Rule 47: Expedited Proceedings

(a) Motion and Order. On a party's motion for good cause shown, on written agreement of the parties, or on its own initiative, the Court may order that any matter before the Court be expedited with respect to some or all procedural steps. The following may constitute good cause:


(1) a serious health condition that makes the death of the appellant or petitioner imminent, as shown by a medical provider's statement (including identification of the provider's licensing authority and current license number);


(2) the advanced age (over 75 years) of the appellant or petitioner and a state of failing health due to a nontemporary condition, as shown by a medical provider's statement (including identification of the provider's licensing authority and current license number), such that expeditious proceedings are necessary to avoid an injustice to the appellant or petitioner; or


(3) any other exceptional circumstances that make expeditious proceedings necessary to avoid an injustice to the appellant or petitioner, as shown by credible evidence.


(b) Filing and Service of Documents. Expedited proceedings will be scheduled as directed by the Court. Unless otherwise ordered, the appellant's principal brief shall be served and submitted for filing not later than 20 days after the record before the agency has been served on the appellant; the Secretary's brief shall be served and submitted for filing not later than 20 days after service of the appellant's brief; and any reply brief shall be served and submitted for filing not later than 10 days after filing of the Secretary's brief. Unless otherwise ordered, the time to submit the record of proceedings for filing under Rule 28.1(a)(3) (Record of Proceedings-Time for Filing) is reduced to 7 days.


(c) Form and Length of Briefs. Briefs submitted for filing under this Rule shall comply with Rules 25 (Filing and Service), 28 (Briefs), and 32 (Form of Briefs, Appendices, and Other Documents), except that principal briefs shall be limited to 15 pages, reply briefs shall be limited to 7 pages, and a table of authorities is not required.