Assignment of cases for trial; continuance

(a) Scheduling a trial. Until a case is certified in accordance with Rule 16 , the court may but is not required to schedule a trial. (b) Postponement. The court may postpone a trial for good cause upon such terms as are just, including the payment of costs. (c) Preserving testimony of witnesses. If requested, the court may conduct a hearing to examine and cross-examine any witness present, and the testimony may be read at the trial with the same effect as and subject to the same objections to a deposition under Rule 32 .