Opinion
Delivered October 2, 1989
By per curiam order of May 15, 1989, we published changes of court rules necessary to implement a system of appeals using appendices rather than abstracts of record. The order also provided for a change to a uniform 8 1/2" by 11" paper size to be used in all courts. The order provided that the changes with respect to paper size would come into effect January 1, 1990. The other changes having to do with using appendices rather than abstracts of record on appeal went into effect on May 15, 1989, but permitted an appellant to choose to follow the rules in effect until that date for cases in which the appellant's brief was submitted or became due between May 15, 1989, and December 31, 1989.
We have reviewed the appeals now ready for submission and those which will be ready prior to December 31, 1989. Most appellants have chosen to follow the old rules. We have concluded we will not be able to decide the relative merits of the two methods by the end of this year because we will have had too little experience with appendices. The trial period is, therefore, extended until July 15, 1990. Any case in which the appellant's brief is submitted or becomes due prior to July 15, 1990, may be presented in accordance with the rules in effect up until May 15, 1989.
The paper size changes are not affected by this order. All courts will begin using 8 1/2" by 11" paper no later than January 1, 1990.