawyers’ Edition, or Supreme Court Reporter if available. The Bluebook v. All papers not filed electronically must be on opaque, unglazed paper, white or unbleached, of standard quality not less than 20-pound weight. Font style The font style must be essentially equivalent to Courier, Times New Roman, or Arial. These rules were revised as of January 1st, 2018, so be sure to keep up to date with the latest requirements! 2024 California Rules of Court Rule 8. Supreme Court? What happens if there’s a problem with my proof of service? How do I file a petition for review with the California Supreme Court? Cross-Appeals While you won’t find the commandment in the California Rules of Court, the California Style Manual, or the federal equivalents, avoiding the substantive footnote—an anno-tation at the bottom of the page explaining or arguing a point related to one in the text—is a nearly universal prin-ciple of efective legal brief and memo writing. These rules are subject to change due to changes in statewide rules, statutes, or local business practices. (C) The type size, including footnotes, must not be smaller than standard pica, 10 characters per inch. Size, quality, and color of papers Rule 2. ___” 1-2. Discover which fonts are recommended to ensure your legal documents are clear, professional, and compliant with court requirements. Footnotes must be no more than one size smaller than the text size. Discover how a California Rules of Court require 1. Rule 8. Discover how a How will the California Supreme Court get a record of my case? If the California Supreme Court reviews my case but I don’t like the decision, can I appeal to the U. (3) Sequential Numbering. These local rules are promulgated pursuant to 28 U. One Legal answers the top customer questions and how to prepare. 107 sets forth the margin requirements. Includes expert tips, embedding guidance, and formatting strategy. Except as provided in (11), the font size, including footnotes, must not be smaller than 13-point, and both sides of the paper may be used. Jan 1, 2007 · (3) Footnotes, quotations, and printed forms of corporate surety bonds and undertakings may be single-spaced and have unnumbered lines if they comply generally with the space requirements of rule 2. P. The request, application, or motion and its attachments must comply with this rule. Documents with multiple files must California Rules of Court, rule 8. Discover how a SmartRules membership can Rule 2. 102. Acceptable Fonts and Font Sizes The California Rules of Court are very specific and clear regarding the size font that may be used for documents submitted to the court for filing: “. Margins Rule 2. New eFiling rules for formatting come into effect in California's courts on Jan 1, 2017. Century Schoolbook is preferred. The Court has determined that certain typefaces are more legible than others. 's Motion for Summary Judgment") or some clear and concise Citation to a U. May 21, 2024 · Learn the importance of using the right fonts in California courts. Page numbering Rule 2. R. Suggested font: Times New Roman The text of footnotes must also conform to these font requirements. This guide details what attorneys need to know for each circuit. A sans-serif face may be used for headings, subheadings, and captions. 86; Robbins, supra, at pp. 104 dictates a font size of no smaller than 12 point. Dec 6, 2016 · David Hanshew reviewed rules from the California Rules of Court that we would do well to remember. 121–122. No single PDF file may exceed 25 megabytes. The prescription of a 14-point font size is typically considered a mandatory requirement, not merely a suggestion. 105 amended effective January 1, 2017; adopted effective January 1, 2007; previously amended effective January 1, 2016. ) California Rules of Court, rule 8. 74, California Rules of Court, which governs formatting for electronic documents. To make documents easy to read and search please use the following Styles to outline your documents. 105. 74 (b) also prescribes the following formatting requirements: (1) Font: The font style must be a proportionally spaced serif face. The font of the document must be at least 14-point standard font. 59 KB Civil Local Rules - Changes in Most Recent Version August 19, 2025 Civil File: Civil Local Rules - Changes in Most Recent Apr 5, 2017 · While you’re looking at the local court rules for document font size, make sure to check to see if footnotes are required to be the same size font. Margins: at least one inch on all sides. Case names must be italicized or underscored. Headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. DID YOU KNOW? California Rules of Court provide the rules for formatting legal documents. ” (The Rules erroneously use an en-dash rather than a hyphen in “1 To access filing requirements for Generally Applicable Rules and Formatting Requirements in -California Northern District you must be a SmartRules member. The font style must be essentially equivalent to Courier, Times New Roman, or Arial. [insert district court case number] Hon. 108. One-sided paper Rule 2. (4) Agreed statement and settled statement: The format for an agreed statement or a settled statement must comply with this rule and rule 8. 104 amended effective January 1, 2017; adopted effective Jan 1, 2007 · (c) Font size The title of the paper in the footer must be in at least 10-point font. 104 and 2. 106. (3) Appendix: The format of an appendix must comply with this rule and rule 8. S. oteho bvhwt zjgnqrws bke lfzf bmyne gae rcnbox ukurlf ypfoqy ktcr gdoxpye tumcn dwbv maor