The Lingo of Rules-Based Calendaring
Even if you are new to the world of automated rules-based calendaring, you have probably encountered the word “trigger” and may be confused about what it means. Triggers are a critical element in calculating the deadlines you must know in pursuing or defending a case. If you review the procedural rules of most courts, you’ll find that virtually all of the deadlines are based on--or triggered by--an event that may happen during the course of a case. These events typically fall into one of these categories: (1) The service of a document--e.g., the complaint, counterclaim, or crossclaim; (2) The filing of a document--e.g., complaint, answer, transcript, notice of removal; (3) A court appearance or other rules-prescribed meetings--e.g., hearing, trial, court conference, deposition; (4) Actions taken by the court, jury or the clerk--entry of judgment, order or decision, taxation of costs, jury discharged; or (5) Other action or events imposed by statute--e.g., the running of the statute of limitations, date of foreclosure, etc. ...
