Deadlines & Key Dates
Critical federal filing deadlines and Supreme Court term dates every litigant must track.
Supreme Court Term Begins
The U.S. Supreme Court opens its annual term on the first Monday in October.
§ 1983 Statute of Limitations
Borrows the forum state's personal-injury limitations period — typically 2 years. Calculate from accrual carefully.
Notice of Appeal — 30 Days
Fed. R. App. P. 4: civil notice of appeal generally due within 30 days of judgment (60 if the U.S. is a party).
Rule 12 Response — 21 Days
A defendant generally must answer or move within 21 days of service (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)).
Habeas § 2254 — 1 Year
AEDPA imposes a one-year limitations period for state habeas petitions (28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)).
End-of-Term Opinions
The Court issues its most consequential civil-rights opinions in late June before summer recess.
FOIA Response — 20 Business Days
Agencies must determine a FOIA request within 20 business days (5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)).
TRO Duration — 14 Days
A Rule 65(b) TRO expires after 14 days unless extended for good cause.
Deadlines are general guidance — always verify the operative rule and local rules for your court.
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