PRETRIAL CONFERENCE

pretrial conference. An informal meeting at which opposing attorneys confer, usu. with the judge, to work toward the disposition of the case by discussing matters of evidence and narrowing the issues that will be tried. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 16; Fed. R. Crim. P. 17.1. • The conference takes place shortly before trial and ordinarily results in a pretrial order. — Often shortened to pretrial. — Also termed pretrial hearing. [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 1921; Pretrial Procedure 741. C.J.S. Trial §§ 43–46.]

[Blacks Law 8th]