Rule 8. CIVIL JURY TRIAL CALENDAR · Last amended 1989 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 8.4 requires the parties in the first ten cases on the published trial calendar to be ready for trial on the stated date, while parties further down the list must still be prepared but may arrange a specific date and time or ask to wait for the calendar clerk’s call.
Full Text of Rule 8.4
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The parties and counsel in the first 10 actions on the published trial calendar shall appear ready for trial on the date specified unless otherwise directed by the assigned judge. Parties in all other actions on the calendar are expected to be ready for trial but may contact the calendar clerk to obtain:
(A) A specific date and time for trial during the trial term specified in the calendar; or
(B) Permission to await the call by the calendar clerk of the action for trial upon reasonable notice to counsel.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 8.4 treats the trial calendar like a real queue with a firm front. The first ten cases listed have to be trial-ready on the exact date the calendar specifies, unless the judge directs otherwise — there is no assumption that a case further back will move up automatically if an earlier one settles or continues, but those first ten do not get to guess whether their turn is coming.
Everyone else on the calendar is still expected to be prepared for trial, just with more flexibility about exactly when. A party can contact the calendar clerk and either lock in a specific date and time within the trial term, or ask for permission to wait until the clerk calls the case, provided the clerk gives reasonable notice before that call comes. Either way, being further down the list does not mean being off the hook — it means the logistics of exactly when to show up are negotiable, not whether to be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cases must be ready to try on the exact date listed?
The first 10 actions on the published trial calendar, unless otherwise directed by the assigned judge.
Do parties past the first 10 still need to prepare for trial?
Yes. They are expected to be ready for trial even though the exact time they will be called is more flexible.
What options do parties later on the calendar have?
They may contact the calendar clerk to obtain a specific date and time during the trial term, or permission to await the clerk’s call.
What notice is required before the clerk calls a case that is awaiting call?
Reasonable notice to counsel.
Can the judge change who must be ready on the calendar date?
Yes. The first-10 requirement applies unless otherwise directed by the assigned judge.
Amendment History
Amended effective March 9, 1989.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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