This template applies to United States District Courts and Circuit Courts of Appeals governed by FRCP, FRAP, and Federal Rules of Evidence.
NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE (Universal - Federal)
⚠️
Before Using This Template
USE this template when:
You need to address federal court actor (judge, clerk, counsel, agency) with procedural failure
More specific federal template doesn't exist for your situation
Federal rule, statute, or regulation was violated
You need flexible template adaptable to federal procedure
Creating record for multiple related federal compliance issues
DO NOT use this if:
Specific federal template exists (judge, clerk, counsel - use those instead)
Duty is unclear or disputed under federal law
You haven't tried informal resolution appropriate to federal court
This is about case outcome rather than procedural compliance
Issue requires substantive motion rather than notice
Appropriate Examples:
✅ USE Federal Universal Template:
Magistrate Judge R&R delay: Magistrate failed to issue Report & Recommendation within 14-day deadline (28 U.S.C. §636(b)(1)(B)); District Judge won't intervene; need formal notice for record
AUSA Brady/Giglio procedural failure: Prosecutor failed to disclose exculpatory evidence in timely manner violating Brady v. Maryland and Model Rule 3.8; not about substance of evidence but timing/procedure
Federal court reporter transcript delay: Reporter missed 30-day deadline under 28 U.S.C. §753(b); ordered and paid 45 days ago; appeal deadline approaching; need transcript immediately
Multiple federal actors: District Judge + Magistrate Judge + Clerk all failed to process emergency motion timely; single comprehensive notice more efficient than three separate ones
Federal public defender unique violation: CJA counsel failed to file notice of appeal after explicit client instruction violating 18 U.S.C. §3006A(d); different from general assigned counsel template
Federal agency officer (administrative context): SSA ALJ failed to issue written decision within 60 days violating 20 C.F.R. §404.957; need notice before filing APA review
Bankruptcy trustee procedural violation: Trustee failed to timely abandon property under 11 U.S.C. §554; ministerial duty not discretionary decision
Federal mediator exceeded authority: Mediator disclosed confidential ADR communications violating ADR Act (28 U.S.C. §652); unique role not covered elsewhere
❌ DO NOT Use Federal Universal Template:
District Judge won't issue FRCP 52(a) findings → Use federal_notice_judge.md (specific template exists)
Federal clerk won't enter judgment under FRCP 58 → Use federal_notice_clerk.md (role-specific template)
Opposing counsel discovery abuse under FRCP 26 → Use federal_notice_opposing_counsel.md (specific template)
You lost summary judgment motion → Use federal_notice_of_appeal.md (this is appeal, not compliance)
Judge denied your motion and you disagree → Use FRCP 59(e) motion to alter/amend (not procedural notice)
Duty is disputed under federal law → File motion or appeal (universal notice won't resolve legal dispute)
Mediator disclosed ADR confidential information (28 U.S.C. §652)
Settlement judge exceeded authority during ADR
Special master violated procedural orders
Why universal: Unique quasi-judicial federal roles
Federal vs. State Differences (Critical):
Aspect
Federal (FRCP/USC)
State NY (CPLR)
Written findings
FRCP 52(a)
CPLR §2219(a)
Appeal deadline
30 days from entry (FRAP 4)
30 days from notice of entry
Discovery rules
FRCP 26 proportionality
CPLR Article 31 full disclosure
E-filing
CM/ECF mandatory
NYSCEF mandatory
Business days
FRCP 6(a) excludes holidays
CPLR §2404 includes Saturdays
Mandamus statute
28 U.S.C. §1361
CPLR Article 78
Standards
Heckler, Nken, Cheney
Holtzman, Doe v. Axelrod
Best practice:
Prefer federal-specific templates when available - Better Circuit precedent, established federal procedure
Use universal only when necessary - Unique federal role not covered elsewhere
Cite federal authority exclusively - No CPLR, DRL, or state cases (federal courts ignore state procedure)
Research circuit-specific rules - Each Circuit has own local rules and precedent
Verify local rules compliance - Federal districts have strict local rules (formatting, service, chambers contact)
Consider mandamus alternative - If ministerial duty clear, 28 U.S.C. §1361 mandamus may be stronger
Preserve for Circuit appeal - Even if compliance not achieved, notice creates record for FRAP 3 appeal
Federal courts prefer motions - If appropriate, file FRCP motion instead of informal notice
TO: {{Name, Title}}
FROM: {{Your Name}}
DATE: {{Date}}
CASE: {{Caption, Case Number}}
COURT: {{Court Name and District}}
SUBJECT: Procedural Notice and Demand for Compliance with Federal Rules
1. Role and Authority
You act as {{Role}} in the above-captioned matter, bound by {{Applicable Federal Statutes, Rules, and Ethical Provisions}}.
