What is the purpose of a case management conference?

The primary purpose of a case management conference is to facilitate the efficient management of the case and encourage settlement between the parties involved. This conference provides an opportunity for the parties and the court to discuss the progress of the case, identify any issues that need to be addressed, set timelines for future steps, and explore potential avenues for settlement.

By focusing on efficiency and settlement, the case management conference aims to streamline litigation processes, reduce delays, and encourage the resolution of disputes without the need for a full trial. This approach benefits all parties by saving time and resources, while also assisting the court in managing its docket effectively.

In the context of the other options, finalizing a trial date typically occurs later in the litigation process after the case has been adequately prepared and is not the primary purpose of the conference. Imposing sanctions on non-compliant parties is generally a later step, following an established procedural framework and is not the main focus at this stage. Conducting evidentiary hearings is also not a function of the case management conference, as those hearings are held to examine evidence and are usually part of the trial phase. Thus, the focus on case management and settlement during the conference distinguishes it from these other procedural aspects.