Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

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The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) are rules governing civil actions in the United States District (federal) Courts, that is, court procedures and practices for civil suits. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure are issued by the United States Supreme Court in conjunction with the Rules Enabling Act, and they must be approved by the United States Congress. Any adjustments to the rules that are made by the court are usually based on recommendations from the Judicial Conference of the United States. This is the federal judiciary's internal policy-making body. Although federal courts are required to apply the substantive law of the states as rules of decision in cases where state law is in question, the federal courts generally exercise the FRCP as their rules of procedure.[1][2]

As of December 26, 2010 there are 86 rules in the FRCP that are grouped into eleven chapters.[3]

The chapters are as follows:

  • Chapter One: Scope of rules, Form of action
  • Chapter Two: Commencement of suits, Service of process, Pleadings, Motions and Orders
  • Chapter Three: Pleadings and motions
  • Chapter Four: Parties
  • Chapter Five: Disclosures and discovery
  • Chapter Six: Trials
  • Chapter Seven: Judgment
  • Chapter Eight: Provisional and final remedies
  • Chapter Nine: Special proceedings
  • Chapter Ten: District courts and clerks: Conducting business; issuing orders
  • Chapter Eleven: General provisions

Footnotes