Rule 7.02.Motions and other papers.

Rule 7.02 tells parties how to ask the court for something. A motion must be in writing, unless made during a hearing or trial, and a written notice of the hearing can satisfy that writing requirement. The motion has to state the grounds for the request and spell out the relief sought. The same formatting and signing rules that govern pleadings apply to motions and other papers filed in the case. The rule also does away with the old pleading devices of demurrers, pleas, and exceptions for insufficiency of a pleading -- a party who thinks a pleading is deficient has to use the motions and defenses the rules provide instead.

The rule also sets physical formatting requirements for filings: typewritten in black type no smaller than 12 point, on unglazed white paper 8 1/2 by 11 inches, with at least double spacing between lines and a 1 1/2 inch margin on the left side, and clearly readable. Exhibits and printed briefs are exempt, as are computer printouts the Administrative Office of the Courts prescribes for district court use, and orders, judgments, and other papers the circuit and district courts routinely prepare.