Kenneth L. Ryskamp
U.S. District Judge
The following information has been secured by voluntary questionnaire from the judiciary. This information is not binding on any judge or court official and may not be relied upon for precedential purposes.
| Location of Chambers: | Room 416, 701 Clematis
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone Number: | 561) 803-3420 |
| Assigned Courtroom: | 1 |
1. STAFF:
JA/Civil Scheduling: Sharon Hibbs
Phone Number: (561) 803-3420
Courtroom Deputy/Criminal Matters: Irene Rivera
Phone Number: (561) 803-3422
Court Reporter: Stephen Franklin
Phone Number: (561) 651-3865
Docket Clerk: Depends upon last digit of case number in West Palm Beach
Phone Number: (561) 803-3400
Law Clerks:
(1) Kari Dahlin
Term Ending: Permanent Clerk
Law School: University of Minnesota
(2) Rhoda Yen
Term Ending: Permanent Clerk
Law School: Georgetown
Policy regarding communication with staff [i.e., Do you permit counsel to contact assigned law clerks?]:
It is NOT CHAMBERS Policy for counsel to contact law clerks.
2. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE (CIVIL):
A. Preliminary Pretrial Hearings:
Do you conduct preliminary pretrial hearings?
Yes___No_X_ (not normally)
If YES, what matters do you typically discuss during preliminary pretrial hearings?
On request a hearing will be set.
If NO, do you refer preliminary pretrial hearings to a United States Magistrate Judge?
Yes___No_X_ "Joint" pretrial stipulation is required.
B. Motion Practice:
Do you regularly set aside time for hearings on motions?
Yes_X_No___
If YES, when is your normal hearing time?
8:30 A.M. Hearings are specially set – no motion calendar.
What are your procedures concerning ex-parte temporary restraining orders?
Review and make determinations; schedule hearing if granted.
Do you hear preliminary injunction motions yourself?
Yes_X_No___
If NO, do you routinely refer preliminary injunctions for report and recommendation by a U.S. Magistrate Judge?
Yes___No___
If YES, do you limit the hearing to argument of counsel?
Yes___No___ Depends upon the case.
If NO, what are your procedures for the receipt of evidence during a hearing on a preliminary injunction?
I will take testimony in some cases.
What is your practice concerning oral arguments of dispositive motions?
I usually will have oral argument on dispositive motions.
C. Settlement:
What is your policy/practice regarding the use of alternative dispute resolution devices such as court-annexed, non-binding arbitration and mediation?
Order mediation in most cases (certain cases exempt under rule).
Do you personally conduct settlement discussions?
Yes___No_X_
If YES, under that circumstances?
D. Discovery:
Do you refer discovery matters to a U.S. Magistrate Judge?
Yes_X_No___
E. Pretrial Conference:
Do you personally conduct pretrial conferences in your cases?
Yes___No_X_ I will conduct a pretrial conference if requested.
If YES, do you have a standing order regarding pretrial conference?
Yes___No_X_ (If YES, please attach a copy.)
3. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE (CRIMINAL)
A. Preliminary Pretrial Hearings:
Do you personally conduct preliminary pretrial conferences in criminal cases?
Yes___No_X_
If YES, what matters do you typically discuss during a preliminary pretrial conference?
If NO, do you refer preliminary pretrial conferences to U.S. Magistrate Judge?
Yes_X_No___
Do you have a policy regarding the timing of disclosure of Jencks Act material?
Yes___No_X_
If YES, what is your policy?
B. Pleas:
What is your policy concerning nolo contendere or Alford?
What is your policy concerning plea arrangements that involve sentencing recommendations?
Consider all motions at time of plea.
4. TRIAL:
A. Trial Dates:
Do you grant trial dates certain?
Yes_X_No___ But not all cases.
If YES, under what circumstances will you grant trial date certain?
Complex, multiple defendants, more than 10-day trial, involves a lot of witnesses and travel.
If a case is not reached during the scheduled trial term, will the trial date be automatically rescheduled on your next trial docket?
Yes_X_No___
If NO, what is your practice or procedure regarding rescheduling trials which are not reached on a trial docket?
What is your policy regarding notice of being called for trial during a trial docket? [e.g., 48 hours]
24-hour notice after calendar call.
B. Trial Briefs:
Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?
Yes___No_X_
Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?
Yes___No_X_
What are your requirements for trial briefs?
When are trial briefs due?
Do you require proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed in bench trials?
Yes_X_No___
If YES, when do you require the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed?
One week prior to beginning of trial calendar.
When do you require parties to file proposed jury instructions?
(Criminal) No later than 1st day of trial. (Civil) One week prior to beginning of trial calendar.
C. Voir Dire:
Do you permit counsel to conduct voir dire?
Yes_X_No___ Limited – after court's questions.
If YES, what guidelines or restrictions must counsel follow when conducting voir dire?
Do not repeat the questions I have asked; no "jury conditioning."
If judge conducts voir dire, can parties submit proposed voir dire questions?
Yes_X_No___
If YES, when should such questions be submitted?
At time of jury selection.
What are your preemptory challenge procedures?
Consider preemptory challenges prior to strikes – no juror knows that a preemptory challenge has been made.
In multiple party cases, do you grant each party three preemptory challenges?
Yes___No_X_
If NO, do you limit each side [i.e., plaintiff/defense] a total of three preemptory challenges to be shared?
Yes_X_No___
D. Opening Statement:
Do you have any standard time limits imposed upon counsel?
Yes___No_X_
If YES, what are the time limits?
Can exhibits be used in opening statements?
Yes_X_No___ If opposing counsel has seen it and has no objection.
E. Use of Expert:
Do you conduct Daubert hearings prior to trial?
Yes_X_No___
F. Procedure For Use Of Videotapes, Trial Graphics, Depositions and Demonstrations:
Advise Court of plans prior to trial.
G. Procedure For Objections:
H. Jury Procedures:
Do you permit jurors to take notes?
Yes_X_No___
Do you permit jurors to ask questions in (writing)?
Yes_X_No___
If YES, under what constraints and restrictions?
In writing and shown to both counsel.
5. SENTENCING:
Do you allow the submission of sentencing memoranda?
Yes_X_No___
If YES, under what circumstances do you allow such submission?
Do you divulge the probation officer's sentencing recommendation?
Yes___No_X_
6. OTHER QUESTIONS:
What are your “pet peeves,” for the information of the lawyers appearing before you?
What, if any, other observations or suggestions do you have for members of the Bar appearing before you?
 Biographical Information |