LOCAL RULE 16:
                  CASES OF BROAD PUBLIC IMPORT


1) The assigned Judge or Commissioner may declare, in any case
   where the resolution of novel legal issues or particularly
   significant factual disputes have ramifications beyond that of a
   single case, that the case is a case of broad public import
   subject to this rule.

2) The Court may order that related or similar motions in cases
   of broad public import be heard together in the interests of
   judicial economy, may set cases upon a special motion calendar
   for that purpose, and may make such orders as the Court may deem
   necessary to expeditiously and effectively resolve said motions

3) In the interest of an informed citizenry and bar, the Clerk
   shall solicit and maintain a list of interested attorneys, media
   representatives, and any other citizens who wish to be notified
   when the Court reaches a decision in cases of broad public
   import.  When a special or joint broad public import, the Clerk
   shall notify all members fo the list and provide a brief summary
   of the nature of the motion.  The Court may direct that such
   notice include an invitation to other attorneys to file related
   motions for the same time as the special or joint hearing.  When
   a written decision is filed on a case of broad public import, the
   Clerk shall electronically transmit a copy of the written
   decision to all members of said list, but only after copies are
   sent to the attorneys of record in the case.


  [Adopted effective August 12, 2004]