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In an effort to improve efficiency and streamline processes within the Oregon court system, new rules for civil practice were implemented on January 29, 2026. These changes aim to reduce delays, cut costs, and provide parties with a fair and timely resolution to their legal disputes.One of the major changes introduced is the requirement for mandatory mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in all civil cases before they can proceed to trial. This is aimed at encouraging parties to settle their disputes outside of court, saving time and resources for both the parties involved and the court system.Additionally, the new rules also set limits on the length of depositions and the number of interrogatories that can be served, in order to prevent unnecessary delays in the legal process. Parties are now required to prioritize key issues and streamline discovery, which is expected to help expedite the resolution of civil cases.Furthermore, the rules also emphasize the use of electronic filing and communication in order to reduce paper usage and increase accessibility to court documents. This move towards paperless practices is expected to not only save time and resources, but also promote environmental sustainability.Oregon Chief Justice Jennifer Callahan spoke about the importance of these new rules, stating, "We are committed to ensuring that our court system is accessible, efficient, and fair for all Oregonians. These changes to civil practice rules are designed to streamline processes and improve outcomes for all parties involved in legal disputes."Overall, these new rules for civil practice in Oregon are expected to bring about positive changes in the court system, making it easier and more cost-effective for parties to resolve their legal disputes. The implementation of mandatory mediation, limits on discovery, and the promotion of electronic filing are all steps towards a more efficient and effective legal system in the state.