Court: GA Superior/civil case
Can a judge dictate the starting and ending date of a trial on short notice according to his own preferences? If not, how much advance notice is required?
Is it mandatory that all parties be notified in writing?
Does the client/defendant receive written notice also, or just the attorney(s)?
How much advance notice is required for the attorneys to submit their PRETRIAL ORDERS?
Can a judge dictate the starting and ending date of a trial on short notice according to his own preferences?
Yes. It must be a "reasonable time" but the judge has great discretion. The bare minimum would be enough time to subpoena witnesses if either party indicates that the party intends to subpoena a witness.
Is it mandatory that all parties be notified in writing?
Yes, unless it is done in open court with all parties present, however, in which case a written note of the order is made in the court docket.
Does the client/defendant receive written notice also, or just the attorney(s)?
Just the attorneys for all represented parties. If someone doesn't have an attorney then the notice goes to them.
How much advance notice is required for the attorneys to submit their PRETRIAL ORDERS?
While there may be a default rule in the court rules, the judge can modify it.