Exhibit Numbering: Complete FAQ Guide
Proper exhibit numbering is essential for court compliance and case organization. This guide answers common questions about numbering conventions, plaintiff vs defendant labeling, and how to avoid common mistakes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do plaintiffs and defendants use different exhibit numbers?
Conventions vary by court, judge, case type, and party. Start with the case order and the court’s exhibit instructions; do not assume plaintiffs always use numbers or defendants always use letters. In ExhibitPrep, choose the required label format and check every assigned label before stamping.
What happens when I run out of letters for defendant exhibits?
Confirm the sequence your court or case order requires. ExhibitPrep can continue letter labels after Z as AA, AB, and so on. Review the assigned labels in Documents; edit an individual label if you need to retain an identifier already used in the case.
Should I pre-number exhibits before trial?
Check the case schedule and exhibit instructions before preparing the set. Record the required marking convention, exchange deadline, and filing deadline separately. California rule 3.1302 addresses tentative rulings; it does not establish a general 30-day exhibit-exchange deadline.
Can I skip numbers in my exhibit sequence?
Follow the numbering plan already used in the case. A gap may represent a withdrawn or reserved exhibit; silently renumbering can break references in briefs and testimony. Keep a note of the reason for a gap and compare the final PDF against the exhibit list.
How do I number exhibits for multiple defendants?
Use the party identifiers required by the case order or agreed exhibit plan. Confirm each party’s prefix and sequence before stamping, then check for duplicate labels across the lists. A template supplies wording, not a court-approved numbering plan.
What number format should I use: 1, 01, or 001?
Use the format required for the case and keep it consistent. If no format is specified, choose a readable sequence and check that filenames sort as intended. Leading zeros in Bates page numbers are a separate setting from an exhibit’s label.
Check the applicable rules
These references cover specific rules and jurisdictions. Check your court’s current local rules and case orders before filing.
Related FAQ Topics
Bates Stamping vs Exhibit Stamping: What's the Difference?
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Exhibit List Management: FAQ Guide
A well-maintained exhibit list is essential for trial preparation and courtroom efficiency. This guide covers best practices for creating, organizing, and managing exhibit lists throughout litigation.
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