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On April 16, 2026, the Oregon Judicial Department announced a series of new court rules aimed at streamlining the civil practice process in the state. The changes, which will go into effect on May 1, 2026, are designed to make the legal system more efficient and accessible to all parties involved.One of the key changes is a new rule that will require all civil cases to go through a mandatory mediation process before proceeding to trial. This is intended to encourage parties to try to resolve their disputes outside of court, which can save time and money for all involved. Mediation has been shown to be an effective way to reach settlements in a cooperative and non-adversarial way.In addition to the new mediation rule, the Oregon Judicial Department has also implemented a series of changes to the rules governing civil discovery. Discovery is the process by which parties exchange information and documents relevant to the case, and the new rules aim to make this process more efficient and cost-effective. For example, the new rules limit the number of depositions that can be taken in a case, as well as the amount of time allowed for each deposition.Furthermore, the Oregon Judicial Department has also announced plans to expand the use of electronic filing and electronic service of court documents. This will allow parties to file documents and serve them on other parties electronically, which can save time and reduce the need for physical paper copies. The department is also exploring the possibility of implementing virtual court hearings for certain types of civil cases, which could further streamline the legal process.Overall, these changes to the civil practice rules in Oregon are aimed at making the legal system more efficient and accessible to all parties involved. By encouraging mediation, streamlining the discovery process, and expanding the use of electronic filing, the Oregon Judicial Department is taking proactive steps to modernize the state's legal system for the benefit of all Oregonians.