Judge Theresa L. Springmann Ross Adair Courthouse 1300 South Harrison Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 423-3050 (260) 423-3055 (fax) Jury Trial Procedure Trial dates are firm and motions to reset trial dates are discouraged. If it is necessary to file such a motion, it should be made at the earliest possible date. When requesting a continuance, the motion should specify what time period is needed (e.g., thirty, sixty days, etc.) and the section of the Speedy Trial Act that excludes the time period. Proposed forms of order must mirror motions to continue and, if continuance is requested under 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(8)(A) (ends of justice), the proposed form of order must specifically state the reasons for continuance as required by that section. Side bars during trial are discouraged. Matters in dispute are usually taken up outside the jury's presence. Counsel do not need to ask permission to approach the witness. Counsel need not use the podium. Counsel should stand when questioning witnesses and when addressing the Court. At all times, counsel should refrain from invading the space of the jurors or touching the rail of the jury box. Judge Springmann's courtroom is fully equipped with state of the art technology. To make the trial more efficient and to enhance the presentation of the case, use of the courtroom technology is strongly encouraged. For example, it is unnecessary to approach a witness to show him a document. The courtroom's ELMO system may be used instead. Training for use of the technology is available by contacting the Courtroom Deputy at (260) 423-3051. The Courtroom Deputy is the custodian of all exhibits admitted into evidence during trial. Offering counsel may retain any offered but not admitted exhibits. Exhibits are kept at the corner of the Deputy Clerk's table and are available for your use during the trial. At the conclusion of a witness's testimony, counsel should retrieve any exhibits used and place them on the Clerk's table. All admitted exhibits must be in the Clerk's possession during each recess or adjournment of the Court. At the conclusion of trial, exhibits admitted into evidence will be returned to parties' counsel upon signing a Clerk's Receipt.

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