This section sets how trial dockets are prepared and used, limits subpoenas while a case is on an issue of law, and lets the court manage cases differently when filings exceed 300.
The trial docket shall be available for the court on the first day of each month setting forth each case pending in the order of filing of the complaint to be called for trial. For the purpose of arranging the trial docket, an issue shall be considered as made up when either party is in default of a pleading. If the defendant fails to answer, the cause for the purpose of this section shall be deemed to be at issue upon questions of fact, but in every such case the plaintiff may move for and take such judgment as he or she is entitled to, on the defendant's default, on or after the day on which the action is set for trial. No witnesses shall be subpoenaed in any case while the cause stands upon issue of law. Whenever the court regards the answer in any case as frivolous and put in for delay only, no leave to answer or reply shall be given unless upon payment of all costs then accrued in the action. When the number of actions filed exceeds three hundred, the judge or judges of the district court for the county may, by rule or order, classify them in such manner as they may deem expedient and cause them to be placed according to such classifications upon different trial dockets and the respective trial dockets may be proceeded with and causes thereon tried, heard, or otherwise disposed of, concurrently by one or more of the judges. Provision may be made by rule of court that issues of fact shall not be for trial at any term when the number of pending actions exceeds three hundred, except upon such previous notice of trial as may be prescribed thereby. History: R.S.1867, Code § 323, p. 448; Laws 1887, c. 94, § 1, p. 647; Laws 1899, c. 83, § 1, p. 338; R.S.1913, § 8559; C.S.1922, § 9510; C.S.1929, § 20-2211; R.S.1943, § 25-2211; Laws 1951, c. 74, § 2(1), p. 230; Laws 2002, LB 876, § 54; Laws 2018, LB193, § 39.