What occurs during a pretrial conference?

During a pretrial conference, the parties involved in a legal case meet to discuss various aspects of the case before it goes to trial. One of the primary purposes of this conference is to explore settlement possibilities. By engaging in discussions about potential settlements, the parties can often resolve the dispute without the need for a lengthy trial, saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

This conference also provides an opportunity for the judge to encourage the parties to settle, set timelines for pretrial motions and discovery, and determine whether any preliminary issues need to be resolved. The focus on settlement discussions is crucial, as achieving a resolution before the trial can greatly influence the efficiency of the judicial process.

Options that involve the taking of witness testimonies, jury selection, or presenting final arguments are typically reserved for the trial itself. These elements occur at later stages in the legal process, following the pretrial phase where settlement and procedural matters are prioritized.