A. Motions to set civil cases for trial will be treated as motions for pre-trial conference. At the hearing on all such motions, moving counsel should state to the Court that the case is substantially ready for trial. Civil cases will be scheduled for trial upon showing by all parties that they are substantially ready for trial, or in the Court's discretion. Mediation is recommended for all eases set for trial. See attached Mediation Rules.

B. Trial dates in criminal cases may be scheduled at arraignments, the pre-trial conference or upon motion of the Commonwealth or the Defendant. Criminal cases may be referred for Mediation upon agreement of the parties. If a case is accepted by the Court, an Order setting the date, time, and location will be issued by the Court. The mediation will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

C. The 5^th Judicial Circuit is composed of a Circuit Judge, Family (Circuit) Judge and a District Judge. When either Circuit Judge is unavailable because they are absent from the circuit and for good cause it is deemed necessary that a motion or other pleading be heard and decided without delay, the other Judge may do so upon an Order assigning them to serve as special judge.

In the event either Judge is disqualified for a good cause from trying any case, the case in which such Judge is so disqualified shall be by written order, reassigned to the other Division reciting therein the case of such assignment and an Order entered assigning the Special Judge. If both Judges believe themselves disqualified, the matter shall be certified to the Chief Regional Judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit for the appointment of a special judge.

This shall also apply to the District Judge in matters involving concurrent jurisdiction and to accept the indictments issued by the Grand Jury. The Family Court Judge and District Court Judge would only be requested to do so in the event the Circuit Judge is unavailable or for good cause and upon an Order assigning the judge as special judge.