2. Identified Duty
The federal rules require you to {{specific FRCP, FRAP, local rule, or statute-based duty}}. No compliant action or written explanation appears in the record filed with the court as of {{date}}.
3. Demand for Compliance
You are hereby demanded to:
Perform the required action within {{X}} business days of service of this notice, OR
Provide written authority for non-performance, including statutory basis and factual justification, within the same timeframe.
4. Record Preservation
This document serves as:
Formal notice of non-compliance for appellate and administrative review
Preservation notice under FRCP 79 and applicable record-keeping rules
Basis for further relief if statutory duties remain unperformed
5. Service and Filing
This notice is served via {{method of service}} and filed on CM/ECF on {{date}}.
Role Modules
Use the appropriate module below based on the recipient's role.
Judge
Applicable Authority:
FRCP 52(a): Findings of fact and conclusions of law required in bench trials
FRCP 79: Records maintained by clerk under court's direction
28 U.S.C. §455: Judicial disqualification for bias or prejudice
Local Rules: {{District-specific requirements}}
Duties:
Issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law in bench trials
Provide reasoned decisions on motions and applications
Maintain impartial tribunal and provide notice and opportunity to be heard
Ensure accurate record for appellate review
Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA)
Applicable Authority:
Federal Rules of Professional Conduct
Model Rule 3.8: Special responsibilities of prosecutor
Model Rule 3.3: Candor toward tribunal
28 C.F.R. Part 600: Conduct of Department of Justice attorneys
Duties:
Disclose exculpatory and impeachment evidence (Brady/Giglio)
Timely responses to discovery requests
Good faith in pleadings and settlement negotiations
Disclosure of controlling adverse authority
Federal Public Defender / CJA Counsel
Applicable Authority:
Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. §3006A
Model Rules 1.2: Scope of representation
Model Rule 1.3: Diligence
Model Rule 1.4: Communication with client
Duties:
Competent and diligent representation
Regular client communication
Investigation and preparation
Adherence to client's objectives
Court Clerk / Deputy Clerk
Applicable Authority:
FRCP 79: Records maintained by clerk
FRCP 58: Entry of judgment
28 U.S.C. §753: Court reporters
Local Rules: {{District-specific clerk duties}}
Duties:
Accurate docketing and record maintenance
Timely processing of filings
Providing access to court records under public access rules
Entry of judgments and orders
Opposing Counsel (Civil)
Applicable Authority:
Model Rule 3.3: Candor toward tribunal
Model Rule 3.4: Fairness to opposing party and counsel
FRCP 26: General provisions governing discovery
FRCP 11: Representations to court
Duties:
Good faith in pleadings and discovery
Disclosure of controlling adverse authority
Timely responses to procedural requests
Compliance with discovery obligations
Agency Officer (Administrative Law Context)
Applicable Authority:
5 U.S.C. §555: Ancillary matters (APA)
5 U.S.C. §557: Initial decisions
Agency-specific regulations
28 U.S.C. §1361: Mandamus jurisdiction
Duties:
Timely processing of applications and requests
Written decisions with findings and reasoning
Compliance with APA procedural requirements
Response to FOIA requests under 5 U.S.C. §552
Service Certification
I certify that this Notice of Non-Compliance was served upon {{Recipient Name}} via {{method - CM/ECF, certified mail, etc.}} on {{date}}.