After the notice of appeal has been filed, a docketing conference may be set by the court for the purpose of preparing a schedule for the filing of the record on appeal, including the transcript, and the briefs and considering the consolidation of related appeals. At a conference in a civil appeal the court may, inter alia, examine its jurisdiction and explore with the parties the possibility of settlement. When the record on appeal is filed in the appellate court the case shall be docketed. Cases may be set for argument and submission in such order as the court deems advisable. Appellate review of cases appealed under section 188.028.2(5), RSMo, shall be expedited.
Rule 84.02.Docketing Cases.
Part II · Rule 84: Procedure in All Appellate Courts · Last amended January 1, 2002 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRule 84.02 lets an appellate court hold a docketing conference after a notice of appeal is filed to set a schedule for the record and briefs, examine its own jurisdiction, and explore settlement, and requires expedited review for appeals taken under section 188.028.2(5), RSMo.
Full Text of Rule 84.02
Amendment History
Adopted June 13, 1979, eff. Jan. 1, 1980. Amended July 27, 1979; amended March 17, 1982, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Amended June 25, 2001, eff. Jan. 1, 2002.
Plain-English Summary
Once a notice of appeal is on file, Rule 84.02 gives the appellate court a tool for managing the case before briefing even starts. The court may set a docketing conference to build a schedule for filing the record on appeal — including the transcript — and the briefs, and to consider whether related appeals should be consolidated. In a civil case, that conference can also double as a chance for the court to look at its own jurisdiction and to explore with the parties whether the case might settle before it ever reaches full briefing.
The case formally becomes docketed once the record on appeal is filed with the appellate court, and from there the court has discretion to set cases for argument and submission in whatever order it finds advisable — which is part of why consolidating related appeals at the docketing-conference stage can matter. The rule singles out one category for special treatment: appeals taken under section 188.028.2(5), RSMo, must receive expedited appellate review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a docketing conference?
The court sets a schedule for filing the record on appeal and the briefs, considers consolidating related appeals, and, in civil cases, may look at its own jurisdiction and explore settlement.
Is a docketing conference required in every appeal?
No, the rule makes it discretionary — a conference “may be set” by the court.
Can the court raise settlement at a docketing conference?
Yes, in a civil appeal the court may explore the possibility of settlement with the parties.
When does a case officially become docketed?
When the record on appeal is filed in the appellate court.
Does the court control the order in which cases are argued?
Yes, cases may be set for argument and submission in whatever order the court considers advisable.
Which appeals get expedited review under this rule?
Appeals taken under section 188.028.2(5), RSMo, must be given expedited appellate review.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: appellate docketing conference Missourirecord on appeal scheduleconsolidating related appealsexpedited appellate review