The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern pleadings, motions, discovery, trial, and judgment in federal civil cases. They are promulgated by the Supreme Court under the Rules Enabling Act subject to congressional review.
Most states have adopted rules modeled on them, though with meaningful variations.
Alternative Names:
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Why it Matters?
The federal rules are the reference point for civil procedure nationally, but assuming a state analog matches the federal provision is a recurring error. States diverge substantially on discovery limits, pleading standards, proportionality, and expert disclosure. Amendments also take effect on a defined cycle, and the 2015 discovery amendments and 2023 Rule 702 amendment both changed practice materially.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Do state rules match the federal rules?
How are the rules amended?
